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1132098 M
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
3 1833 01103 6388
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HISTORY
jBJajja anil |£a1ke |tf)onttttesr
CALIFORNIA,
GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATOGRAPHY
SPRINGS AND TIMBER,
ALSO, EXTENDS!) I
Milling, Mining, Piscicultuhe and Wine Interests;
A Full and Particular Record of the Mexican Grants; Early History and
Settlement, compiled from the most Authentic Sources; Names of
Original Spanish and American Pioneers ; a Full Record of
their Organization and Segregation ; a Complete Political
History, including a Tabular Statement of Office-
holders since the Organization of the Counties.
SEPARATE HISTORIES OF ALL THE TOWNSHIPS IN BOTH COUNTIES,
INCLUDING TOWNS, CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, ETC.,
INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF EARLY SETTLERS, AND REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
ILLUSTRATED.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
SLOCUM, BOWEN ft CO., PUBLISHERS.
1881.
1132098
PREFACE.
Something more than a year ago the compilation of this work was
begun, and has been steadily prosecuted, with the best energies of those
engaged upon it, till the present time, and it is the result of this labor
that is now placed before the people of Napa and Lake Counties.
No pains or means have been spared to make this work full, reliable,
and as nearly perfect in every respect as possible under the circumstances.
It must be borne in mind that the events of a third of a century ago
have been gradually fading from the minds of the old pioneers; hence,
any discrepancies in statements or omissions of facts must be overlooked.
All due diligence has been used to have figures and dates perfectly accu-
rate, so that the book can be relied upon for reference in all matters
included in it.
The publishers promised to give a work of six hundred pages, but
the amount of historical and other matter was so very voluminous that
it was found impossible to condense it into that limit, and hence the
work comes from the press with nine hundred and seven pages, which
has entailed no small amount of additional expense ; but surely
the reader will appreciate the book so much the more for its fullness.
Nothing has been omitted except perforce. Sketches of some of the old
pioneers have not been inserted, but it is because full facts could not
be obtained, and it was thought not desirable to publish imperfect ones.
In conclusion, the publishers desire most sincerely to thank all who
have in any way given them assistance in this enterprise, aud their
thanks are especially due to Mr. N. L. Nielsen, County Clerk of Napa ;
Mr. H. A. Oliver, County Clerk of Lake, and their deputies ; also to
Messrs. G. M. Francis, of the Napa Register; John Walden, of the Napa
Reporter; Charles A. Gardner, of the St. Helena Star; J. L. Multer, of
the Independent Calistogian; Cook & Jackson, of the Lakeport Bee-
Democrat, and J. B. Baccus, Jr., of the Lower Lake Bulletin.
SLOCUM, BOWEN & CO.
Lyman L. Palmer, A. M., Historian.
San Francisco, November, 1881.
INDEX.
NAPA COUNTY.
General History 3
Geographical Situation and Area 3
Derivation of Name 3
Topography 4
Geology 1
Metals 27
Iron 27
Manganese 28
Tin 28
Silver 28
Gold 28
Quicksilver 28
Minerals 29
Quartz 29
Feldspar 29
Limestone 29
Gypsum 29
Hornblende 29
Talc 30
Serpentine 30
Shale 30
Sulphur 30
Soda 30
Ammonia 30
Coal 30
Petroleum 30
Basalt and Trap 31
Tufa and Scoria 31
Obsidian 31
Springs 32
Timber 32
Soils 37
Watercourses 39
Napa River 39
White Sulphur Creek 39
Conn Creek 39
Dry Creek 39
Saco Creek 39
Napa Creek 39
Soscol Creek 39
Carneros Creek 39
Rector Creek 40
Putah Creek 40
Eticura Creek 40
Watercourses (continued) —
Pope Creek
Other Streams
Climatography
Indians of Napa County
Mexican Grants
Caymus
Entre Napa
El Rincon de los Carneros
Napa
Yajome
Locoallomi
Tulucay
Mallacomes, or Muristul y Plan de
Aguas Caliente
De la Jote
Las Putas
Huichica
Catacula
Chimiles
Carne Humana
General History and Settlement. . .
Napa Agricultural Society
Petroleum
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. . . .
Climate of Napa County
Rainfall
County Infirmary
Old Debt Funded
Railroad History
Court-houses
Statistics of Napa County
Agricultural Statistics
Rate of Taxation
Curiosities of the Great Register
Mount St. Helena
The Future
The Pioneers
Legislative History of Napa County
Organization of the County
Township Boundaries
Napa
Yount 116
Hot Springs 116
Knox 116
Political History of Napa County . . 121
Political Table 136
Homicides of Napa County 143
Murder of S. H. Sellers 143
Murder of — Prieto 144
Murder of George Ettenbrough 144
Killing of James Cuminings 144
Murder of Thomas Wilson 145
Murder of Joseph Warren Osborne. . 145
Murder of Patrick O'Brien 146
Killing of Turner G. Letton 147
Killing of a Chinaman 148
The Jonathan Davis Murder and Sui-
cide 148
Killing of John Clark 149
Killing of Patrick Goodwin 149
Killing of Daniel English 149
Killing of Kate Ennis (Indian) 150
The Fred. Coombs Murder and Suicide 151
Killing of Peter Guadalupe (Indian). . 151
Killing of John B. See 152
Killing of John Thomas 152
Killing of Major Harry Larkyns. . . . 152
Killing of Alexander McDonald 153
Murder of Mollie Williams alias
Swartz 153
Killing of Edward Paul Carron 154
Murder of William Perkins and Gua-
dalupe (Indian) 154
Killing of Theodore Schurs 155
Killing of Jesse Hawkins 155
Killing of Charles R. Rice 156
Killing of August Puesch 156
Killing of Isaac Wilson 157
Mines and Mining 158
Phcenix 161
Redington 163
Washington 167
Valley 168
Summit 1 68
Oakville 169
Manhattan 170
Napa Consolidated, or Oat Hill 170
Ivanhoe 173
Hamilton 174
Burlington 174
Red Hill 174
Silver Bow 174
Overland 175
Mutual 175
' Mammoth 175
Silver Mines 175
Calistoga Quartz Mill 176
Calistoga District Mines 176
Elephant 177
Hellen 177
Ida Easley 177
Coal Mines 177
Pacific 177
Napa Coal Company 178
Clark Coal Company 178
Atlantic Coal Company 178
Viticulture 179
State Viticultural Society 190
Pests of the Vine 194
St. Helena Viticultural Club 204
Pioneer Sherry Making 205
Napa Viticultural Society 205
Vine Statistics 206
Calistoga District 206
St. Helena District 208
Napa District 214
Summary 217
Wine Product of Napa County in 1880. 218
Wine Cellars 218
L. Kortum 218
J.J. H. Medeau 218
Alta Vineyard 219
J. Schram 219
W. W. Lyman 219
F. H. Rosenbaum 219
J. C. Weinberger 219
J. Laurent 220
C. Krug 220
Berringer Bros 221
Beretta Bros 222
C. Lemme 222
C. Wegele 222
Edge Hill 222
B. Tossetti 223
A. Rossi 223
N. Deguoy 223
0. Schultze 22a
E. W. Woodward 223
Gila Bros 223
H. A. Pellet 223
Dr. G. B. Crane 223
E. Heyman 223
G. C. Fountain 223
F. Sciaroui's Sherry House 224
J. Thomann 224
J. H. McCord 224
Nouveau Medoc 224
H. W. Crabb 224
Wine Cellars (continued) —
J. C. & G. A. Sterner 225
G. Groezinger 225
F. Salmini 225
Occidental 225
White Rock 226
Vine Cellars (continued) —
G. Barth 226
H. Hagan 226
Uncle Sam 226
G. Migliavaeca 227
Other Cellars 227
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
Napa Township 228
Geography 228
Topography '. . . . 228
Soil 228
Geology 229
Climate 229
Products 230
Timber 230
Early Settlement 230
Napa City 231
Markets 241
New Year's Day, 1857 241
Trial of Ned. McGowan 241
Napa Guards 242
An Odd Advertisement 242
The Stone Bridge 242
Good Templars 242
Academy for Boys 242
Hanging of Charles Brittian 243
Sanitary and Soldiers' Belief 243
Napa Guard 243
Artillery Company 243
A Reminiscence of Napa City . 243
Earthquake 244
Freedmen's Aid Fund 244
Contributions to the Christian Com-
.... 244
.... 245
.... 245
Gas
Napa City as it was in 186S
Incorporation 245
Small Pox Epidemic 246
Old Indian Graveyard 247
Records of Napa City 247
Legislative Enactments 249
Bridge across Napa River 249
Wharf at Napa City 249
Animals at large in Napa City 249
Napa City Improvement 249
Incorporation of Napa City 249
Street Railroad 250
Orders of the Board of Supervisors . . . 250
Assistance for Napa City 250
Engine House 250
Water for Napa City
Churches
Presbyterian
Methodist Episcopal
Christs Episcopal
Baptist
Catholic
Christian
German Reformed
Seventh Day Advent
African M. E
Public Schools
Central
Collegiate Institute
Ladies' Seminary
Oak Mound
Newspaper Biographies
Reporter
Herald
Echo
Register
Gold Dollar
Robert T. Montgomery
Free and Accepted Masons
Napa Chapter R. A. M
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows . .
Live Oak Encampment, I. O. O. F.
Independent Order of Good Templars
Aqua Pura Lodge
Knights of Honor
Knights of Pythias
Ancient Order of United Workmen . .
Industries
Sawyer's Tannery
Napa City Tannery
Vernon Mills
Napa City Mills
Moody's Carriage Factory
Hunter's Carriage Factory
Wright & Fowler's Carriage Factory
Soda Works
Coffee and Spice Mill
Marble Works
Industries (continued) —
Tile Factory
Cream Tarter Works
Bachelder Manufacturing Company
Glue Works
(las Works
Planing Mill
Barth's Brewery
Bank of Napa
( Joodman's Bank
Seeley & Bickford's Bank
Business Interests of Napa
Steamboats
Odd-Fellows' College and Home
Fire Department
Coal
Lime
Ferry at Soscol
Dam and Lock
Wharf at Soscol
Rev. Eleazer Thomas
Tulucay Cemetery
Napa Asylum
Napa Soda Springs
Atlas Peak
Yount Township
Geography
T< >p< igraphy
Geology
Soil
Climate
Fn iducts
Timber
Early Settlement
Towns
Vnuntville
Business Interests
Independent Order Good Templars
Baptist Church
Christian Church
Monticello
Business Literests
Berryessa Valley
Chiles Valley
Conn Valley
Cord. in Valley
Captain John Grigsby
Red* I Falls
Vomit Mill
Hot Springs Township
Geography
Topography
Geology
Soil 320
Climate 320
Products 321
Timber 321
Early Settlement 321
Towns 325
Calistoga 325
Free and Accepted Masons 329
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. 330
Monroe Lodge of Good Templars . 330
Presbyterian Church 330
Methodist Episcopal Church 331
School 331
Flour Mill 331
Business Directory 332
The Bungalow 332
St. Helena 333
Incorporations 334
Baptist Church 336
Methodist Episcopal Church 339
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.. 3t0
Presbyterian Church 340
Seventh Day Advent Church 341
Catholic Church 342
Schools : 342
Free and Accepted Masons 342
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows 342
Independent Order Good Templars. 343
Ancient Order United Workmen . . . 343
American Legion of Honor 344
Fire Department 344
Water Company 344
Banking House 345
St. Helena Star 345
Cream Tartar Works 345
Brewery 346
Business Interests 346
Springs 346
Hot 346
White Sulphur 350
Crystal 351
Clay Cave 351
Petrified Forest 351
Fish Hatchery 353
Manganese Mine 353
Newspaper History of Calistoga 353
Viueland School District 364
Kjjox Township 356
Geography 356
Topography 357
< leology 35"
Soil 358
Climate 358
Products 358
Timber 359
Early Settlement 359
Towns 360
Knoxville 360
Catholic Church 361
Wardners 361
Mills 361
Mines 361
Springs 361
^Etna 362
Walters 364
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Allen, C. H
Anderson, W. E
Allyn, J
Alstrom, S -
Adams, J
Adamson, C. P
Amesbury, H. N
Alden, H. E.
Boggs, Ex-Governor L. W. (deceased) .
Boreo, F
Bounsall, R. C
Bounsall, J. C
Boothe, J. R. (deceased)
Baldridge, Wm
Barnett, E. J
Bailey, P. D
Brown, J. B
Bussenius, H. It
Brun, J. A
Beringer, J. L
Kateman, J
Bell, R. B
Bennett, J. N
Barnett, Jesse
Burgess, C. M
Burbank, C. H. (deceased)
Barth, G
Boyce, W. P
Button, J. A
Brownlee, Robert
Baxter, T. G
Boothe, J 408
Baehelder, J 408
Beach, G. H 408
Crane, G. B 418
Coombs, N. (deceased) 429
< lhapel, B. A 430
Coghlan, J. M. (deceased) 431
Cornwell, G. N 431
Crouch, Robert 432
Cooper, W. R 433
4H6
Cook, J 433
Craddock, S. M 433
Craddock, J. C 434
Carrillo, A. F 434
Conn, C 434
Coombs, F. L 434
Crabb, H. W 434
Clark, Sidney 435
Carter, J 435
Cleghorn, J 436
Conner, J 436
Colman, F. W., M. D 436
Clark, A. G 437
Cyrus, J 439
Castnur, W. H 440
Clark, S. G 441
Carver, D. B 441
Clark, A 442
Clark, I. G 443
Collins, S. W 443
Chesebro, J. A 444
Chiles, J. B 444
Davis, J. C 446
Decker, P. A 446
Dickinson, J. J 446
Davis, C. E 447
Dowdelle, J 448
Dinning, William 44S
Dodge, A. H 449
Dawson, W. J. G 450
Dwyer, Thomas 450
Estee, M. M 451
Epley, T. H 454
Edgington, William 454
Ellis, F. W 455
Elgin, William 456
Earl, Thomas 457
Even, J 458
Emerson, D 458
Fisher, W. F 459
Fisher, W. A 460
Flynn, J. D 460
Francis, G. M 461
Frye, J 461
Fitch, 1 461
Fraser, G. W 462
Fountain, G. C 462
Field, W. A 463
Feally, T. W 463
Fisher, G. W 463
Getleson, H 464
Gildersleeve, G. W 464
Greenfield, T. G 465
Goodman, G. E 465
Gritman, C. E 465
Goodrich, H 466
Giles, J 466
Garner, J. R 467
Grigsby, W. P 467
Gibbs, W. H 468
Gardner, C. A 46S
Griffith, C. C 469
Groezinger, [G 470
Greer, J 471
Grigsby, J 471
Grigsby, P. D 472
Gosling, 0 472
Gillam, J 472
Hastings, S. C 473
Hartson, C 476
Hogan, J. S. (deceased) . 478
Heymann, E 480
Hatt, A. E 480
Horn, J 4S1
Hamilton, W. J 481
Holden, S. E 482
Hill, D. D 483
Hottel, E. W 484
Hull, A. J 484.
Henry, J 4S4
Haas, D. L 185
Hortop, N 4S5
Hagen, H 486
Hartwell, G. F 486
Howlan.l, J. H 4S6
Haeckl, L 487
Harris, H. H 4S8
Hackett, F. M 488
Hale, C.N 4S9
Hewes, F. W 4S9
Hunt, B. E 4S9
Hoover, G 490
Hunt, D. 0 490
Hansen, C 491
Ink, T. H 491
Jaensch, W 492
Jackson, T 492
James, B 492
Jackson, J. P 493
Juarez, C 494
Jackson, A. M 500
Johnston, R. P 500
Jones, S. A 501
Johnson, G. W 501
Johnson, J. SV 502
KJuit, A. P 503
Kichler, P. (deceased) 503
Kortum, L 503
Kettlewell, J. R 503
Kister, J. S 504
Keegan, J 505
Kean, J 505
Kelly, J.N 506
Kennedy, W. W 506
Kelly, L 507
Krug, C 508
Loeber, F. W 510
Lewton, L ."ill
Lamdin, J. F 511
Little, B 512
Laurent, J 512
Lawley; J 512
Locker, W 513
Logan, J. 1 513
Lane, R. F 514
Lewelling, J 515
Lidell, W. H 516
Lyman, W. W 516
Linn, G 516
Lazarus, L 517
Lockwood, F. E 51S
Lawrence, G. W 518
Moody, T. M 518
Mayfield, J. M * 519
McKinzie, A 520
Miller, R 520
McCord, J. H 520
Multer, J, L 521
Mansfield, J. M 522
Mellor, W 523
Migliavacca, G 523
McFarling, J 524
McLennan, D. R 524
Merriam, H. A 525
Meyers, O. P 526
McUermott, J 526
Mauassee, E 526
Melntyre, H. W 527
Topography
Geology ....
Soil
Climate
Products
Timber
Early Settlement .
Upper Lake
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows . . 202
Elliotts Mill.. 203
Planing and Grist Mill 203
Mills 203
Pine Mountain Mill 203
Denison 203
Hansons 203
Bartlett Springs 203
Springs 204
Pearson , . . 204
Witter 205
Whiskey , 206
Mitchell 206
Bartlett 206
Allen 208
Blue Lakes 209
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Alter, 1 213
Ashley, J. G 214
Allen, H 214
Armstrong, C. W 215
Alexander, D 215
Boggs, H. C 216
Bassett, W. D 216
Butler, W. J 216
Britt, E. W 217
Butler, S.G 217
Bower, J 217
Burtnett, P 218
Ballinger, Wm 218
Bond, H 219
Bolter, H. R 219
Bartlett, G 219
Bole, E. B 220
Burger, J. F 220
Burke, W. P 221
Bucknell, G 221
Bynum, J., M. D 2?1
Boggs, J. W 222
Brown, J. W 222
Crump, R. W 223
Crawford, W 223
Carver, J. H 224
Cannon, W. G 224
Crumpton, H. J., M. D 224
Collins, J. M 225
Cox, CM 225
Crigler, J. C 225
Clendenin, E. P 226
Conner, D. V 227
Cobb, J 227
Clendenin, S 229
Daly, P.M 229
Dewell, B 230
Deming, T 230
Davis, J 231
Denison, J. M. (deceased) 231
Downes, J. S., M. D 231
Emerson, S. R 232
English, B. F 232
Fees, J. W 232
Flippen, W. J 233
Fritts, H. R 233
Getz, S 233
Gard, G. W 233
Greene, W. W 234
Gessner, Wm 235
Gillett, C. , 235
Goldsmith, W. C 236
Goodwin, C 236
Gallatin, A 237
Gruwell, L. H 237
Herndon, N 238
Huston, J. H 239
Hanson, J. F 239
Haycock, T 239
Hendricks, G 240
Harris, T. M 240
Hendricks, J. D 241
Hudson, D 241
Harris, J. A 241
Hudson, R. J 242
Hamilton, J. M 245
Hanson, D. M 246
Hanson, G. M. (deceased) 247
Ingram, J. C. W 250
Jones, C. W 251
Jamison, J. H 251
Jones, J. W 251
Kesey, William 252
Kennedy, J 253
Kennedy, H 253
Kerr, William 253
RadcKfie. W. P.
.'
---
. . -274
Sh»nL B. F
>:«;^r. M
---
Shepud, M
.-
--
Sleeps, D. O
-"-
Tkoratoo, P. H-. M. D
-•-
Tucker, G
:-
Tavlor, D. T
Vazm, P. W
Welch, 8l K
.--
9
ff^.B
a
383
Wcoda. J. L
_--
v«« t a
,
Yomg,E R
.
Yoosg, CM
.
.
291
:- : t: .-.:t«
36 Hada»,D.
Moore, R. E. F 527
McClure, T. B 527
Miller, J. F • 527
Mclntire, J. J 530
Moore, W 530
McClelland, J. A 530
Newcomer, S 531
Nielsen, X. L 531
Xorton, J. G 531
Norton, A. W 532
Xottage, F. M 532
Osborn, G 533
Owen, J. C 533
Olsen, KG 534
O'Connell, M 534
Plass, C. W 534
Porterfield, H 534
Paccaud, L. 536
Parker, T. R 537
Palmer, P. H 537
Pratt, E. F 53S
Peterson, W 53S
Pratt, G. L 539
Priest, J. J 539
Pettengill, J. A 539
Pellet, H. A 540
Peacock, E. A. 542
Parker, H. C 542
Pearson, I. X 543
Pond,M. B., M. D 544
Pinkham, P 545
Poe, J 546
Polk, T. W 546
Roberts, W. C 546
Eeimers, C 547
Roberta, M. W 547
Robinson, J. H 547
Randall, J. G 547
Robinson, C 548
Raney, A. J 549
Stockton, P. K 550
Shurtleff, B., M. D 550
Smith, W. C. S 551
Schemer, W 552
Smith, J. T 554
Smith, D 554
Shaw, M 554
Sweitzer, L. H 555
Scribner, T. S 555
Safley, A. (deceased) 555
Simmons E. P 556
Smittle, J. \V 557
Souther, C. N 558
Stamer, G. A 558
Seeley, C. B 559
Stockmon, D. M 560
Scott, J 560
Stillwagon, W. W., M. D 560
Stoney, T. P 561
Storey, C. A 564
Smith, W. A. C 565
Schram, J 565
Steves, J. H 566
Straus, J. E 567
Seawell, J. H 567
Spencer, D 568
Shurtleff, G. C 568
Simmons, A 568
Tonolla, A. M 569
Trubody, J. S 569
Trubody, W. A 569
Thompson, 1 570
Trubody, J. P 570
Thomann, J 571
Tucker, J. W. . 571
Taber, I., M. D 572
Tully, T. J ! 573
Thompson, S 573
Thompson, J. M 576
Tucker, G. W 577
Teale, G. W 577
Thompson, C 577
Van Bever, P 578
Van Tassell, T 579
Vann, M 579
Voorhes, A. P 580
Wallace, W. C 580
Wilkins, E. T., M. D 5>2
Walsh, T 585
Watson, J 5S5
Weinberger, J. C 585
Williams, J. W 5S6
Wheeler, C 586
Weller, H. 1 5S 7
Weseott, C. A 587
Weaks, W. P 58S
Wright, Rev. J. M 553
Woolley, E. B 590
Yount, Geo. C. (deceased) 591
Young, E. G 595
Yarrington, J 596
York. J 596
Zollner, J. F 597
PORTRAITS.
Allen, C. H 262
Barnett, J • • • 9*
.Brun, A 525
Earth, G 462
Baldridge, W 21
Beach, G. H 357
Coghlan, J. M 199
Clark, A 346
Clark, S 58S
Crane, G. B., M. D 52
Chiles, J. B 10
Conn, C 283
Coombs, N 42
Dinning, W 294
Davis, J. C 336
Earl, Thos 535
Estee, M. M 134
Fisher, W. F S4
Francis, G. M 430
Garner, J. R , 483
Griffith, C. C T 73
Henry, J 399
Harris, H. H 3S8
Hagen, H 493
Hartson, C 147
Hastings, S. C 304
Ink, T. H 546
Jackson, J. P 115
Juarez, C Frontispiece.
Lawley, J 367
Lewelling, J 126
Maydeld, J. II 231
McCord, J. H 220
Miller, J. F 31
Palmer, P. H 420
Parker, H. C 504
Peacock, E. A 441
Pellet, H. A 241
Raney, A. J 189
Simmi mis, E. P 577
Souther, C. N 556
StiUwagon, W. W., M. D 105
Seeley„C. B 451
Schemer, Wm 514
Schram, J 252
Smittle, J. W 210
Trnbody, J. S 273
Thompson, S 168
Thompson, C 567
Vann. M 315
Walli.ee, W. C 178
Weinberger, J. C 472
Wilkins, E. T, M. D 325
York, J 63
Yount, Geo. C. (deceased) 1
Kister, J. S 37S
Krug, Chas 157
Kelly, L 409
LAKE COUNTY.
General History.
Geography
Derivation of Name
Topography
Valleys
Morgan
Long
Jerusalem 4
Jericho '
LittleHigh 4
Coyote 4
Copsey 4
Lower Lake 4
Loconoma 4
Cobb 5
Riff 5
Valleys (continued) —
Donovan 5
Scotts 6
Bachelor 5
Upper Lake 5
Clover 0
Gravelly 5
Squaw 5
Rice 5
Twin 5
Paradise 5
Watercourses 5
Putah Creek 6
Cache Creek 6
Scotts Creek 6
CloverCreek 8
Middle Creek 6
Adobe Creek 6
Kelse\ (.'reek i
Lakes 7
Clear Lake 7
Blue Lakes 7
Tide Lake 8
Borax Lake S
Boggs Lake S
Rices Lake 8
Geology 9
Gold 9
Sdver 9
Iron 9
Coal 9
Petroleum 9
Quicksilver 10
Borax 10
Umbers and Ochres 10
Petrifactions 10
Copper 11
Sulphur 11
Soda 11
Lime 11
Alabaster 12
Manganese 12
Arsenic 12
Magnesia 12
Potassa 12
Other Metals 12
Minerals 12
Feldspar 12
Mica 13
Limestone 13
Hornblende 13
Serpentine 13
Oxyd of Iron 13
Granite 13
Basalt 14
Trap 14
Obsidian 15
Lava .. 15
Sandstone 15
Springs 15
Timber 16
Soils 19
Climati igraphy ... 20
Indians of Lake County 23
Mexican Grants 41
Lup-Yomi ? 41
Collayomi 45
Guenoc 46
General History and Settlement ... 47
Stone and Kelsey Massacre 49
Chief Augustine's Version 58
Treaty of Peace 62
Game and Hunters 62
Settlement Proper 63
Boundary of Clear Lake Township. ... 70
Shower of Candy 71
Organization of the County 71
Treasurer's Troubles, Safe Robbing, etc. 71
Court-house Burned 72
Peregrinations of the County-seat 73
New Court-house 73
Cache Creek Dam 74
Chapman's Fiasco 84
Southern Relief Fund 85
Cotton Culture 85
Sarshel Bynura 85
County Credit 86
Statistics of Lake County 86
Rate of Taxation 86
Agricultural Statistics S6
School Census 89
Legal Distances 89
Lake County 90
The Need of the Hour 94
Telegraph Line 95
Legislative History 100
County Boundaries 104
Sessions of Court 105
Salary of County Officers 106
Miscellaneous Acts 108
Treasurer made Tax Collector 109
Legal Distances 109
In Third Congressional District. . . . 109
Relief of J. B.Cook 109
Sheriff made Tax Collector 109
Member of Assembly 109
Clear Lake Navigable 109
Municipal Powers 109
Political History 110
Township Boundaries 110
Lower Lake 110
Big Valley Ill
Upper Lake Ill
Knox ville Ill
Supervisorial Districts 112
First 112
Second 112
Third 112
Location of County Seat 113
Local Option Election 116
Political Table 118
Homicides 122
Killing of B. F. Taylor 122
Killing of T. J. Warden 122
Killing of — Holeman 123
Killing of William Laffiu 123
Killing of — Waggoner 123
Killing of — Alexander 125
Killing of J. Rhodes 125
Killing of William Daily 125
Killing of S. Chapman 12li
Killing of C. N. Copsey 127
Killing of F. Thurman 127
Killing of G. Manahan 12S
Killing of J. Wright 12S
Killing of D. Wedig 128
Killing of W. B. Cooper 129
Lynching of J. Meyers 129
Killing of M. Ready 130
Killing of P. Pogue 130
Killing of C. Bates 131
Killing of E. Bynum 131
Mines and Mining 132
Sulphur Bank 132
Great Western 135
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
Lowek Lake Township
Geography
Topography
Geology
Soil
Products
Climate
Timber
Early Settlement
Lower Lake
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows.
Free and Accepted Masons
Brewery
Flour Mill
Planing MiU
Newspapers
Agricultural Association.
East Lake
Middletown
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows
Independent Order of Good Templars
American Sunday-School Union
Brewery
Springs
Harbin
Anderson
Adams
Howard
Siegler
Carp Ponds
California Borax Company
Stoddards Mill
Big Valley Township
Geography
Topography
Geology
Products
Climate .
Timber
Early Settlement
Lakeport
Episcopal Church
Presbyterian Church
Methodist Episcopal Church South . .
Baptist Church
Clear Lake College
Ancient Order United Workmen
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. .
Mt. Hebron Encampment
Free and Accepted Masons
American Legion of Honor
Bank of Lake
Farmers' Savings Bank
Flour ALU
Clear Lake Courier
Lake County Bee
Lake Democrat
Brewery
Sailing Vessels
Steamers
Telegraph, Stages, etc
Kelsey ville
■ Methodist Episcopal Church
Independent Order of Good Templars
Catholic Church Work
Mills
Boggs
Cobb
Harbin
Allison Flour Mill
Highland.
Soda Bay
Glenbrook
Gas Knoll
Mount Konocti
Upper Lake Township.
Geography
GEORGE C . YOUNT.
NAPA COUNTY.
HISTORY OF NAPA COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA.
Geographical Situation and Area — Derivation of Name— Topography -
Geology— Climatography, Etc., Etc.
Napa County is bounded on the north by Lake County, on the east by
Yolo and Solano Counties, on the south by Solano County and San Pablo
Bay, and on the west by Sonoma County. Napa is one of the smallest
counties in the State, but is one of the most highly-favored and richest
sections of California. The territory embraced within its limits formerly
included what is now known as Lake County, but subsequent changes have
altered its area several times. After Lake County had been segregated, the
area of this county was four hundred and fifty thousand acres, or eight
hundred and twenty-eight square miles. Subsequently another change of
the boundary line between the two counties occurred, which added quite an
area to Napa County. A full statement of these changes will be found in
a subsequent chapter of this work.
DERIVATION OF NAME.— That the word Napa is of Indian deriva-
tion, there can be no doubt ; but what its signification may be, is a mooted
question. C. A. Menefee, in his excellent work "Sketch Book of Napa," etc.
says that the word means fish, and that it was given to this section on
account of the great numbers of the finny tribes that infested the streams
and brooks, and afforded the dwellers inland a bountiful supply of food.
Mr. Menefee says further that this statement is verified by the asser-
tions of the early settlers among the Aboriginees, and still further by the
cognate tongues of the Pacific Coast. Of the statements made by the
pioneers on the subject, we have nothing to say ; but of the cognate dia-
lects, we will append the following : While it is a well known fact that
Indians only separated by a few miles could not converse with each other,
yet there are a few words that seem to have come from some parent stem,
and some forms of it pass through all the dialects of the tribes of certain
sections, just as roots and elements of the Latin are to be found permeating
the Spanish, French, Italian, and all English-speaking sections of the world.
4 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Thus the word " porno," meaning a man or tribe of men, is found to be
common with all tribes south of Eel River, west of Clear Lake, and north
of San Francisco Bay ; and the word " patween," having a similar significa-
tion, is found to be common with all those peoples east of Clear Lake, south
of Colusa, west of the Sacramento River, and north of the Suisun Bay.
Now, the Indians of Napa Valley belonged to the " pomos," or that grand
family of tribes in which the word "porno" was used instead of "patween,"
in a generic or tribal sense; so, also, did the tribes on the western shore of
Clear Lake. The Indians of Napa Valley have all disappeared, but their
distant relatives, the tribes on the Clear Lake, still exist, and naturally we
would look to them for names or other traces of habits, customs, etc., to find
out what would be probably the condition of things in this section. It is
found that the word " Nap-po" occurs frequently, and among this people it
is found to signify village. Thus, " Hoo-la-nap-po" signified lily village ;
"Ha-be-nap-po," rocky village, and " Kai-nap-po," wood village. Taking
this fact into consideration, may we not reasonably conclude that the word
has some relation to a town or village that may have been at some time
located upon the banks of the stream that now bears that name, and thus
it has come down to us ? It seems very likely, indeed, that such was the
case ; and, taking all things into consideration, we are inclined to give the
preference to this last idea, rather than to the other.
TOPOGRAPHY.— To write fully and completely the topography of
Napa County, requires that a man spend weeks in its study, so varied and
frequently changed are the topographical features of the section of country
embraced within its limits. Beginning at the western side of Napa County,
we find that the line passes along the ridge of a chain of mountains the
entire length of the county. To the eastward of this range, and at its base,
lies the beautiful Napa Valley, which extends from Mt. St. Helena on the
north to San Pablo Bay on the south, varying in width from one mile, near
the northern end, to five miles, at the southern end. The slope of the range
is intersected with a number of ravines, canons, and small valleys; but
none of them are of any great importance, except Brown's Valley, which
lies to the west and north-west of the city of Napa, and is a lovely little
glen, nestled at the foot of the mountains. Several streams come down out
of this range of mountains and find their way to the Napa River, the larger
of which are the White Sulphur Creek, Dry Creek, and Carneros Creek.
The lower end of Napa Valley opens out fan-like to quite a wide expanse,
and is low, fiat, tule land, covered with water at high tide, and with tules
and swamp grass. Just about midway between the two extremes of Napa
Valley, there is a very large hill, attaining almost to the dignity of a moun-
tain, and is known as the Yountville Hill. It is also near the center of the
valley, from east to west.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 5
Napa Valley is upwards of thirty miles in length, and is very level and
productive. The river of the same name extends its entire length, and
serves well the purposes of drainage, and is navigable as far up as Napa
City, at which place the tides regularly ebb and flow, rising to a height
of from three to eight feet.
At the head of Napa Valley, the grand proportions of Mount St. Helena
rear themselves nearly 4500 feet above the level of the sea, and it stands
there much like a sentinel at the entrance to a beautiful land of enchant-
ment. On the eastern side of Napa Valley, a chain of mountains extend
the entire length, which is broken into by but few streams, canons, or val-
leys. Conn Creek is about midway of the range, and comes down through
a very narrow defile in the mountains. Milliken and Rector Canons are the
only ones south of Conn Creek, while to the north there are only gorges in
the mountains. Conn Valley is a small widening of the canon through
which the creek of that name passes, and is a beautiful and picturesque
little dale.
There are three roads passing out of Napa Valley through this range of
mountains, viz : the one leading to Berryessa Valley, through a pass near
the southern extremity of the range. The second road passes through Conn
Valley, and thence up the canon into Chiles Valley, while the third passes
over Howell Mountain. Of these two last named, there are two or more
branches each, but all pass through the same general course and place. A
road from Calistoga to Knoxville was at one time very nearly completed,
only some eight or ten miles remaining unfinished, when some obstacle ai'ose
and the whole work was let go to ruin.
In this range of mountains there are some quite high peaks — such as
Bald Peak, Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, etc. The height of these peaks
range from two to three thousand feet. This range forms a continuation of
the St. Helena or Mayacamas range, the two branches being like the two
portions of the letter V, with St. Helena Mountain at the point of union,
one portion skirting Napa Valley on the west and the other on the east.
Passing over the Howell Mountain grade, we find ourselves in Pope
Valley, a beautiful tract of quite level country, extending for about ten
miles in a north-westerly and south-easterly direction, and being from one to
three miles in width. In the center of the valley, and extending nearly
the whole length of it, there is a high range of hills which divides it almost
into equal portions. The whole of this valley is drained by Pope Creek, a
stream of some considerable size, whose waters find their way to the Bay
through Putah Creek.
Passing over a low divide to the south of Pope Valley, we come to
Chiles Valley, which is small but productive, being six miles in length
and from one to three miles in width. The upper end of it is drained by
6 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Conn Creek, while the waters of the lower end find their way into Putah
Creek. There is quite a high range of mountains lying on the eastern side
of Pope and Chiles Valleys and separating them from Berryessa Valley.
Taking the road leading from Napa to Monticello, just when we reach
the summit, a beautiful little valley opens out to the view ; but it is not
very large. It is truly a lovely gem, set about with a fringe of mountains.
This is Capelle Valley. But little more can be said of it in this connection.
Passing to the north, just where the road enters Berryessa Valley, there
lies to the right the lovely little vale known as Wooden Valley, and adjacent
to it is Gordon Valley, both of which are small but beautiful.
Following the road, we find that the mountains seem to be pressed apart
for a considerable distance, and the broad expanse of Berryessa Valley, the
second in size in the county, appears before the eyes. This valley is about
ten miles long, by from one to three miles in width. It is a level expanse
of rich, arable land. It is drained by the Putah Creek, which here becomes
almost a veritable river of wildly rushing water during the winter rains.
The area of the water-shed which is tributary to this stream is very great,
and also precipitous, so that in a very short time indeed after a rain has
fallen, the stream is at flood height, and the torrents of water are rushing
with an indescribable impetuosity down the stream to the plains below in
the vicinity of the town of Winters.
Passing on up to the head of Berryessa Valley, we come to a narrow
defile in the mountains which extends to Knoxville, and thence over a low
divide into Lake County. There is a mountain stream passing down this
canon, of goodly proportions, which evidently is called upon to accommo-
date a great amount of water during the rainy season. It empties into the
Putah Creek.
To the eastward of Berryessa Valley, the abrupt range of the Blue Ridge
rises to a great height. This is the dividing line between Napa and Yolo
Counties, and presents an unbroken surface for the whole distance, from the
northern boundary line of the former to the southern line of the latter.
At this point the Putah passes directly across the range, through a very
narrow pass known as Putah Canon.
We have thus hastily given the reader a glance at the principal topo-
graphical features of the county as a whole. A fuller and more minute
description of each individual section will be found under the heads of the
different townships. If one were where he could get a bird's-eye view of
the whole of Napa County, or could see a relief map of it, he would be
surprised to see what a large proportion of the territory embraced within
its limits is mountainous, compared with that which is made up of valleys.
And what a beautiful prospect would be spread out before the ej'e of the
wondering observer, could he but see the whole of the lovely landscape at
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 7
one view ! Hill and dale, mount and vale, all apparently in an interminable
jungle, yet having a grand and wonderful system and order in it.
There are only two systems of drainage in Napa County : one that of
the Napa River and its tributaries, and the other Putah Creek and its tribu-
taries. These two streams have to carry to the sea all the vast amount of
water that falls upon nearly one thousand square miles of territory, the
most of which is mountainous ; and hence the water is precipitated quickly
into the outlets. It is no wonder, therefore, that floods are of almost yearly
occurrence along the banks of these streams. Just imagine for a moment
what a volume of water falls upon this area during any of the heavy storms
of the winter season, when, as is not unfrequently the case, there has from
two to four inches of water fallen !
GEOLOGY. — There is probably no county in the State of California
that presents a more interesting field for the student of geology than does
Napa. The changes of the geological aspect of the country in passing from
one section to another, are oftentimes very marked and remarkable. Another
interesting fact is, that the lines of change are so boldly and closely drawn
that he that runs may read. Here may be seen in all its glory the action
of the great world-building agents, fire and water. In the beds of brooks
it is no uncommon thing to be able to pick up boulders with fossils in them
adjacent to those formed from lava that never had and never could have
life in any way associated with them. The rocks of the Silurian period are
not unfrequently found adjacent to those of the Tertiary. Another feature
which is of interest, and goes to show how badly things have been " mixed
up " in the ages that have gone by, is the fact that there are many places
where the soil is what is termed by the farmers " spotted." That means
that the soil is oftentimes made up of two or more different kinds in the
same field. It is no uncommon thing to see a field with spots of adobe all
over the face of it, while the body of it may be a sandy loam. Again it
may be made up of adobe principally and have here and there a spot of
argillacious soil upon it. Striking examples of both features just described
may be found in Pope Valley.
In considering this subject in its general aspect, we have decided to take
up the great factors of world-building, fire and water, and to take a hurried
glance at the face of the country and see where they have each been at
work, and see what they have each had to do in the upbuilding or tearing
down of this county. Although it may seen paradoxical to say that world-
building is accomplished by the process of tearing down, yet such is often
the case. There would be no rich alluvial valleys, in which are produced
all that man subsists upon, had there not been a tearing down process by
which the particles of matter were dislodged from the everlasting rocks of
the mountain sides and deposited below in the basins which we call valleys.
8 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Taking up the first of these twin Titans, fire, let us see what it has done
in this county. The casual observer would say, doubtless, what has it not
done in Napa County; for, turn our eyes as we may, we can see traces of the
working of fire. But careful investigation will show that the twin brother,
water, has had much indeed to do here as elsewhere all over the world. As
it was in the beginning, so it has ever been — fire first and then its comple-
ment, water. Volcanic action has been a great factor in shaping up the
surface of this county. There are many extinct volcanoes in this section,
although their craters have become not only extinct, but all traces are lost
of them ; but the lava, scoria, and even the very ashes are still extant in
large quantities. Go where we will all over Napa County, from the very
apex of Mount St. Helena to the very lowest level of the valley to the south
of it, and on every hand the evidences of volcanic action are present.
These evidences are not uniform, either in amount, character or general
trend. Nor have the upheavals been uniform, for in many places are to be
found those rocks which were formed during the earlier ages of the world's
existence, while just across the canon are to be found those of quite recent
date. A striking example of this may be seen on what is known as Dry
Creek, a few miles to the north-west of Napa City. On one side of this
stream, the rocks of the outcropping ledges belong to the Silurian system,
while those on the other were formed only quite recently, geologically
speaking. Here the rocks on the one side of the creek have been eroded
and worn away to a depth of nearly one mile ; that is to say, had there have
been no erosion the mountain on one side of the stream would have been
all of one mile higher than on the other side. Another example may be
seen at the north end of Pope Valley. The top of the ridge just back of
the Phoenix Mine is formed of very old rock, belonging to the Laurentian
age probably, while further to the north and at a much lower level the
Tertiary sandstone begins, and continues up the other ridge to the Oat Hill
Mine, and probably much further.
We will now glance over the county and direct the reader's attention to
those localities where the action of fire is most patent, and give a description
of the work it has done. Beginning at the south end of the western slope
of the range of mountains which lie on the eastern side of Napa Valley,
we find that the body of the rocks are of volcanic formation, being either
basalt, trap or lava. In the valley, in the vicinity of the Insane Asylum, the
boulders are chiefly made up of honey-combed lava, which, when broken
present all grades, from the most compact to the very coarsest and loosely
united particles, and in color range from black to almost white, many of
them being red, green or yellow. In the mountain back of the Asylum,
there is a bed of lava rock which is of a dark grayish color, not very com-
pact, but very easily worked and very durable. Some considerable of it
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 9
was used in the construction of the Asylum. Passing on farther to the
north, to the place where the road crosses over the range to Berryessa
Valley, we come to a wonderful formation of a volcanic nature. Here, there
are extensive beds of ashes which have hardened into a porous rock, and
the study of them is one of remarkable interest. A very remarkable feature
about this formation is the fact that it is stratified very similar to water-
formed rocks, and to the casual observer they present so natural an appear-
ance of aqueous formation that they would deceive almost any one. The
strata have been warped and twisted into all manner of shapes by the
subsequent upheavals of the mountain range. It would be a matter of
interest to know what this flow of lava was deposited upon, but the writer
has not seen any shafts or drifts which extended through it so as to expose
the underlying strata. From the fact that there are good indications of
petroleum in that immediate vicinity, however, it is quite safe to infer that
the underlying strata are sandstone, and probably of the early cretaceous
period. Just a short distance north of the Napa Soda Springs there is a
bluff of lava, and the water has washed a sort of a cave out on the under
side of it, exposing the formation on which it rests, which is found to be a
metamorphic stratified stone of doubtless quite ancient formation. The
point of junction between the lava and the basic rocks affords a study of
interest.
At the point mentioned above, the Berryessa road, the strata extend in
thickness from a few inches to many feet, and it is no uncommon thing to
see the lava rocks so regularly stratified and evenly separated perpendicu-
larly, by suture caused by the shrinkage in cooling, that they present the
appearance of building stones, shaped by an intelligence for a special pur-
pose, and by the aid of one's imagination, he can readily fancy that he sees
in the bold cliffs that are exposed, the walls of castles that have long
since gone to decay, but that might have been the residences of a long
forgotten race of giants. It presents a wonderfully curious spectacle
indeed, and one that the student of geology never wearies in studying.
There is not a great deal of basalt or trap in any of the volcanic rocks in
this section, but the lava is frequently, though soft, the best of building-
material.
Passing on to the northward, along the west side of the range, we find
that the surface rock is of a volcanic nature, all the way to the very summit
of St. Helena. A fine display of lava deposited in stratas is to be seen in
passing over Howell Mountain. The strata are so regular and so little dis-
turbed, that the writer was in doubt as to the identity of the rock until he
had applied his hammer to it, when it was found to be only a soft grayish
lava. Just where the road leading to the falls on Howell Mountain turn out
of the main road, can be seen a beautiful field of boulders. The fact of its
2
10 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
being a beautiful field depends upon whose eye is viewing it. To the casual
observer, it is rough, rugged and unseemly, but to the eye of a geologist or
student of nature, it presents a lovely aspect ; for in them he can read the
record of the agencies that have been at work in building up the world.
These boulders were originally formed by the agency of fire, but after they
became dislodged from the main ledge by the action of the ages, they were
taken up by the floods that at some time have surged about the sides of the
mountain, and " rough-hewn " into the multitude of shapes in which we now
find them strewn promiscuously about over the face of the country.
Just to the north of Calistoga, there is a spur of the mountain which
puts out well into the valley. Beginning at this point and passing to the
northward, there is an indentation of the range which sweeps around to the
base of St. Helena Mountain. It is in this location that the rich mineral
belt of this range of mountains is found. Here, gold and silver abound in
goodly quantities, and it is not saying too much to prophesy that at no great
distant day this section of the county will be yielding a handsome return
in the way of gold and silver bullion. This subject will be much fuller
treated farther on in this work. In this section, very much of interest will
be found, viewed from a geological standpoint. When the volcanoes of this
section were active, seams, dikes and rifts were left in the rocks, which were
then exposed to the surface. In the course of time these spaces began to
be filled up with silica, which crystalized into handsome quartz in many
cases. Probably the most extensive ledge of this quartz formation in this
section, is that formerly known as the Silverado. This ledge was very
nearly at the top of Mount St. Helena, on the south side, and the vein was
about thirty feet wide, extending entirely across the spur of the mountain, and
having a dip of about fifteen degrees. In this the quartz was very lustrous,
sparkling like veritable diamonds in the sunshine. It was very porous also,
caused probably from the fact that a great amount of gas was imprisoned
in the silica at the time of its deposit. This quartz had many shades of
coloring, which added much to its beauty, the colors ranging through shades
of black, green, yellow and red, the last two predominating, owing to the
presence of the oxyds of iron. The black came from the chlorides of silver,
and added much to the beauty of the quartz.
In one of these dikes, which is now located upon and known as the
Gettleson Mine, there is a most curious and interesting formation. The
quartz ledge is about ten feet wide, being made up mostly of coarse quartz,
but in the center of these is a deposit of very soft conglomerate, being
composed of gypsum or lime, through which there are small veins of quartz.
This is all interspersed with sulphurets and chlorides of silver. That the
calcareous matter is a carbonate, is evinced upon the application of acid to
it. A fuller discussion of the subject of mineral deposit in this and all
other sections of the county will be found in the body of this work.
, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 11
That St. Helena Mountain has, at some time, been an active volcano, there
seems to be but little doubt. In fact, our observation leads us to believe
that the whole range skirting the eastern side of Napa Valley has consti-
tuted a series of volcanoes at some past time. Either that is the fact, or
else the lava overrun it before it was elevated to its present altitude. That
this has not been the case is shown from the fact that the coiirse of the
lava flow is still plainly visible, and it universally, almost, extends from the
top of the ridge to the bottom. The question is asked by many, " If St.
Helena or any of the peaks of the range were ever volcanoes, why are no
traces of their craters still visible ? " There are many reasons why this
should not be : First, it is reasonable to conclude that the later eruptions
were not so vigorous as the former had been, and that they were weaker
and weaker in their action, until they ceased altogether. Then, it is not
unreasonable to conclude that in its last dying throes it was only able to
force the lava just to the top of the crater. Here it cooled and hardened,
with here and there a fissure for the escape of gas, steam, etc., until it
became as much solid rock as any other portion of the mountain. In the
course of time all traces of the crater were obliterated, and to-day, the
mountain top from which great rivei's of molten matter once rolled down
to deluge the mountain sides and the valley below with a sea of fire, pre-
sents only the appearance of common mountains.
Again, it may safely be asserted that time enough has elapsed since
these volcanoes were in a state of activity for the accumulated debris of the
mountain top to fill up the crater to a level with the top of its continually
receding rim, and even to wear the rim down, and leave the solidified debris
of the crater as a peak at the summit. That this debris should be solidi-
fied is reasonable to conclude, from the fact that the dikes which were
formed in the mountain side, and now called ledges, have been filled up
with solid matter since then. In regard to the rapidity with which atmos-
pheric causes acted in the earlier stages of the work we have just been
describing, as compared with the action of the same causes now in the same
mountain sides, we would say that it must be borne in mind that in that
early time the rocks had not yet become as hard as they now are. Lava
does not become the indurate rock that we now find it in a few days or
years even, but it recpaires ages of pressure and chemical action to cement
the particles together as compactly and tenaciously as they now are.
In considering the results accomplished by the action of the elements,
time is an important factor, as it is in the consideration of all geological
phenomena. Truly, " a thousand years is as a day with the Lord," and " the
mills of the gods grind slowly." That long ages have passed since this lava
flow occurred, is evinced by many circumstances, the two most prominent of
which we will note. First of these is the Petrified Forest, which has been
12 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
overrun and buried by an overflow from some volcano, not improbably St.
Helena. That it was among the last of its eruptions is also likely, too,
from the fact that depth of deposit upon them is not very great, many of
the trees lying exposed upon the surface of the ground. Still ample time
has passed away since that, to them, fatal day, for them to become solid
stone by the slow process of petrefaction. It is claimed by some that a
great portion of this process occurred simultaneously with their burial in
the lava, but such could not have been the case, for there could have been
no element of immediate petrefaction in this lava. The truth is that the
silica was held in composition with the lava, and it had to be disintegrated
from that union, and deposited particle by particle in the pores of the wood,
until the very hearts of those monster fathers of the forest were permeated
and converted into stone. Now, this was not accomplished in a clay nor a
year, but more likely a good beginning was not made in the first century.
That the trees did not decay is accounted for in the fact that they were en-
cased in a bed of lava, and hence hermetically sealed, as it were, and thor-
oughly protected from the action of oxygen or the elements. It will thus
be seen by this that long ages passed by before the process of petrefaction
was completed. Then who shall say how long these trees have lain here in
their present state ? Shall we presume to say that the process was com-
pleted only yesterday or last century ? No, indeed, but rather, from what
can be seen of the action of time on the surrounding country, it is proper to
presume that they have lain in their present condition for ages. We are
led to conclude, after a careful survey of the field, that a long period of
time has elapsed since the lava flow occurred which entombed these trees.
A second point to be considered in discussing the element of time in
this proposition is, that either at the time of the lava flow along the range,
or subsequent thereto, the water of either an inland sea or the Pacific Ocean
washed high up the side of the mountains. Now, the sides of the moun-
tains may possibly not have been so much elevated as they are now. In
fact, it is veiy evident that they were not, for it is impossible almost to con-
ceive of the water of the present ocean as .ever having been as high as the
shore line of this old body of water was. Some may be led to question the
assertion that there ever was a sea or body of water of any kind whose
waves lashed the rock-ribbed mountain sides of Napa Valley. A casual
observer, in passing up the valley, will observe, extending from the lower
end of the range, all the way to St. Helena Mountain, a bluff or ridge of
rocks, broken down and disappearing in places, being greater in some places
than in others, but still having a well-defined existence all the way. The
first question suggested is, what could have formed that extensive cliff ?
The answer is, and can be only one, and that is, that it was at one time the
shore line of an ocean, sea, or bay.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 13
Now for the application of this fact to the subject under consideration.
This sea or body of water had its shore line here along this cliff or bluff
just described at the time these eruptions occurred, or at least some of
them. We are asked on what grounds do we venture such an assertion as
this, and we answer : there is indubitable evidence to be produced to prove
it. Two, that may be easily visited and examined, will suffice for the whole
array of examples that might be mentioned. First, the road leading from
Napa to Berryessa Valleys leads through a grand body of volcanic ashes, and
the traveler will observe that the shore line is very high at this place, and
the gorges have almost perpendicular walls, showing the action of the waves
upon this soft bed of ashes. Again, a few rods to the north of the Napa
Soda Springs, it will be noticed that the lava flow is deposited in ten-aces,
and at the base of them all there are evidences of the surge and wash of
the waves of a body of water, which are revealed in grottos and caves bur-
rowed out under the shelving lava. There is one place where the terrace
extends from hill to hill across a canon of goodly size, filling it up com-
pletely as far as it flowed. But all this proves nothing as to the assertion
that this body of water was here at the time of this lava flow. But we
argue that these terraces are formed only on account of the fact that the
water was present, and in a large body, too. And why ? Because, when
the stream of molten matter came into contact with the water it naturally
cooled very fast, and soon an outer wall or crust was formed, which held
the lava in check behind it until a terrace was reared which reached the
surface of the water, then the lava began to flow over this rampart or bar-
rier which had thus been reared across its fiery path, and descended the
mountain slope under the surface of the water until another terrace began
to be formed, and the same process was repeated. Thus would we account
for the terraces that are to be found in the lava flows in the mountains of
Napa County, and we not only consider it feasible, but look upon it as the
only correct solution of the problem.
We now come back to the original proposition — the element of time. If
what has just been stated above be true, then there are two problems which
confront us, both of which contain the element of time very fully developed.
These are, that either the waters of the sea at that time stood much higher
than they do now, or that the mountain range had not then attained any-
thing like its present elevation. If the former were true, how long indeed
must it ' have been since this last flow of lava occurred, and what, indeed,
could not the forces of nature have accomplished in that incomprehensible
space of time, that it took the waters of the Pacific Ocean to recede to
their present level ? The statement that is made, and with seemingly quite
good reason, too, that the Bay of San Francisco was originally closed, could
not affect this at all, for the shore line of this body of water was far above
14 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
it all. The level of these shore lines would cause water to pass out through
Big Valley or the Russian River, in Sonoma County, the low flats of Marin
County, and, indeed, directly over the barrier that was supposed to exist at
the Golden Gate. In accordance with human comprehension, the time that
has elapsed since then more nearly approximates eternity than it does any
measurement of time. That the Pacific Ocean did reach this far up on the
mountains at one time there is no question, hut that was during the Silu-
rian or Devonian period, but not later than that, I or the Pacific Coast was
among the first to come to the surface, and was among the first to be in-
habited.
The other question to be solved is, whether or not this mountain range
has been elevated to its present position since this lava flow occurred. This
has certainly as much the element of time in it as has the other, for we
may rest assured that mountains do not grow in a day, but that it took
long weary ages for the forces of nature to rear the majestic head of St
Helena to its present lofty position. If we had the exact altitude of this
shore line all the way along the range, we could, perhaps, come nearer to a
definite conclusion concerning the question of elevation of the range ; but
even that would not be proof positive, for this line might have formed at
different stages of the reeedence of the sea, or of the elevation of the
mountain at different places along the range. We started out with the
proposition that enough time had elapsed since the flowing of lava ceased
in this section, for all traces of the craters of the volcanoes to disappear
by the action of the corroding tooth of time, and we think that we have
proven it conclusively. Whatever else may have been brought out along
this line of thought, we are sure will not be without interest to the general
reader.
It is a matter of great interest to follow the course of a lava flow, and
trace out its various effects upon the rock it flows over. Of course, all
boulders and what meager soil there was then upon the top of the surface
or bed-rock was taken up by the stream, and we now find them incorporated
in one mass. It is no uncommon thing to see a jutting crag of what appears
to be a solid stone, which upon examination, proves to be only a conglomer-
ate mass of boulders cemented together with lava. At the place referred
to above, where a canon is terraced over with lava, near the Napa Soda
Springs, there is a very large boulder of Devonian stone incorporated in the
body of the lava, and in the face of the ten-ace. It is slowly going to
pieces by the action of the elements, while the lava around it remains almost
intact. There is a layer of soft volcanic ash on the under side of this
boulder, between it and the bed-rock on which the lava bed rests. The
interstices of this rock are filled with sulphur, which, when broken, show a
display of fine yellow crystals. The pieces of this boulder which have
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 15
been carried down the stream, show in strong contrast with the multitude
of the predominating lava boulders of the section.
Another point of interest is to study the line of union between
the lava and the underlying bed-rock. This line is well defined, and is
easily traceable along the face of a ledge, no matter how tortuous it may
be, and there is no mistaking one for the other, as they have nothing in
common, except here and there where small crevices occur in the bed-rock
which have been filled by the melted lava. At this terrace, mentioned in
the last paragraph, there is a fine chance to study this phase of the doings
of nature. Here, the bed-rock is a shale which was laid down in strata,
but the strata were warped and twisted about greatly before the lava rolled
down upon it. It is soft and crumbles down easily, at least on the surface
where it has been subjected to the action of the elements. Being much
softer than the lava above it, it was cut out much faster by the action of
the waves in the days of that old sea, and hence, quite good sized caves
have been formed. In places near this, the water has also hollowed out
caves in the very face of the lava.
It is a matter of interest also to note the different kinds of lava, or
rather the various forms it assumed, and the variety of colors which distin-
guish it. Beginning at the hardest form it assumes, probably basalt will
stand at the head of the list. It is hard, flinty, brittle, and withal very
durable, and is much used for paving streets or macadamizing roads. Trap
comes next in the scale — is a blackish-blue or a bluish-black rock, and is
only distinguished from basalt in that it is usually full of little nodules,
which look like small cobble stones incorporated in the body of the ledge.
Of basalt, we have not seen any very extensive ledges in Napa County,
though there are numerous boulders scattered almost all over its volcanic
regions, showing that it must abound in quarries somewhere. Of trap, we
have seen neither ledges nor boulders in any quantities to speak of. The
reader is referred to the geology of Lake County in this volume, for an
extended description of this particular species of lava. Both of these are
fine-grained and compact rocks, and all composed of the same material.
Next in the scale will come the coarse lava that is made up of differently
colored and composed parts, giving it an appearance of granite at a short
distance away. Some of this is good for building purposes, but the most
of it is unfit for use in any direction. Then comes the fine workino- white
lava, which makes splendid building material, such as is being used by Col.
J. P. Jackson, in the erection of the buildings of the Napa Soda Springs.
Then comes the soft, light, fibrous material, that is neither stone nor clay,
but a cross between the two. It is in this that the greatest display of
colors is to be found. It is often almost pure chrome, being yellow and red.
16 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The red ranges from carmine to dark blood, and many of the shades are
truly handsome.
Another effect of volcanic action, or rather lava flow, is to change the
character of the rocks over which it flows, so that their true character is no
longer discernible. Rocks thus changed are termed metamorphic ; that is(
rocks transformed or changed by heat from their original form or character.
We have now so fully gone over the ground in regard to the various
phases of volcanic action and its effects that it will be only necessary to
designate hereafter where the results of these agencies and phases may be
found. We have taken the section of the county which we have referred
to above to illustrate these phases with, because it was the most accessible ;
and should any one desire to verify the statements made, they could easily
find the location and see for themselves. Seeing is truly believing with
many.
We will now proceed to locate the various other sections of the county
where igneous or volcanic forces have been active in forming and moulding
the surface of the country. The eastern slope of the range of mountains
on the west side of Xapa Valley, is almost a counterpart of those on the
east, except that the lava deposit is not so heavy or so general. There is a
large amount of outcroppings of very old rock ; also, much metamorphic
rock. There are many boulders of a coarse sandstone which belongs to the
Tertiary period, but we do not know of any defined quarries. We had the
pleasure of giving the interior of the Oakville Quicksilver Mine a thorough
examination, in company with Professor William Denton, one of the most
renowned Geologists in the United States. We found that the ledge was of
a serpentine character, and that the wall rocks were of a metamorphic nature
and that they belonged to a very remote period. On the surface there were
evidences of a lava flow, but not so extended and not so recent as on the
eastern side of the valley.
Passing to the east side of the range of mountains lying on the east
of Napa Valley, we find that the whole face of the range is covered with
evidences of volcanic action. The terraces of lava and the shore line- arc
present in great profusion. Especially is this true for a few miles north of
where the road to Berryessa passes down the grade to the head of Capelle
Valley. Passing along north-westerly, we pass up to Chiles and Pope Val-
leys, and still the evidences of lava flows are present ; and so it continues
to the very summit of St Helena, as it is on the western slope of the same
range. The flow of the lava in the section was from west to east, or from
the summit to the base, as it had been on the other side of the ridge ; hence,
we are again led to believe that it emanated from craters in the chain.
We now come to a section of the county where the two elements, fire
and water, came into direct competition, as it were. Sand and limestone of
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 17
the Tertiary period are prominent features which extend to the eastern
limits of the county, and the peculiar thing about it is, that in all this sec-
tion the eastern slopes of the mountains are covered with scoria and ashes,
while the western slopes are covered with boulders of lime and sandstone.
Of these a full mention will be made a little further on. The range of
mountains between Pope and Berryessa Valleys shows volcanic action on
both sides of it to quite an extent, but it predominates on the eastern slope-
At Knoxville there is a very interesting study for the geologist. There the
lava flow extended over large fields of serpentine, which have been wrought
into all manner of fantastic shapes and contortions by the action of the
fiery floods that swept over it at some remote period. In many cases it
seemed to melt the serpentine, and when that substance became cooled, it
assumed much the appearance of melted glass. In other instances it resem-
bles the " slag" that comes from iron furnaces. Very. much more might be
said on this branch of our subject. Indeed, a volume could be written on
the geology of Napa County alone, by entering into all the intricate details
of the matter.
We will now pass to the aqueous agencies which have been at work in
shaping up the surface of the country. The work of these agencies are
not so obtrusive as those of fire, but are nevertheless wonderfully potent
factors in the grand scheme of making a world fit for the existence of man.
Most of the valleys have been changed greatly in shape and appearance by
the action of water, while many canons and gorges have been cut out
directly by it. The hills have been rounded, the mountains made shapely,
and the valleys filled with rich alluvium by it ! By it, sand and limestone
have been deposited in grand quarries, from which men now draw vast
sources of economical supplies. By the action of volcanic forces these
layers or strata of aqueous rock have been warped, twisted and changed
generally, until it is hard to designate them at times.
Let us take a glance at Napa County and see where we find the bodies
of aqueous rock. In the mountains west of Napa Valley there is much of
interest to be found in this connection. Here, at different points, may be
found rocks from all the geological periods. On Dry Creek, as stated
above, on one side the Devonian and Silurian rocks appear, while on the
other the Tertiary are to be seen. In many places there is a crust of lava
deposited on these rocks, but when this is pierced by the action of the
elements, road grades or shafts in mines, the underlying aqueous rocks
are discovered. They are mostly of a sandstone nature, although shale and
slate are not uncommon, and also a large amount of limestone is to be
found in this chain of mountains.
Crossing over to the east side of the Napa Valley we find that the lava
deposit is so heavy as to almost entirely hide from view all traces of the
2*
18 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
underlying aqueous rocks. The deep cuts in the grade up the western side
of St. Helena Mountain has exposed a considerable of this character of
rock, but that, and the place mentioned above as being just north of the
Napa Soda Springs, are the only places we have seen this side of the range.
The leads, veins, and ledges of the mines in the Calistoga mining district
are of course all the result of aqueous action, but they do not belong to
anj- general system of rocks, nor is there any means of deciding when this
action occurred.
Crossing over into Chiles Valley we find that the coating of lava ex-
tends to the very base of the mountains on the west side of the valley.
A small stream skirts along the edge of the mountains, which is the divid-
ing line between the igneous and the aqueous formations, and in its course it
carries along with it boulders, in about equal proportions, of both kinds.
The soil of the valley is argillaceous, showing that it has been made up
mostly from detritus from the aqueous rocks which lie in the eastern slope.
In this slope there is an entire absence of lava or igneous rock of any kind
whatsoever. The rock is a sandstone of the Tertiary period and rather fine
in texture, and the coloring matter is the peroxyd of iron, which does
not appear in any great quantities.
Passing southward from Col. Chiles' place we find that in the course of
a few miles the character of the soil changes, and a belt of adobe is found.
This soil is always the result of decomposed limestone, hence we know that
a bed of that stone'has been at one time in existence in that locality. A
little close observation reveals the fact that boulders of limestone are still
to be found here. Shale, slate and metamorphic rock have also been ex-
posed by this road grade.
Crossing the valley and passing by the school-house, on the way to the
place owned by Messrs. Priest, we come into a grand body of sandstone,
which extends to the summit of the divide. Here again we strike into a
coating of lava, resting on shale and sandstone. In the ridge to the east of
the Priest house there are some queer freaks of nature. The surface is
covered with lava and lava boulders, with here and there out-croppings and
ledges of serpentine, sandstone and metamorphic rocks. Some years ago,
during a quicksilver excitement in Napa County, some miners started a
tunnel into the eastern side of this ridge, but were obliged to abandon it
shortly, for after they had pierced the coating of serpentine and lava they
came into a great bed of sand, drift and boulders, which was so loose that it
could not be timbered up and made secure. It seems strange at first
thought that the top of a mountain should be composed of loose material
like that, but it was evidently covered over by the lava flow, and encased
inside of that substance when it cooled, and has so remained a prisoner to
the present day, and subsequent action has elevated it to its present alti-
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 19
tude. Quite a number of boulders of limestone are to be found near the
soda springs, on the Priest place, and the pecidiarity of it is that they are
found only in spots. The resultant soil — adobe — is also in spots, the body
of the soil being of decomposed lava and sandstone. Boulders of gypsum
are also found, and ledges of it are said to exist in that vicinity.
Passing northward we come into Pope Valley, which is divided into two
distinct sections by a low ridge or range of hills. This range is composed
of soft sandstone, with but very little lava. The slope of the mountains to
the east of the eastern section is composed chiefly of sandstone, with shale,
slate and limestone also. The grade to Walters Springs reveals much shale
and limestone. Along Pope Canon the lava flow has been immense in
places, but the underlying stratas of aqueous rocks are visible in many
places. A few rods to the north of Mr. Walter's house there is a ledge of
limestone, and it is the only one we saw in the valley, although the evi-
dences of the former existence of large bodies of limestone are visible on all
sides. From Mr. Walter's place northward to Mr. Philip Palmer's place,
and beyond that for some distance, the soil assumes the spotted character
alluded to above, being adobe and argellacious in turn, with occasional spots
of red soil, the result of the decomposition of volcanic matter.
At the iEtna Springs, and on up the valley to the west of them, the
whole of the surface of the country is covered with serpentine in massive
form, over which a flood of lava has flown and left its traces on every hand,
while underlying the serpentine is a large body of beautiful porphyry.
This extends to the summit of the range to the north, and the Phcenix and
Washington Quicksilver Mines are located in this belt. At the summit
there is an outcropping of a very ancient rock, probably of the Silurian
period. It is glassy and flinty, and very hard and durable. Strange to
say, as we pass down the northern slope of this range, we soon come into a
body of Tertiary sandstone which is coarse and not very compact. This
belt of sandstone continues down the mountain side, and up the opposite
range as high as the Oat Hill Mine, and even beyond that, attaining a much
greater elevation on this side of the canon than it does on the other. It is
worthy of remark, that this body of sandstone is uninterrupted from its
beginning on the south to the altitude of the Oat Hill Mine on the north
side of the canon, and that there are no evidences of lava or serpentine here,
and also that the range on the south side, where it begins, belongs to the
St. Helena group, while that in which the mine occurs on the north side is
a part of a separate system. The Oat Hill, or Napa Consolidated, and
Ivanhoe Quicksilver Mines occur in this belt of sandstone, and it is the only
place in the county where cinnabar occurs in a body of sandstone, and we
doubt if there is another such a phenomenon in the State of California or
the world. The canon spoken of above seems to have been cut right out
20 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
through this soft sandstone hy the waters of ages. It is possible that
gigantic water-falls have worked themselves along this valley in those early
days of floods and softer stone. Truly here is a wonderful field for the
student of nature.
Crossing over to Berryessa Valley we find that the eastern slope of the
mountains to the west of it, have been more or less overrun with lava, and
that the underlying rock is a body of sandstone, deposited probably much
earlier than the Tertiary, or else in a different epoch in that age, for it is of
a different nature from the other Tertiary sandstone in this vicinity, in that
it is very compact and rather fine-grained. Just north-west of Mr. Abraham
Clark's place there is some adobe, but not a great deal of it, showing that
there was once a limestone body there, but it was quite limited in its area.
Following this slope to the north as far as Knoxville, which is very near the
line of Lake County, we find the same general characteristics present.
Passing to the east side of the valley we come to the true Tertiary sand-
stone, and the great bluffs of it overlooking this valley from the east
present a grand appearance. The traveler along the highway comes to flat
stones or boulders of sandstone in the streams which put down from the
eastern range. Presently, as he advances to the northward they become
more abundant, and he says to himself that there must be a ledge of this
not far distant. Finally he comes upon the ledge, at least small sections of
it, which he is surprised to find standing on its edge in a nearly vertical
position. A good view of it in this position may be had on the creek
just north of Mr. Ward's house, on the road leading from Monticello to
Knoxville. There are hosts of other places all along this road where it is
exposed in almost all conceivable angles of dip. There is at this place a
great amount of deposit upon the sandstone, which thus stands on edge,
but it is all of a veiy recent period, there being no lava in it as a body.
Far away from here to the eastward rises the bold front of the Blue Ridge
range, the bald blufl's of which are formed of this sandstone. The deposit
was of course made in regular layers, and the whole body has been raised
up perpendicularly from the bottom of the sea, where it was made, to the
summit of a very high range of mountains, and the original conformation
of these strata have been but very slightly disturbed, and the lines of strati-
fication may be easily traced from the valley below, showing a slight dip
to the northward. It is evident that this body of stone started up right
from the bed of the Tertian sea, and probably before that period had passed
into the Post Tertiary, the mountains stood as high islands above that
ancient sea.
Passing on northward, until we come to the vicinity of Knoxville,
we find a limestone body, which is well filled with fossil shells, afford-
ing a fine field for the study of paleontology. A careful examination and
~S» |
^ Ujec/a^^p^
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 21
classification of these fossils would reveal the age in which they were de-
posited in the bottom of the sea and subsequently became a part of the
solid rock. It is stated that mollusks imbedded in this body of limestone
are of the same species as those of to-day. Such, however, is not the
truth. They evidently belong to the Tertiary age, which it will be remem-
bered embraced many molluski of the former ages, and also that the genera
of the present mollusks were in existence. In a boulder of limestone
picked up in Putah Creek, the writer discovered a spirifer, which genus
had its dawn away back in the Devonian period. This body of limestone
can be traced in a north-westerly course as far as Middletown, Lake
County, near which it is being successfully burned into lime, and is used
for all economical purposes to good advantage, it proving to be a good
quality of lime. Gypsum occurs in the southern end of Berryessa Valley,
but we have not seen the ledges, hence we do not know how extensive
they may be.
In the foregoing we have only given an outline of the geological fea-
tures of Napa County. A full and complete dissertation upon the subject
would require very much time and call for more space than we can devote
to the subject, and we think would not prove of any more interest to the
general reader than the cursory glance we have given them. As we have
referred in the foregoing to fire and water as the two great factors in the
upbuilding of worlds and the modification of the earth's surface, we will
append a few very notable examples of their workings in other parts of the
world, that the reader may get a just idea of the wonderful agencies that
have been at work on all these hills, and in all the broad and beautiful
valleys.
Taking the agency of fire first, we notice first that it operates through
volcanoes chiefly, and we find that these great fire mountains are distributed
throughout the world as follows : Twenty-four in Europe, eleven in Africa,
forty-six in Asia, one hundred and fourteen in America, and one hundred
and eight in Oceanica, two-thirds of the latter being situated on islands. It
will thus be seen that in America there are over one-third of all the vol-
canoes in the world. We will now notice the results of the activity of some
of the most prominent of these in different parts of the earth. Previous
to A. D. 63, Vesuvius was regarded only as an ordinary mountain, just as
we now regard St. Helena or Diablo. None but students of nature ever
dreamed of the grand old monarch as a slumbering volcano that might burst
forth with such wonderful and devastating effect, or that in days gone by
and long since forgotten it had sent forth immense floods of molten lava
and showers of ashes and stones.
Its sides were adorned with fertile fields, and date trees grew in rank
luxuriance upon the very rim of the crater. Large cities flourished at its
22 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
base, whose people followed the avocations of life with never a single
thought of the doom that awaited them. In the year 63 the inhabitants
were startled by an earthquake, and they followed from time to time till
the fatal day. In the year A. D. 79, the great drama culminated in one
grand act which swept out of existence three large cities, with quite a per-
centage of their inhabitants, devastated beautiful fields, and blasted the
bright hopes of a whole nation at one fell swoop. The sun came up out of
the east that fatal morning with as smiling a face as he ever deigned to
show to any land. Presently dark columns of smoke and ash-laden vapor
began to burst from the crater, in the midst of which the lightnings flashed
their forked tongues in a revelry of grim delight. The air was ominously
quiet and oppressive, and seemed burdened with the awful solemnity of the
great event that was about to occur. Finally, the first shower of ashes de-
scended upon the ill-fated cities, light and feathery as the gentle falling
snow. This was followed by stones, scoria, and the accumulated debris of
the crater ; and ere the people could escape even with their lives, the cities
were buried deep beneath the accumulated mass of volcanic mattei-. Thus
perished in a day the beautiful cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae.
Strange as it may seem, the very legends of the land failed to retain a
trace of the fact that these cities had ever existed. An idea of how little
diffused was the general knowledge of history in those days, may be had
from the fact that the younger Plin}7, who was present at this time, and
escaped, wrote an epistle in which a very minute description of the event
was recorded ; still, it was not read enough to keep in remembrance the cir-
cumstance by the people who followed as residents of the land. It is read
now more generally in the Latin, a dead language, that it was then when
the tongue was still common in the land. For seventeen long centuries,
almost the duration of the Christian Era, these cities remained undisturbed
in the silence of death, and forgotten. Other people had become possessed
of the land. Again the fields bloomed with cultivation, and the fruits of
industry were to be seen on every hand. Cities thrived and wei'e blotted
out again upon the site of the first. Resina was constructed upon the very
site of Herculaneum, and in 1631, an eruption destroyed it as completely as
did the former one destroy the former cities. In 1713, workmen who were
sinking a well, came upon the theatre of Herculaneum, at a depth of about
one hundred feet. Pompeii was not discovered till 1750, when a fanner ran
his ploughshare against some of the walls of the highest buildings. It was
covered as a whole, less than twenty feet deep. Extensive excavations have
since been made, and much of the city restored to its former condition.
From that time to this, this volcano has been in more or less activity.
In 1794, the lava from it overflowed Torre del Greco, filling the streets
and destroying four hundred people. It is estimated that twenty-two
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 23
million cubic yards of lava were thrown out at this time. In 1822, the
crater was cleared of all accumulated material and a gulf was found more
than one thousand feet deep, and three-fourths of a mile in diameter ; and
eight hundred feet of the top of the mountain was carried away.
JCtna, in the island of Sicily, is eleven thousand feet high and ninety
miles in circumference. In 1669 the lava from this volcano overrun fourteen
towns and villages before it reached Catania, whose walls had been raised
to a height of sixty feet as a protection to the molten floods from this moun-
tain. Here the lava collected till it rose above the height of the wall and
poured in a fiery flood upon the city. The traveler may now see the solid
lava curling over the top of the rampart as if still in the act of falling. It
then proceeded in a stream forty feet deep and eighteen hundred feet wide,
until it entered the sea. During this eruption a fissure six feet wide and of
unknown depth, opened in the mountain to the distance of twelve miles.
In 1750-60 Jorullo, in Mexico, experienced a violent eruption, and six
volcanic cones were formed in the district of country where before had been
fields of sugar cane and indigo. Forty years later Humboldt, the renowned
traveler and naturalist, found this lava to be so hot that it would char a stick
thrust into it ; some adequate idea of the great heat of this matter can thus
be attained.
In 1783 Skapter Jokul, in Iceland, sent forth two streams of lava which
flowed in opposite directions. One of these streams was fifty miles long
and twelve broad, while the other was forty miles long and seven broad,
each averaging one hundred feet in depth. The eruption continued for two
years and destroyed twenty villages and nine thousand people.
In 1815 a violent eruption, occurred on the island of Sumbawa, at which
time the explosions were heard nearly one thousand miles away, and the
falling ashes crushed houses forty miles distant. The ashes filled the air so
densely in Java, that it was totally dark at midday, and floating cinders
covered the sea west of Sumatra, so that vessels were retarded seriously in
their course. The lava flowed over the land and entered the sea ; whirl-
winds swept over the island tearing up trees and bearing off men, horses
and cattle. Of twelve thousand inhabitants, only twenty-six persons sur-
vived the awful catastrophe.
The most remarkable eruptions of the present century have occurred
upon the island of Hawaii, in the Pacific Ocean, from Mauna Loa, and the
craters upon its sides. This volcano is thirteen thousand seven hundred and
sixty feet high. Kilauea, nine thousand seven hundred and ninety feet
below its summit, is a crater sixteen thousand feet long, seven thousand five
hundred feet wide, and one thousand feet deep. In 1823 a stream of lava
issued from this crater, between four and five miles wide, and it is estimated
that twenty-seven million cubic feet was ejected at this time.
24 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa
In 184*0 there was another grand eruption from this crater. The lava
had gradually raised some four hundred or five hundred feet above its
wonted level, and its bosom was raging like an ocean lashed into a fury by
a tempest. At length, on the first day of June of that year, the lava made
its way through subterranean fissures several miles below the true crater.
Then it started on its relentless march down to the sea, sweeping forest, ham-
let, plantation and everything before it with resistless energy. When it
reached the ocean it leaped over a precipice forty or fifty feet high, and
poured in one vast cataract of fire into the deep below, falling with loud
detonations, fearful hissings and a thousand unearthly and indescribable
sounds. Imagine for a moment to yourself a river of fused minerals, of the
breadth and depth of Niagara, and of gory red, falling in one emblazoned
sheet, one raging torrent, into the ocean '
The atmosphere in all directions was filled with ashes, spray and gases,
while the burning lava, as it fell into the water, was shivered into millions
of minute particles. The coast was extended into the sea a quarter of a
mile at this time. For three weeks this terrific river disgorged itself into
the sea, heating the water for twenty miles along the coast, and destroying
multitudes of fishes. The breadth of the stream, where it fell into the sea,
was about half a mile, but inland it varied from one to four miles, conform-
ing, like a river of water, to the face of the country over which it passed.
It varied in depth from ten to two hundred feet, according to the inequali-
ties of the surface, and the whole length of the stream was forty miles.
During the flow night was converted into day, the light being seen
over one hundred miles at sea, and the finest of print could be read forty
miles away at midnight. According to Prof. J. D. Dana, 15,400,000,000
cubic feet of matter flowed from Kilauea at this eruption — a mass equal to
a triangular ridge eight hundred feet high, two miles long, and one mile
wide at its base.
And so we might go on and enumerate thousands of recorded instances
of volcanic action, but enough have been given to show the reader the
grand and wonderful power that lies hidden somewhere in the bowels of
the earth, and which from time to time exerts itself in this manner. The
reader will also get some idea of what may be done by volcanic action, and
when he looks upon the lava-covered hills and mountains of Napa County
he can see that, while this action has been great here, it has been as nothing
compared with many other places in the world. It is recorded that one
single eruption of Skapter Jokul, mentioned above, would cover an area
thirty miles square to a depth of one hundred feet. Napa County is not
much larger than that.
The other grand agent in changing and modifying the surface of the
earth is water, and we will give the reader some idea of the importance
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 25
and activity of this factor. Improbable as it may seem, the falling of
rain upon the rocks of the mountain sides continually wears them away,
until eventually they are changed much in appearance and size. As
the rain-drop descends through the atmosphere it becomes impreg-
nated with carbonic acid, which is able to decompose many kinds of rock,
especially those of a calcareous nature. Frost is a powerful modifying
agent. Water finds its way into the fissures of the rocks, where it freezes
and rends them asunder, often sending the loosened fragments headlong
into the valley below, where they are taken up by the torrents of mountain
streams, and eventually find their way to the river bed as smooth and nicely
rounded boulders. On the top of St. Helena there is a great pile of
broken fragments of stone, which very much resembles a dump pile of a
mine, which has been formed by this agency alone. The rock was origi-
nally deposited in strata, and projected as a great peak on the summit of
the mountain. The water permeated between the strata, and the cold tem-
perature of the summit did the balance of the work. The rock was forced
off in fragments just as deep as the water had gone.
Springs produce rapid and remarkable changes by depositing the sub-
stances held in solution by them, such as lime, iron, soda, silica and
magnesia, thus forming beds of calcareous tufea, bog iron ore, and serpen-
tine. Every one is familiar with the sediment that is deposited by the
mineral springs in Napa and Lake Counties. The heaviest deposit made by
any springs in these two counties is to be seen at the soda springs on the
ranch of Messrs. Priest. There a plateau of over an acre has been formed,
varying in depth from a few feet to fifty, and the formation extends down
the stream in which the water flows, for a distance of over a mile. In So-
lano County, at Tolenas Springs, a few miles north of Suisun, a fine body
of white onyx has been deposited.
Rivers cut channels in the superficial accumulations, and through the
solid rocks, and transport loose matei'ial to the valleys below, and into the
water basins, and what is true of rivers may be said of all streams of
water, no matter how small they may be. Every mountain brook, during
flood seasons, bears with it much of the substance along its banks down
into the streams of the valleys, and they in turn take it up and bear it to
the rivers, and they to the bays. An estimate of the greatness of this
action may be had when we state that a large portion of Louisiana has
been brought down the Mississippi River, and the land is still advancing
into the Gulf of Mexico, it being estimated that 28,000,000,000 cubic feet
is annually carried down by this river and deposited at its mouth.
The Amazon is so charged with sediment that its waters can be de-
tected by their discoloration three hundred miles from its mouth. The
Nile has formed vast deltas at its mouth, and there is qood evidence that
26 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
nearly all of Egypt lias been formed in this manner by that river. The
Ganges carries such vast quantities of sediment and detritus to the sea
during the four months of its flood season, that it would require a fleet of
eighty vessels, each freighted with one thousand four hundred tons of mud,
to sail by a given point every hour of the day and night, to carry an amount
equal to it, and during the entire year there is an amount equal to 20,000,-
000,000 cubic feet deposited at its mouth. Can the human mind grasp
even an idea of such vast sums ? Indeed, it cannot ; and yet, this is
only really a fraction of the amount that is being transported from
the mountains, hills and dales of the whole earth, to the mighty and
capacious maws of old Mother Ocean. Would we see near at home this
action and its result, we have only to look at the Sacramento River
and its tributaries. There was a time when the American River de-
bouched into the bay ; but now the mouth of the Sacramento River is forty
or fifty miles to the south of it. The San Joaquin River once had its
mouth far up, near the site of Stockton, or even above that. All that sec-
tion of country now designated as " tule lands," embraced in Sherman,
Union, Andrus, Staten, Grand, Schoolcraft and Brannan Islands, was once
covered with a deep body of water, and it has only been raised to its present
altitude by long and continued depositions of sediment by the streams which
empty into it. Of these Cache and Putah Creeks have played no small part;
and much of the matter that is now lying in the substratums of Schoolcraft
Island were once a portion of the mountains of Napa and Lake Counties.
Tule and other vegetable matter have been found at a depth of eighty
and one hundred feet in the locality of Georgetown, Sacramento County,
and on Dr. Ziele's place, at the lower end of Brannan Island. This action
was comparatively slow and it must have consumed a vast age of time to
accomplish it. But since the advent of the white man, especially the
Americans, the work has gone on very rapidly. The hardy miner has aided
in the matter very materially, and almost in the third of a century the
streams have been all filled up, and the Bay is having great encroachments
made upon it. In 1850 quite large steamers plied with ease as high up the
Feather River as Marysville, while now only light draught steamers are able
to reach it during the flood season. Then steamers went up the Sacramento
to Red Bluff, and now when a small launch reaches the place it is a matter
of rejoicing and cannon are fired, and the citizens turn out en masse to see
it. As late as 1852 the water was over fifty feet deep in the Sacramento
River for some distance below the State Capital, and such ocean steamers as
the " Senator," made the trip from there to San Francisco with ease, while at
the present time only very light draught stem-wheel steamers are able to
keep above the sand bars.
Coming nearer home, we find an excellent example in the Napa River.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 27
All the tule land that lies between the city and the bay was formed by this
agency. It is not improbable that the Bay of Napa was once a handsome
sheet of water, reaching from the present line of the railroad on the east
to the foothills on the west, and extending north to the present site of
Napa City, or even further. Since the advent of agricultural pursuits in
Napa County, this action has progressed very rapidly. Who that has seen
the Napa River in a time of flood can doubt as to the amount of sediment
borne by it to the bay below. The sti-eets of Napa City attest to that fact
after every overflow.
Waves produce geological changes, and the fact can be seen on any of
the mountain sides of Napa, where the traces of their action have not been
obliterated by subsequent action. The shore line spoken of above, which is
to be seen in the western slope of the range to the east of Napa Valley
attests this fact. In many places small caves have been hollowed out, and
at' one place, near the Crystal Springs Hotel, north-east of the town of St.
Helena a few miles, there is a cave over eighty feet in length, in a strataum
of clay and shale. Along the present shore line of the Pacific many such
places can be found, and are designated by the term " blow-holes." Near
Mendocino City there is one so large that a schooner once went into it
with one man on board, and neither man or vessel were ever seen or heard
from afterwards. How extensive these cavities are is unknown, but they
have been explored for the distance of a mile. Near Cahto, in Mendocino
County, over forty miles distant from the ocean, and over a high range of
mountains, there are some mud springs which ebb and flow with the tide,
and it is thought that there is a possibility of these springs being connected
with the Pacific by means of one of these " blow-holes." Thus it will be
seen that the great agencies of the world have been busily at work in Napa
County as elsewhere.
Passing from the general to the special geological features of Napa
County, we will name and describe the various metals and minerals to be
found within its borders.
Metals.- — Metals are found either native or in the state of ores, the
former being pure or simply mixed, but not chemically combined, with
some other substance, while the latter is chemically combined with
foreign matter. Metals occur in layers or beds, in veins intersecting the
rocks, or disseminated through them in grains and crystals. They are
only found in the two last forms in Napa County.
Iron. — This metal is found native only in meteorites — those wonderful
bodies which occasionally fall to our earth — hence we need not expect to
find it in any quantities here. Iron, as an ore, does not occur in any great
28 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
bodies in the county, but in its several forms is very generally dissemi-
nated over the surface of the country. It is the oxyd of iron which gives
to the rocks, lava, and soils their reddish color, and the protoxyd which
gives to all mineral substances their yellowish color. Chromate of iron
is an ore of a dark brown color, and is usually found in serpentine.
Persons familiar with this latter substance will remember that it bears a
large percentage of chromate in this county. Iron pyrites, or sulphuret of
iron, is the most common of all the ores, except the oxyds, and is diffused
throughout all the minerals and rocks of the county. It is better known
as " Fool's Gold," from its yellow color and close resemblance to free gold.
Manganese. — This metal occurs in small quantities in certain sections
of Napa County. Its presence is detected by the color of the water that
has flowed over it after a rain, rather than by its appearance in bodies.
Tin. — Tin ore, or the oxyd of tin, is said to exist in small quantities at
the lower end of Chiles Valley, and a man has a large amount of work
done on a tin ledge in that locality ; but he has not yet developed the
fact to the satisfaction of his neighbors that the metal exists in quantities
sufficient to pay for working. That some tin is in the ledge, they all
believe.
Silver. — This metal occurs in three forms in Napa County — native,
chlorides, and sulphurets. In its native form, it is found in union with
gold ; as a chloride, it appears in black streaks in the substance through
which it is disseminated, and as a sulphuret, it occurs in flaky-appearing
spots or specks in the quartz in which it is incorporated. In all the mines
in the vicinity of Calistoga, it is found in some one of these forms, and
often, and indeed, generally, in all three.
Gold. — Gold occurs in union with silver in all the silver mines in the
county, and in quite large quantities. It does not occur free, however, as a
rule, and but few ledges have been discovered where it is so found.
Quicksilver. — This metal is found in greater or less quantities all over
the northern portion of the county, the principal lodes extending from
south-east to north-west. The ore on which the Redington Mine is situated
extends as far north as the Sulphur Bank in Lake County. The ore on
which the Ivanhoe and Oat Hill Mines are situated extends as far north as
the Great Western, the Great Eastern lying between the two. The ledge
on which the Pho?nix and Washington are located, extends to the top of St.
Helena Mountain, while the Oakville is located on the west side of Napa
Valley, and that lode extends well into Sonoma County. When we speak
of a lode extending to such and such points we do not mean to say that a
mine can be opened at any and all points along the line, but that the same
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 29
general systems of rocks and minerals extend over the designated territory.
Cinnabar is the form in which this metal usually occurs, and is composed
of 81 f grains of quicksilver to 18 \ grains of sulphur. It does not usually
occur free, but there are a few instances where it does. It usually occurs
in veins of soft talcose rock, and in serpentine districts, but the Ivanhoe
and Oat Hill are exceptions, for in them it often occurs associated with
sandstone, and so closely that it can not be detected until a metallic sub-
stance has been rubbed harshly against it, when the cinnabar is seen by the
red streak left upon the rock.
Minerals. — We will now pass to the consideration of the minerals
that are to be found in Napa County.
Quartz. — Quartz or silica is the most widely diffused of all the minerals
which go to make up the surface of the earth. It is found of every shade
of color, owing to the readiness with which it combines with other sub-
stances. Beautiful specimens of quartz crystals are to be found in all the
mining section around and above Calistoga, and those taken from the Sil-
verado Mine, referred to above, are among the choicest to be found in
California.
Feldspar. — This substance enters largely into the composition of the
earth's crust, and differs from quartz in having a regular cleavage, a pearly
luster, and in being somewhat softer than the latter. When this mineral
is decomposed it forms a clay called kaolin, much used in the manufacture
of pottery. Common brick clay is impure, decomposed feldspar, and the
color is due to the oxyd of iron in the clay. There are several localities
where brick clay, as well as potter's, is found in Napa County.
Limestone. — This very valuable mineral occurs in Napa County in quite
extended quantities and in many localities. A ledge of it extends from the
northern end of Berryessa Valley, across the upper end of Pope Valley, and
thence into Lake County. Some of this will burn to good advantage, the re-
sult being a fair quality of quick-lime. There seems to be an impression
that a rock is not limestone unless it will burn and make lime. Such an
idea will mislead any one, for there are large bodies of true limestone which
will not make lime at all. Limestone is the carbonate of lime.
Gypsum. — The sulphate of lime occurs in several localities in Napa
County, beginning at the lower end of Berryessa Valley and extending
across the range to the lower end of Chiles Valley. It is a firm, solid,
heavy rock, and easily acquires quite a polish, and as readily loses it when
exposed to the action of the atmosphere.
Hornblende. — This is a tough mineral, generally dark colored, and occurs
everywhere in rocks of volcanic origin, and in some of the older slates and
30 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in syenite. It is found in small quantities in Napa County in connection
with serpentine.
Talc. — This is the softest mineral given in the scale of hardness, and
has an unctious or oily feeling. It is in talcose rock, mostly, that cinnabar
is found, hence it can be seen in any of the quicksilver mines in the county,
except, perhaps, the Oakville.
Serpentine. — This occurs in its massive form in many sections of Napa
County, especially near Knoxville, and the Phoenix Mine. It is a grayish
color, and may be easily discerned by the smooth, almost oily surface of it.
It is mottled by the chromate of iron. None of the finer varieties, such as
verd-antique, are met with here.
Shale. — Shale occurs in large quantities in Napa County, and may be
seen in most of the road cuts along the mountain sides, notably in the grade
up St. Helena. It is formed from clay, which is hardened into rock by
pressure and chemical action, together with a species of crystalization which
occurs in the mineral base of the clay. Silicious shale is the most common,
if not the only kind to be found in Napa County.
Sulphur. — This substance is to be found everywhere in Napa County
in composition with other minerals, and in many of the springs of the
county, notably the White Sulphur, near St. Helena, and the Hot Springs
at Calistoga.
Soda, — This mineral, in the form of carbonates, sulphates and chlorides,
is to be found in connection with the waters of many springs in the county,
such as the Napa Soda and the Walter Springs.
Ammonia. — This substance is developed in large quantities in the pro-
cess of reducing the ores of the Oat Hill Mines.
Goal. — Coal of a good quality has been found in Browns Valley, the
vein being four and a half feet thick, but for some cause it has never been
advantageously worked. It is not a true coal, however, but is brown or
lignitic, and not well adapted to economical purposes. It is sometimes
stated that the coal of this State, and, in fact, all coal, is the product of
petroleum — that is, asphaltum hardened into the condition in which it now
appears — but such is not the case. There has only been, so far, one locality
discovered where such a coal occurs, and that is in Albert County, Canada,
and the coal is known as Albertite.
Petroleum. — This very useful substance occurs almost all over Napa
County in greater or less quantities, being present in all the mineral springs
and in many of the pure water springs. On Mr. Cutler's place, north-west
of Napa City a short distance, there is quite a considerable quantity of it to
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 31
be found, and Professor Denton visited the locality and gave it a careful
examination, and pronounced the showing good for a paying yield. Pro-
fessor Denton's theory of the source of petroleum will not be without inte-
rest to the readers of our work in this connection. It has always been a
mooted question as to what was the true origin of petroleum, many holding
that it was the oil of those monster animals which infested the earth during
the Carboniferous and subsequent ages of the world. Others held that it
was the product of coal, and was closely allied thereto, having been driven
out of the coal beds by the force of pressure and heat. Then there were a
number of other ideas not worthy of record here, but interesting only as
adornments to the great curiosity shop of the theories and vagaries of man-
kind. The Professor's solution of the problem is, that the oil is a deposit
made by a species of coral insect which existed in the Silurian and Devonian
seas, and known as the favosite. They constructed their coral in the shape
and style of a honey-comb, and filled the cells with an oily substance. In
the course of time other ages deposited their formations upon these beds of
coral, and the weight of superincumbent matter crushed these cells and lib-
erated the oil. The limestones of the Devonian and Sub-Carboniferous
periods were not porous enough to retain the oily matter, nor were the
coal fields of the Carboniferous age. The Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous
systems all contain rocks too compact to retain the oil, though it is probable
that it remained in the sandstones of them all until crushed out by the
weight of the upper layers of the earth's structure. In the Tertiary the
sandstone is coarse and porous, and well adapted to receive the oil, and as
there has not been such a great amount of matter deposited upon this
formation, it is there that it is to be found. In substantiation of the asser-
tion that the oil was formed by the favosites, the Professor states that he
has often found the cells of this insect filled with the pure oil in Pennsyl-
vania and West Virginia. It is evident that the oil came from somewhere,
and that it was formed by some law of nature, and the thing to do is to
decide what is the most feasible theory. The above seems to be that theory,
and we incline to believe in its truthfulness, but leave our readers to believe
whatsoever may seem best to them.
Basalt and Trap. — Passing into the realm of volcanic action, we find
basalt and trap rock as the two best representatives of these rocks. They
are hard, compact, and basalt is well adapted to the uses of man. They
occur in greater or less quantities all over Napa County.
Tufa and Scoria. — These substances, which result from volcanic action,
are found scattered all over the face of Napa County in rank profusion.
They are useless in an economic view.
Obsidian. — This is another volcanic substance, and resembles bottle glass
32 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
very much. A mountain of it exists north-east of St. Helena. It was used
extensively by the Indians in the manufacture of arrow and spear heads.
SPRINGS. — Napa County is noted far and wide for the abundance and
variety of the Springs within its limits, they being both mineral and pure,
cold and thermal. From every mountain side beautiful streams of water
gush forth and find their way to the nearest brooklet, where their united
rivulets form into a beautiful babbling stream, that sings a merry song as it
dances over the pebbly bed, or leaps like a merry-hearted school girl, from
rock to rock, in its gleeful chase to the valley below. The water from these
springs is soft, pure and sweet, and it is truly a delight to quench one's
thirst with the pearly draught. The flow of these springs vary from a few
gallons to enormous quantities per day. The water is very useful for the
purpose of irrigation, and is much used for that.
The mineral springs of Napa County are worthy an extended notice, and
the reader is referred to the Township histories, where full and complete
sketches will be found of them all; but here only an outline will be given.
These springs are divided into two general classes, thermal and cold, and
the hot sulphur springs at Calistoga, and the ^Etna Springs afford fine
illustrations of the former, while the Napa Soda and Walter's Springs
represent the latter. Soda, iron, sulphur and magnesia, are the principal
minerals contained in all these springs, their peculiarities existing only on
account of the amount of each in the individual springs.
TIMBER. — While Napa County is not pre-eminently a timbered section,
yet almost all varieties of wood that are indigenious to this section of Cal-
ifornia may be found within its limits.
As many of the conifer xe which grow in California are represented in
Napa County, we append the following list, more as a matter of reference
than anything else, feeling that it will serve a good purpose for all of our
readers who are at all observing of the different trees which grow in their
county : —
1. Picea nobilis, a magnificent tree, growing up to two hundred feet in
height, flourishing principally in the Shasta Mountains. It has dark green
leaves, which appear silvery underneath. It yields excellent timber, and is
cultivated largely in Europe for ornamental purposes, being grown there
from the seed.
2. Picea amabilis, a similar tree, growing especially near Truckee, where
large forests of them exist, called by lumbermen red fir ; it has, however,
different cones and lighter foliage than the fir.
3. Picea grand is, a fine tree, rising up to two hundred feet in height,
called by lumbermen white or balsam fir. The lumber is, however, not
%phy, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 33
much esteemed, being soft and coarse-grained ; but it is exceedingly hand-
some as an ornamental tree.
4. Picea cracteata, perhaps the handsomest of all conifers. It is found
growing in the Santa Lucia Mountains, Monterey and San Luis Obispo
Counties. It is a tree of surpassing beauty, and highly esteemed in England,
where young trees of this species are growing. The seed is extremely
valuable, on account of the fact that many years pass by before the cones
become perfect and produce seeds capable of germination. There is in San
Luis Obispo County a grove of one hundred of these trees, worth a trip any
time to see. Nowhere else are many found. Unless this grove is protected
'it will soon become extinct, as no young trees are growing in it. The tree
would seem to have ceased to reproduce itself here. It must have aid and
protection. No one has laid eyes on the handsomest cone-bearer who has
not been so fortunate as to look up at the Picea cracteata, the beautiful
tree, as they call it in Europe, where they consider it a rare gem.
5. Abies Douglasii, a most valuable tree of California, growing easily in
almost any soil, excellent for timber, and found largely in Northern Cali-
fornia and north to British Columbia.
6. Abies Menziesii, and seventh, Abies Williamsonii, grow chiefly in
northern California. The lumber is used only for rough purposes, and is
not very valuable. The first four are of the true firs, while the fifth, sixth,
and seventh are the spruces of the coast.
8. Pinus Lambertiana, the sugar-pine, the grandest tree of the country
cultivated in northern Europe now, largely because of its excellent timber
qualities, and most of the growth there is from seeds sent from here,
especially from British Columbia, and by the Hudson Bay Company during
the last twenty-five years.
9. Pinus Jeffreyii, a beautiful pine growing especially thick near Carson,
Nevada. It is esteemed highly in Europe because of its foliage, its usefulness
for lumber, and its applicability for ornamentation, and because it will grow
upon the meanest soil. It reaches an average height of one hundred and
fifty feet. It is one of the hardiest of evergreens It has large cones, with
pyramidal hooked scales.
10. Pinus Gonlteri, found only in the Coast Range ; rises about sixty or
seventy feet; distinguished as having the heaviest cones of any of the
family of conifers.
11. Pinus Manchesteri, named after the Duke of Manchester, who dis-
covered it in the Yosemite Valley. Botanists believe it to be only a variety
of Pinus ponclerosa. It has, however, larger cones.
12. Pinus tuberculata, a small evergreen found mainly in the Shasta
Mountains. The cones do not, often, open for years, and in order to get out
34 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the seeds a high degree of heat has to be applied, such are the resinous
qualities of the cone.
13. Pinus insignis, the Monterey pine, one of the handsomest of the
whole species. It has beautiful light green foliage, which is too tender for
Europe, where it fails under cultivation.
14. Pinus ponderosa, or heavy wooded pine. It is the pitch-pine of the
mountains above the altitude of four thousand feet.
15. Pinus monticola, grows at an altitude of from six thousand to eight
thousand feet. It is a tall and erect sugar pine, and is used largely for
railroad ties because of its durability.
16. Pinus aristata, grows rarely in California. It is called the awned-
cone pine. Some of the trees are to be found near the Calaveras Grove.
It reaches fifty or sixty feet in height.
17. Pinus eoncorta, an exceedingly tough wood, and does not rot. It
has recently been introduced into Europe. Douglas found it on swamp
ground on this coast, near the ocean. It is found in many northern parts
of the continent. It is very hardy.
18. Pinus edulis, a small tree found largely in the lower country, and
yielding edible nuts.
19. Sequoia gigantea, the big trees of California. Its synonym is
Wellingtonia gigantea, and it is also known as Washingtonia gigantea,
The cones are described as about two inches long, ovate, terminal, solitary,
and with numerous prickled stipitate scales. The honor of the discovery of
the great trees is in dispute, as is also the derivation of the name sequoia.
20. Sequoia semperviren. This is the half-brother of that last named,
and is the redwTood tree of the coast.
21. Libocedrus decurrens is the California white cedar. The trees grow
very large, reaching a height of two hundred feet. It is excellent timber
for use underground. Many of the trees are affected by dry-rot.
22. Cujiressus fragrans, or the fragrant cypress. It grows principally
in Oregon, and is there called the ginger pine, because of its aromatic flavor.
It is a fine wood, and is used largely in the best furniture in Oregon.
Of the conifeiw mentioned in the above list, let us see what ones are
indigenous to Napa County. Beginning with the coast or common red-
wood (Sequoia semperuirens) , we find that it grows all along the range of
mountains west of Napa Valley, and also on Howell Mountain. It would
seem a little strange that this tree should be found on the mountains of
the Mayacamas range south of Mount St. Helena, and not north of it. In
an early day there was quite an amount of milling done among the
redwoods of this county, especially in the cafion above Dr. Hitchcock's
place, where there were no less than three sawmills.
The next coniferce in importance is the yellow fir (Abies WiUiamsonii),
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 35
which is found all over Napa County in greater or less quantities. It makes
excellent lumber, and several mills have been engaged chiefly in working
this timber. It is used very extensively, also, in timbering up mines. It
grows tall and straight, and makes a beautiful tree.
A congener, white fir (Pieea grandis), grows sparsely in Napa County.
It is, however, a much more beautiful tree than the red fir, growing lithe
and straight to a lofty height, and having a fine, smooth, light-colored
bark, not so very dissimilar to the ash. The stranger would choose it every
time in preference to the red fir, for economical purposes, but great would
be his surprise to find at the end of a year that his beatiful tree was
nought but ashes, as it were, that length of time being sufficient to almost
entirely rot the whole body of the tree. H»3rVw3o
Another congener is the red fir (Picea amabilis), commonly known by
the name of Oregon pine, but which is really not a pine at all. This is not
so generally spread over the county as either of the other two brothers,
and is not considered as good lumber here as it is farther north, although it
is prized for its toughness, but not for its durability or fineness of grain,
in both of which qualities it is sadly lacking.
Of the remaining coniferce the sugar pine (Pinus Lambertiana) is by
far the most important, and is in fact the only kind of pine that can be
used at all for economic purposes. It is the choicest of all soft woods
which grow upon the Pacific Slope. Its fiber is compact, and its grain fine,
while it works very easily, and beyond the fault of " season checking " is
altogether a desirable lumber. It is used principally for doors, sash, blinds,
counters, shelving, and similar purposes. While it does not grow to any
extent in Napa County, some good trees of it have been found on Mount
St. Helena, and in that vicinity.
The California white cedar {Libocedrus decwrens), is found quite ex-
tensively scattered over the surface of Napa County, though it is getting
much scarcer than in the earlier days of the county. It is a beautiful tree,
growing to a good height, with stately proportions. It was much sought
after by the early settlers from the fact that it worked so easily.
The last coniferw that we shall mention as being indigenous to Napa
County is the heavy coned pine, commonly known as the " Digger " or
" bull pine " (Pinus Coulter i). It is a scraggy, worthlesss tree, and is fit
for nothing except kindling wood or cheap firewood. Its cones are very
large, and contain large quantities of nuts, which in olden times the In-
dians used to relish very much, hence the name " Digger Pine." There is
a great amount of pitch in the cones, and the Indians would build a fire
and hold them over it till the pitch was melted and the nuts thus released.
These cones are now the delight of the camping party in the mountains,
and many happy hours are spent in the early night aro.und the cheerful and
high blazing fire which they are famous for making.
36 History of Napa and Lake Cotmties — Napa.
Of the other varieties of trees which grow in >»apa the chestnut oak
(Quercus densirlcn-a), is the most important, as it is from this tree that the
tan-hark is derived. Quite large bodies of it grow in the mountains in the
upper end of the county, and large quantities of bark are exported an-
nually. The wood is good for fuel only.
The laurel (Oreodaphne OalifarnUsa) is a wood much prized for veneer-
ing and ornamental purposes, and some very fine trees of it are to be found
in Napa County, it being pretty generally distributed all over this section
of the State.
The live oak (Querent tnrens) is the most numerous of any of the oaks
which grow in Napa County, but its chief use is for firewood. It is con-
sidered the best wood for fuel that grows upon the coast, and always com-
mands the highest prices in the markets where it is offered for sale. It is
to be found on all the mountain sides in the county. There are several
other varieties of oak, such as the black, white, valley, etc., in the county,
but none are of any importance except for firewood, and some of them are
not to be praised very much for even this purpose.
Probably the widest diffused tree and of the least value in Napa County
is the madrona (Arbutus Mmziesii). It is to be found in all the moun-
tains, and the traveler becomes so accustomed to seeing its face that he
really falls in love with it.
Quite a considerable alder (Alnus) grows along the streams of the
county, and is useful for nothing except light, summer firewood. There is
occasionally a white ash (Fraxinus alba) and rarely a white poplar (Popu-
lus alba) growing on the mountain sides, but not in any bodies.
Passing from trees to shrubs we find the manzanita growing everywhere
in the mountains, its bright red bark and deep green leaves contrasting
beautifully, and producing a charming effect on the landscape. Here and
there, in clumps and clusters, the buckeye (jEscvZus porta) grows all over
the county, and in time of blooming they make the air redolent with rich
perfume. Another shrub, which is the chief of all the flowering shrubs in
the county, is the azalea, which is found along the banks of almost all the
mountain streams. It is a member of the rhododendron family, and its
flower is white. During the time of its first fresh blooming it presents a
very handsome appearance, the flowers being almost as pure and wax-look -
in<* as orange blossoms. All over the mountains there is a shrub called
chemisal (pronounced chemeese), with which every citizen of the county is
familiar. It is useless for any purpose, and grows so dense in places that
even a mountain sheep is bothered to find its way through it. The wild
hazel grows quite commonly all over the county, but does not seem to be so
prolific a bearer of nuts as its Eastern congener, nor do the bush or hull
look quite like those found at the East. Wild grapes are found in great
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 37
profusion in the mountains of Napa County, but they are small and sour,
with an excessively large seed, hence are unfit for use. The poison oak is
found all over the mountains and is well known, to the sorrow of many
pleasure seekers.
There are other trees and shrubs growing in Napa County, such as the
willow, pepper-wood, etc., but those of any importance have been mentioned
above. There is one other shrub, however, which deserves special mention,
the holly {Ilex opaca). It is commonly known as the bear-berry, from the
fact that the berries were a favorite relish of Bruin's, in the days of his free
ramblings over these mountains. The shrub grows in height from three to
ten feet, the leaves are glossy and bright green, and the berries turn a
beautiful red about midwinter, and are used much for purposes of adorn-
ment for festive occasions during the holidays. The berries soon wither
and lose their beauty, however, after they are severed from the parent
stem.
SOILS. — The soil of Napa County may be divided into five classes,
viz : argillaceous, adobe, loam, lava and tule. The first named is the result
of the decomposition of sandstones and shales, and fine examples of it may
be seen on all those mountain sides in the eastern portion of the county
where there are sandstone outcroppings or boulders. Ordinarily it is not
very productive, but is good for grasses and cereals, as much silica is re-
quired in the production of straw. Fruits and vegetables do not do so well
here. It will be noticed that Berryessa and Chiles Valleys are pre-
eminently adapted to the growing of grain, and it is owing to this quality
of the soil. When loam and argillaceous soils are well mixed, a compound
is formed which is well adapted to the growing of fruits, vegetables and
cei-eals. Thus it will be observed that the former thrive best near the banks
of streams ; while cereals may grow as rank, if not ranker, here, yet the
quality of flour will not be equal to that grown further back, and upon the
purely sandy soil.
The soil that we find now upon the surface of the country is but the
result of the decomposition of the underlying rocks. As we said above
that argillaceous soil is found in sandstone sections, so we must look for
the next variety, adobe, in limestone sections. We find adobe soil in Napa
County on the west side of Putah Creek in Berryessa Valley, in spots all
over Chiles and Pope Valleys, and near the foot of St. Helena, and in
Brown's Valley. It is a stiff, cold and disagreeable soil, and one that- is
not easily worked. In the winter, when it is wet, it is tenacious, and sticks
to a plow-share so as to almost preclude its being worked ; and in the sum-
mer season it is full of widely yawning cracks which seem ready to engulf
anything that may pass over it. Cereals thrive upon it, but it will be no-
38 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ticed that the straw is always short, owing to the lack of silica in it as a
straw-builder. It is common in the adobe sections to mix sand with it, to
reduce it to a compound that will grow vegetables and flowers in gardens.
The berry of the wheat is always very plump and full, owing to the fact
that in the soil there is a large quantity of the phosphate of lime, which is
a great berry -builder in grain. The flour will be always dark and heavy,
and is not a favorite with the thrifty housewife, who prides herself upon
white and spongy bread. It makes, however, rich food ; and when ground
into graham flour, is a great up-builder of bone and brain.
We now come to the consideration of the best of all soils to be found
in the county, namely, loam. This is found in all the valleys of Napa
County, especially in the broad and beautiful Napa Valley. It is composed
of the sedimentary deposit which is washed down from the mountains and
country above, and is thus composed of all the various kinds of soil that are
to be found in the region over which the stream passes. It is hence well
adapted to the growing of all kinds of vegetables, cereals and fruits. It is
a rich alluvium, and is much sought after by the agriculturalist.
Tule soil is composed of decaying vegetation, roots, sediment, guano,
detritus, and whatever else may have been borne down on the bosom of the
stream. Much of this soil is to be found from Napa City southward, and
along the margin of the bay. It is very rich and productive where the
water can be kept off from it. Much of it in this county is so charged
with salt from the overflow of the tides of the bay that it is not very pro-
ductive. Where such is not the case, it produces vegetables in great profu-
sion, and grows fruits and cereals quite well.
We now come to the consideration of the last characteristic soil of Napa
County, that formed from lava. This is produced by the decomposition of
lava and other volcanic products, and it may be seen on almost all of the
mountain sides of the county. It is characterized by its strong shades of
color, being mostly red or yellow, owing to the presence of the oxyds of
iron in it. It is, however, sometimes white, as the result of decomposed
volcanic ash, again it is bluish, and is veiy often quite spotted. There is
also a greenish soil formed from decomposed serpentine. This volcanic soil
is spoken of generally b}r the residents of the county as chemisal lands, and
it is claimed that it is excellent for the production of vines. Large tracts
of it are being planted into vineyards on Howell Mountain. Should these
vineyards prove a success, there is a large amount of this class of land yet
available in Napa County for the same purpose, and the future yield of the
vine will be something wonderful to contemplate, when all these red chemi-
sal hill and mountain sides become thrifty vineyards. Thus have we
noticed all the soils of Napa County, and noted what is produced to the
best advantage in all of them, but it is not to be understood that we have
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 39
stated all that will grow in the soils. It is well, however, for people to
know the nature of the soil they are cultivating, and to study what is the
best adapted to it. Money will be made by it.
WATERCOURSES.— The watercourses of Napa County are small as
a rule, but quite numerous, as may naturally be expected in a mountainous
country. We will begin with Napa River and its tributaries.
Napa Rivee. — This stream rises at the head of Napa Valley and at the
western foot of Mount St. Helena, and flows in a south-eastern direction in
a very sinuous course, and empties into Napa Bay, an arm of the San Pablo
Bay. It is navigable as far up as Napa City, at which point the rise and
fall of the tide is very considerable, being perhaps five feet on an average.
This river serves as an outlet for the drainage of all the western portion of
the county, and as the water-shed is quite extended and precipitous, over-
flows are not uncommon, and large amounts of water are discharged into it
in a very short time during a heavy storm.
White Sulphur Creek. — Beginning at the source of Napa River, and
passing southward, the first tributary of importance we come to is the above-
named stream. It rises in the mountains west of the town of St. Helena,
and flows eastward through the southern limits of that town, and thence
into the Napa River. It is of no importance, however, except for drainage.
Conn Creek. — This stream rises in Chiles Valley, and flowing westerly
through Conn Valley empties into Napa River. It is a small creek, but
quite a body of water is discharged through it.
Dry Creek. — The next stream to the south is Dry Creek, so named on
account of its being almost dry during the summer season. It rises in the
mountains west of Yountville, and flows south-easterly and its waters are
discharged into Napa River.
Saco Creek. — This is a small stream which rises in the mountains east
of the Napa Soda Springs, and flowing south-westerly debouches into the
Napa River.
Napa Creek. — This stream has its source in the mountains north-west
of Napa City, and flows south-easterly, and unites with Napa River at
Napa City. It carries a large body of water during the flood season, and it
is from this stream that the city suffers the most during an overflow.
Soscol Creek. — -This stream has its source in the mountains east of
Thompsons' place, and flowing westerly, it passes through their farm and
discharges into the Napa River.
Carneros Creek. — This'is the last stream that empties into the Napa
River. It rises in the range of mountains south-west or west of Napa City,
40 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
flows south-easterly, and empties as above stated. It is also an inconsider-
able sti-eam.
Rector Creek. — Belonging to this system, but not emptying directly
into Napa River, is the above named stream. It rises in the mountains
north-east of Yountville, and flows in a westerly direction into Conn Creek.
Putah Creek. — The drainage of Napa County is comprised in two
general systems — the Napa River and the Putah Creek ; and what the
former is to the western portion of the county, the latter is to the eastern.
Putah Creek, or " Rio de las Putas," as the Spaniards used to call it, has its
source far away in the summits of Mounts Cobb and St. Helena, in Lake
County. Thence, it flows easterly, until near the Napa County line, when
it trends to the southward, flowing in a southerly direction, through Berry-
essa Valley. It then bends its course easterly, and flows through the rugged
pass known as Putah Canon, to the plains of Solano County, and thence
easterly to the Sacramento River. It is not navigable in any portion of it,
but is a wild, fearful mountain stream in the winter season, assuming the
proportions of a river.
Eticura Creek. — This is a small stream which has its source in the
mountains west of Knoxville, and flowing south-westerly, empties into
Putah Creek.
Pope Creek. — This is a stream of quite goodly proportions, and has its
source in the mountains at the head of Pope Valley. Thence it flows south-
easterly through that valley, and thence through a pass in the mountains
to Putah Creek.
Other Streams. — The above comprise all the watercourses of Napa
County that are of any importance, except for drainage. They extend from
the babbling brook in the mountains, to the considerable stream. Some of
them are known by some local name but are not of enough importance to
require a general name. Many of these are most beautiful streams, and are
rilled with schools of finny beauties, especially trout. Truly, the disciple
of old Isaak Walton can find an elyseum here.
CLIMATOGRAPHY.— To write of the excellence of the climate of
Napa Count}', would require the pen of a master. To say that it is lovely,
salubrious, and to apply all the other adjectives expressing the optimism of
it in the highest degree, would not portray it in overdrawn colors. Truly,
this is the resort of the Goddess of Health. Here, with proper dietetic and
hygienic habits, desease may become practically unknown. We will begin
with the winter season and follow the year through, and try to portray to
the reader what each season develops. The rains usually begin about the
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 41
•month of November. The weather just previous has been quite cold, for
California, and frost is no uncommon thing, especially in the valleys. But
now a perceptible change occurs. The weather moderates cpiite consider-
ably, and the frosty nights are not so common. When it rains here, it
generally makes a business of it, and soon the dry and parched earth be-
comes saturated. The vegetation begins to spring into newness of life, and
the russet spots on the mountain sides are turned to green, and the entire
face of the country assumes an emerald hue, presenting a prospect un-
excelled anywhere. Then come days of sunshine and days of storm, days
of beauty and days of dreariness, interspersed with each other, till the
spring-time comes.
Finally, the days of sunshine begin to be in the majority, and the rains
are broken up into showers, until the April days come all smiles and tears,
like the face of a maiden when the first flush of her new-born love breaks
suddenly upon her innocent soul. The vegetation and foliage grows daily
denser, and now the whole face of the land is fresh and green. The joyous
birds are again swarming the woods in flocks, filling the air with their sweet
melodies. These are the days of mating and nest-building, and man can
learn both a lesson of love and industry from the merry songsters of the
woods. The flowers begin now to peep forth ; first the violet, then the
buttercups and daisies, poppies, etc. The trees are also full of bloom, har-
bingers of the fruitage that is to come later, and to bless and cheer the
heart of man.
Spring-time wanes and early summer begins, and then comes the
sweetest, loveliest days of the year. The world is now an emerald tapestry
as far as the eye can reach. Mountain and vale, hill and dale, field and
glade, fen and brake, meadow and fallow, all, all is of one and the same
charming hue. Then comes to the sweet valleys of Napa County days of
royal splendor, days when the unobstructed rays of an ascending sun fall
in grand profusion upon a world of serenest beauty, days when the heart
of man cannot help being exhilarated by the charming landscape, and the
blood courses through his veins in the full and strong pulsations of re-
newed health and vigor, and as he drinks in the pure air, redolent with the
perfumes of many flowers, bracing and sparkling as champagne or the very
elixir of life, he is brought to a full realization of the wonderful bounties
he enjoys at the hands of a beneficent Providence, and is led to thank God
that his lines have been cast in such pleasant places.
Later on and the summer proper is upon us. The grass begins to sere
on the mountainsides, beginning always at the lower end of the valley, and
the russet spots thus formed contrast beautifully with the green of the
shrubs and trees around them, being a landscape painted by the veritable
brush of nature, and no human limner can begin to touch the scene with
42 History of Napa and Lake Counties — -Napa.
the sweet and delicate tracings of this master artist. The sun now shines
down upon the world from a zenith almost above our heads, and across its
flood of radiant light never a hand breadth's cloud passes. The days are now
quite, though not often uncomfortably warm, but the nights are truly har-
bingers of paradise itself. The trade winds now sweep up from the ocean,
cool and refreshing, and bearing comfort to the fevered valleys upon their
wings. Across the lower end of the valley they blow quite strongly, and
are, sometimes, in a measui-e, disagreeable, but farther up their sharp chill
has been exhausted, and they become gentle zephyrs, which must be en-
joyed to be fully appreciated. The nights are cool and cheerful, and weary
humanity lies down to sound and refreshing slumber, and awakes rested
and happy, to go forth and witness charming sunrises, and to breathe de-
licious and exhilarating air.
Last of all comes the autumn — the season of fruitage. It is the dying
of the year, but the lines of the poet —
" The melancholy days have come
The saddest of the year,"
Is not at all true in this section of the State of California, at least.
The air that has been so light and pure for the past several months, begins
to be filled with haze, and a light film seems to rest on all the mountain
sides, which serves in a measure to hide them from view. The air is just as
balmy and delicious as it has been during the spring and summer, and
more so, indeed, if such a thing were possible. The trade winds come in
fitful gusts, veering occasionally to the south-east, betokening the coming
storms of winter. Field and orchard are now groaning under their burden
of ripened grain and fruit, and the husbandman is reaping in plenteous
measure the reward of his summer's toil, and basking in the sunny smiles
of Fortune, he cannot but be happy. Farther south each day recedes the
declining sun, and shorter and shorter grow the days, betokening that the
winter solstice is fast approaching with its meed of storm and rain. And
so the years go by in this Arcadia of the Pacific, gliding along in a merry
round, made up of but little shadow and storm, but much of sunshine
and joy. Thrice blest is he whose home is here ; blest in health, blest in
climate, and blest in the thrifty products of a rich and fertile soil. What
more but the love of wife and children to bless his home and heart, and the
love of God in that heart to make him thankful to the Author of all our
good, to make a man supremely blest, supremely happy, and supremely con-
tent with his lot in life !
There are some shadows to the picture, however, else it would not be a
true portrait of things as they exist in this world. Lights and shadows
make up all the pictures in- this life, and he who blends them most har-
NATHAN COOMBS.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 43
moniously is he who best adapts himself to his environments, and derives
the best and sweetest pleasures from his earthly living. Perhaps the
darkest shadow in the picture is the fog, which at times envelopes the
whole valley in a dense cloud, rendering the early morning hours damp
and disagreeable, but it seldom continues through the day. These fogs of
course are more common in the winter season than in the summer. Then
there are trade winds, which are sometimes rather too sharp and chilly for
comfort. That scourge of California, the north wind, sometimes comes
howling down from his home in the upper regions, and gives the people of
these delightful valleys a test of his withering strength, but, fortunately,
these occasions are rare.
But all in all, the lights are far in the ascendency of the shadows, and
at the end of the year, when a retrospect is had, the latter pass into such
utter insignificance that they are lost sight of altogether. There are some
remarkably healthful sections in Napa County. When the Branch Asylum
was about to be located, a committee visited all sections of the State, and
determined upon Napa Valley as presenting all the advantages of a health-
ful climate ,and hence it was located here. Lately a State Commission
has been casting about for a suitable place to establish a sanitarium for con-
sumptives, and Atlas Peak is spoken of by them as being most favorably
located for the purposes required, and it is quite probable that this institu-
tion will be established at that place. Added to the excellent, healthful and
charming climate of Napa County, is the fact that there are many health
resorts, and the hundreds who annually flock to them attest the appreciation
in which they are held by the suffering humanity of the State at large, and
especially of San Francisco. We will close this notice by serving it all up
in one word — desideratum.
44 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
INDIANS OF NAPA COUNTY.
The beautiful valleys and mountain recesses of Napa County afforded a
grand home for the aboriginal tribes. Here they swarmed in great num-
bers, went through the drama of life, birth, consorting and death with stolid
indifference. How far back in the course of time this race extends, whence
came their progenitors, no man knoweth. If, as some scientists state, the
very first evidences of the human race appear on the Pacific Coast (at
Angel's Camp, Tuolumne County), why should we doubt that they are not
the descendants of this primitive race ? Wars, disease, natural phenomena
and other causes may have conspired to destroy the original race from the
face of the earth, or it may have remained for the pale-faced progeny of a
kindred, yet far removed race, to do the final act in the great drama of their
existence as a race. Be all this as it may, the great fact still remains, that
when the Whites came to this coast they found it inhabited with a race of
copper-colored people of peculiar physique and habits, differing very much
indeed from their brothers of the East, the Algonquins. Napa Valley was
no exception to the general rule, but was infested by a horde of these rude
barbarians. To describe these people, their habits and customs, will be the
province of this chapter.
H. H. Bancroft, in his excellent work, " Native Races of the Pacific
Coast," states, giving Mr. Hittell as authority, that there were originally six
different tribes living in Napa Valley, designating them as follows : Maya-
comas, Calajomanas, Caymus, Napas, Ulucas, and Suscols. He also gives,
on the authority of Mr. Taylor, the Guenocks and Tulkays, but does not
give the location or tribal boundaries of any of these people. Mr. Menefee,
in his " Sketch Book," gives Mr. George C. Yount, who arrived among the
Indians of Napa Valley as early as 1831, as authority for there being six
tribes of them here, designated as above, and he locates them as follows :
The Mayacomas tribe dwelt near the Hot Springs, now Calistoga ; the Cal-
ajomanas on the lands now known as the Bale Rancho, near St. Helena ;
the Caymus on the Yount grant, near the present site of Yountville; the
Napas occupied the Mexican grant of Entre Napa, that is, the lands between
Napa River and Napa Creek ; the Ulucas on the east side of Napa River,
and near Don Cayatano Jaurez's rancho ; and the Suscols had ther habita-
tions in the vicinity of Thompsons' place.
Indians of Napa County. 45
Of the two tribes mentioned above, as noted by Mr. Taylor, the Guen-
ocks had their home in the valley of that name in Lake County, and the
location of the Tulkays is unknown to the writer. It will be observed that
no mention is made in the above lists of any tribes who dwelt in Pope,
Chiles or Berryessa Valleys. These valleys were filled with Indians, how-
ever, no less than six very large rancherias being in Berryessa Valley alone.
We regret that we are unable to place on record the names of these people,
but all knowledge of them seems to have passed away.
We will now take a cursory glance at these people as they were in their
primitive state. Truly they wei-e a primitive people when the white set-
tlers first began coming to the valley. What a race of people that hardy
old pioneer, George C. Yount, must have found in possession of this fair
valley when he first entered it ! These people did not differ essentially from
the other tribes in this section of the State, presenting very similar physical
characteristics, habits and customs to those of the central portion of the
State. They were of medium stature, broad shouldered, strong, lazy, filthy,
and vagabondish generally. Nature had provided with a lavish hand for
her children in this favored valley, and all they had to do was to reach forth
their hands, pluck and eat. No vain ambitions lured them on in the great
race of life. No baubles of riches enticed them into hardships of labor,
either mental or physical. Theirs only to exist and die. Whence or why
they came upon the stage of action, it was not theirs to inquire ; and
" whither are we drifting?" was a question over which they stopped not to
puzzle their dull brains. And who shall say that they were not as happy
in their listless life as are we of the higher tjrpe who wrestle with the in-
evitable almost from our infancy to our dotage ? From an ethical stand-
point, and viewing the matter through the lenses of our education, of course
we would say that their lives were worse than wasted ; and when they van-
ished before the overwhelming tide of civilization, the world was rid of so
much garbage. But it is the old stor}' of the man and the lion repeated :
seeing a picture of a man, the man remarked to the lion that " there stood
the lord of creation." The lion asked who painted the picture, to which
the man replied, " a man did." "Ah ! " said the lion, " it makes all the dif-
ference in the world who paints the picture of the lord of creation. I
should have painted a lion." And so it is in this case. Indian ethics are
not our ideas of duty to self or man ; and it is not improbable that they
lived up to the light they had on that subject quite as near as do their suc-
cessors.
These people lived in wickeups, which were very small huts made of
the boughs of trees, or in thatched lodges, which were huts of a larger pat-
tern, and constructed of poles stuck into the ground in a circular shape, and
the tops all bent to a common center and fastened, and the sides were cov-
46 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ered with thatched wild swamp grass. The climate was so mild that little
or no fire was required beyond the purposes of cooking, and this latter art
was not a very general custom among them. Raw flesh was as good, if not
better to them, than the cooked article. In the matter of clothing they
were very indifferent, the males generally roaming about perfectly nude,
while the women wore a small protection about the waist, made of the
fibres of bark, or grass, or tule stalks.
Of their language, but little is left. Here and there a word has fastened
itself upon some ranch or town, and will be handed down through at least
a few generations. Thus we have Napa, Tulucay, Caymus, Soscol and a
few others. Their language was a deep gutteral, resembling in many
respects that now spoken by the Chinese, though we will not venture the
assertion that there is any relation existing between the two tongues. As
their general habits, customs, legends, etc., were so nearly like those so fully
described in the body of this work, in the history of Lake County, we will
refer the reader to that chapter for a f ui-ther consideration of the matter.
It was stated by Mr. Yount, that there were in Napa and Lake Counties
some ten or twelve thousand when he arrived in the country, and of this
number, from one-third to one-half were in Napa County. A short half cen-
tury has sufficed to see them become so entirely extinct that the sight of an
Indian has become a great rarity. And what has done this ? Disease was
the prime cause, for it is stated that the cholera took them off' by thousands
in 1833 ; and it is said that they died so fast that the living were unable to
care for the dead. Whole tribes became extinct, it being reported by a
traveler on the Sacramento River, that all of one tribe died within a few
days except one little girl. Then came war and its kindred calamities as
another great decimator of their ranks. Contact with civilization had much
to do with it also. Soon after the Whites came among them, prostitution
became general, and the women quit bearing children, and the tribes
gradually died oft* and no young ones grew up to take the places of the old
ones. Truly, it seemed a matter of destiny, for it was impossible for the
two races to exist in contingency. Mr. Cronise states that the Mission system
had much to do with the degradation and final extinction of the Aborigines,
but as there never was a Mission in this valley, nor were the Indians of this
section ever subject to a Mission, except, possibly, in a very general way,
this charge will not hold good here, and the Indians seemed to have dis-
appeared here about as soon as anywhere else.
Their great " cure all " was the sweat-bath which was taken in the
" sweat-house," which institution was to be found in every rancheria. A
fire was lighted in the center and the patient taken into the " sweat-house "
and kept at a high stage of perspiration for sevei-al hours ; he then rushed
out and plunged into a bath of cold water, and the result can be imagined,
Indians of Napa County. 47
without stating that it ultimately proved fatal. Some years ago a gentle-
man in Lake County paid a visit to one of these " sweat-houses " during a
festal occasion, and he thus graphically gives his experience, which we
reproduce here, although it first appeared in the Napa Reporter, and was
copied thence into Mr. Manifee's " Sketch Book." We will give it for the
benefit of those of our readers who have not had an opportunity of reading
it before. It is too good to be lost, and will surely bear repeating. It is as
follows :
" A sweat-house is of the shape of an inverted bowl, and is generally
about forty feet in diameter at the bottom, and is built of strong poles and
branches of trees, covered with earth to prevent the escape of heat. There
is a small hole near the ground, large enough for Diggers to creep in one at
a time ; and another at the top to give out the smoke. When a dance is to
occur, a large fire is kindled in the center of the edifice, and the crowd
assembles, the white spectators crawling in and seating themselves anywhere
out of the way. The apertures, both above and below, are then closed, and
the dancers take their positions.
" Four and twenty squaws, en deshabille, on one side of the fire, and as
many hombres, in puris naturalibus, on the other. Simultaneously with
the commencement of the dancing, which is a kind of shuffling hobble-de-
hoy, the ' music ' bursts forth. Yes, music fit to raise the dead. A whole
legion of devils broke loose. Such screaming, shrieking, yelling and roaring
was never before heard since the foundation of the world. A thousand
cross-cut saws, filed by steam power — a multitude of tom-cats lashed to-
gether and flung over a clothes line — innumerable pigs under a gate — all
combined would produce a heavenly melody compared with it. Yet this
uproar, deafening as it is, might possibly be endured, but another sense
soon comes to be saluted. Talk of the thousand stinks of the City of Co-
logne ! Here are at least forty thousand combined in one grand over-
whelming stench, and yet every particular odor distinctly definable. Eound
about the roaring fire the Indians go capering, jumping and screaming, with
the perspiration streaming from every pore. The spectators look on until
the air grows thick and heavy, and a sense of oppressing suffocation over-
comes them, when they make a simultaneous rush at the door for self pro-
tection. Judge their astonishment, terror and dismay to find it fastened
securely — bolted and barred on the outside. They rush frantically around
the walls in hope to discover some weak point through which they may find
egress, but the house seems to have been constructed purposely to frustrate
such attempts. More furious than caged lions, they rush bodily against the
sides, but the stout poles resist every onset. Our army swore terribly in
Flanders, but even my Uncle Toby himself would stand aghast were he
here now.
48 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
" There is no alternative but to sit down, in hopes that the troop of
naked fiends will soon cease from sheer exhaustion. Vain expectation !
The uproar but increases in fury, the fire waxes hotter and hotter, and they
seem to be preparing for fresh exhibitions of their powers. The combat
deepens. On, ye brave ! See that wild Indian, a newly elected captain, as
with glaring eyes, blazing face, and complexion like that of a boiled lobster,
he tosses his arms wildly aloft as in pursuit of imaginary devils, while
rivers of perspiration roll down his naked frame. Was ever the human
body thrown into such contortions before ? Another effort of that kind,
and his whole vertebral column must certainly come down with a crash !
Another such a convulsion, and his limbs will assuredly be torn asunder,
and the disjointed members fly to the four points of the compass ! Can the
human frame endure this much longer ? The heat is equal to that of a
bake-oven ; temperature 500 degrees Fahrenheit ! pressure of steam 1000
pounds to the square inch ! The reeking atmosphere has become almost
palpable, and the victimized audience are absolutely gasping for life.
Millions for a cubic inch of fresh air ! Worlds for a drop of fresh water to
cool the parched tongue ! This is terrible. To meet one's fate among the
white caps of the lake, in a swamped canoe, or to sink down on the bald
mountain's brow, worn out by famine, fatigue and exposure were glorious ;
but to die here, suffocating in a solution of human perspiration, carbonic
acid gas and charcoal smoke, is horrible ! The idea is absolutely appalling !
But there is no avail. Assistance might as well be sought from a legion of
unchained imps, as from a troop of Indians, maddened by excitement.
" Death shows his visage not more than five minutes distant. The fire
glimmers away leagues off. The uproar dies into the subdued rumble of a
remote cataract, and respiration becomes slower and more labored. The
whole system is sinking into utter insensibility, and all hope of relief has
departed, when suddenly, with a grand triumphal crash, similar to that
with which the ghosts closed their orgies when they doused the lights and
started in pursuit of Tarn O'Shanter and his old gray mare, the uproar
ceases, and the Indians vanish through an aperture opened for that pur-
pose. The half dead victims to their own curiosity, dash through it like an
arrow, and in a moment more are drawing in whole buckets full of the
cold, frosty air, every inhalation of which cuts the lungs like a knife, and
thrills the system like an electric shock. They are in time to see the In-
dians plunge headlong into the ice-cold water of a neighboring stream, and
crawl out and sink down on the banks, utterly exhausted. This is the last
act of the drama, the grand climax, and the fandango is over."
Mexican Grants. 49
MEXICAN GRANTS.
The Caymus Grant. — The first tract of land ever granted by the Mexi-
can Government to parties in what is now known as Napa County, was
ceded to that wonderful pioneer of 1831, George C. Yount. He was here
when the whole domain lay in its virginity ; when the foot of white man
had not even trod upon it, and his was the first to press it. The Cay-
mus grant lies in the very heart of Napa Valley, and just east of where the
present village of Yountville now stands, and was ceded to Mr. Yount by
Nicolas Gutierrez, March 23, 1836. The grant comprised two square
leagues. The petition for confirmation of title was filed before the Board
of Land Commissioners May 26, 1852. This Board confirmed the title
February 8, 1853, and the United States Courts re-confirmed it, or concurred
in the action of the Board, July 7, 1855. The grant contains eleven thou-
sand eight hundred and fourteen and fifty-two-hundredths acres.
The Entre Napa Rancho. — This tract of land lay where Napa City now
stands, and the grant was ceded to Nicolas Higuerra by Manuel Chico, May
9, 1836. The claim to eighty and forty-eight-hundredths acres of this
grant was made before the Board of Land Commissioners by Nathan
Coombs March 3d, 1853, and that body confirmed his title April 11, 1854.
It was also confirmed by the Courts March 2, 1857.
Rancho El Rincon de los Carneros. — This tract of land lay to the west-
ward of Napa City, and came up to where a portion of the city now
stands. It was granted to Nicolas Higuerra May 9, 1836, by Manuel Chico.
The claim to it was filed before the Board of Land Commissioners by Julius
Martin September 4, 1S52. The Board rejected the claim September 19,
1854. The decree of the Board was i-eversed September 2, 1856. This is
a part of the Entre" Napa Rancho, and was bounded on the east side by
the Napa River, and on the west by the Arroyo de los Carneros. The
Court confirmed the title to this tract of land May 15, 1857, and it contains
two thousand five hundred and fifty-seven and sixty-eight-hundredths acres.
The Napa Rancho. — Salvador Vallejo, and his wife, Maria de la Luz
Carrillo Vallejo, filed their claim before the Board of Land Commissioners
March 3, 1853, for a title to the tracts of land known as Trancas and
Jolapa, containing three thousand and twenty acres, more or less, being a
4
50 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
part of the Napa Rancho granted to Salvador Vallejo February 21, 1838,
by Juan B. Alvarado, Governor ad interim of Upper California, and ap-
proved by the Departmental Assembly September 23, 1838. The claim
was confirmed by the Board November 7, 1854, and it was confirmed by
the Court February 23, 1857. Mrs. Vallejo's interest in the property was
conveyed to her by Narciso Ramires May 12, 1851, and it covered three
thousand one hundred and seventy-eight and ninety-three-hundredths acres.
Julius K. Rose filed a claim before the Board of Land Commissioners
March 2, 1853, for five hundred and ninety-four and eighty-three-hundredths
acres of the Napa Rancho. His claim was confirmed by the Board Decem-
ber 13, 1853, and the title was re-confirmed by the Court March 2, 1857.
Angus L. Boggs filed his claim to a portion of the Napa Rancho March
2, 1853, before the Board of Land Commissioners. This claim was con-
firmed by the Board April 11, 1854, and by the Court March 2, 1857. It
contains three hundred and twenty and fifty-five-hundredths acres.
The Yajome Rancho. — This tract of land was granted to Damaso
Antonio Rodriguez March 16, 1841, by Juan B. Alvarado, then Constitu-
tional Governor of the Department of the Californias, and approved by the
Departmental Assembly May 18, 1841. Claim to this land was filed by
Salvador Vallejo before the Board of Land Commissioners April 20, 1852,
and the Board confirmed it February 21, 1853. The Court confirmed title
to it February 9, 1857. It contained one and a half leagues, or six thousand
six hundred and fifty-two and fifty-eight-hundredths acres.
The Locoallomi Rancho. — This grant of land was made by Manuel
Jimeno, Acting Governor of California, to Julien Pope, September 30, 1841,
and embraced two leagues, or eight thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two and seventy-three-hundredths acres. The heirs of Pope filed their
claim to the grant before the Board of Land Commissioners March 2, 1853.
August 1, 1854, the Board confirmed their title to it, and August 25, 1856,
the Court also confirmed their title. This tract of land was located in what
is now known as Pope Valley.
The Tulucay RavcJw. — This tract of land lies just east of Napa City,
and was granted to Cayetano Juarez by Manuel Jimeno October 26, 1841,
and approved by the Departmental Assembly June 16, 1845. The claim
to this land was filed with the Board of Land Commissioners March 23,
1852, and confirmed by the Board April 11, 1853, and also confirmed by
the Court February 25, 1856. The rancho contains two leagues, or eight
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five and fifty-eight-hundredths acres.
Rancho Mallacomea or Mv/risfad y Plan de Aqua Caliente. — This was
a four-league grant, which was made to Jose" Santos Berryessa October 14,
Mexican Grants. 51
1843, by Manuel Micheltoreno. The claim to the tract was filed before the
Board of Land Commissioners February 20, 1852, and confirmed by that
body June 27, 1854, and by the Courts March 24, 1856. This ranch con-
tained seventeen thousand seven hundred and forty-two and seventy-two-
hundredths 'acres, and was situated near the head of Napa Valley, embracing
the present site of Calistoga and the country adjacent thereto.
Martin E. Cook and Rufus Ingalls as claimants to a portion of the
above rancho, filed their petition before the Board of Land Commissioners
February 28, 1853, and the Board confirmed their title to two square miles
of it August 7, 1855. Their portion was located in the north-west part of
the ranch, and comprised two thousand five hundred and fifty-nine and
ninety-four-hundredths acres. An appeal was taken on the part of the
United States, but was not prosecuted, and on the 16th day of April, 1857,
the Court confirmed the title.
Rancho de la Jote. — This grant of land was made by Manuel Michel-
toreno to George C. Yount October 23, 1843, said grant to be one square
league of land situated in Napa Valley. April 5, 1852, Mr. Yount, as
claimant, filed his petition with the Board of Land Commissioners. Octo-
ber 21, 1853, the Board rejected the claim. The claimant took an appeal in
the matter, and it came before the District Court of the United States for
the Northern District of California, for hearing, and it was ordered that
the decree of the Land Commissioners be reversed, and that the claimant
be given a valid title to one league and no more. This contained four
thousand four hundred and fifty -three and eighty-four-hundredths acres.
Las Pittas Rancho. — This is an enormous grant of land, comprising
eight leagues, or thirty-five thousand five hundred and fifteen and eighty-
two-hundredths acres, and is situated in and covers the most of Berry-
essa Valley. It was granted to Jose- Jesus Berry essa and Sis to Berryessa,
by Manuel Micheltoreno, November 3, 1843. The wives of the grantees,
Maria Anastasia Higuerra de Berryessa and Maria Nicolosa Higuerra de
Berryessa as claimants, filed their petition before the Board of Land Com-
missioners May 21, 1852. Their claim was confirmed by the Board
September 5, 1854, and confirmed by the Court August 13, 1855.
The Huichica Rancho. — This grant was made to Jacob P. Leese in two
parcels, as follows : First, for two leagues of land issued by Manuel Jimeno,
October 24, 1841; second, for three and one-half leagues additional issued
by Manuel Micheltoreno July 6, 1846. The title to the rancho was confirmed
by the Board of Land Commissioners April 18, 1853, and by the Court
April 22, 1856. It contained altogether eighteen thousand seven hundred
and four and four-hundredths acres, and was situated to the south-west of
Napa City.
52 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The Catacula Rancho. — This tract of land is located in Chiles Valley,
and was granted to Col. J. B. Chiles by Manuel Micheltoreno November 9,
1844. Claim to this grant was filed before the Board of Land Commis-
sioners April 21, 1852, and confirmed by it November 4, 1853. Confirmed
by the Court August 13, 1855. It comprised two leagues or eight thousand
five hundred and forty-five and seventy-two-hundredths acres of land.
The Chimiles Rancho. — This grant was made to Ygnacio -Berryessa by
Pio Pico May 2, 1842. William Gordon and Nathan Coombs, as claimants,
filed their petition before the Board of Land Commissioners April 28, 1852,
and the claim was confirmed April 11, 1853. Confirmed by the Court July
27, 1857. It comprised four leagues or seventeen thousand seven hundred
and sixty-two and forty-four hundredths acres.
The Gayne Humana Rancho. — This tract of land comprised the whole
of Napa Valley lying north of the Caymus Rancho, and was granted to Dr.
E. T. Bale. It has gone through all the legal processes, and a patent has
been granted, but is not recorded; hence we are unable to give any further
facts or dates in reference to it.
m
^#;4w ^
General History and Settlement. 53
GENERAL HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT.
" I hear the tramp of pioneera —
Of nations yet to be ;
The first low wash of wares, where soon
Shall roll a living sea."
" O'er the mountain's height,
Like ocean in its tided might,
The living sea rolls onward, on.
And onward, on, the stream shall pour,
And reach the far Pacific shore,
And fill the plains of Oregon."
Strange as it may seem, the first settler in Napa County was an
American. The Spanish-Mexicans, who had been in California almost
three quarters of a century before the discovery of gold, had visited all the
border counties on the bay, and had settled on the best lands in them.
This was also true of all the country south of San Francisco, but here and
there an American, who had drifted far away from the environments of
civilization, was living in isolation in this great country. Notable illustra-
tions of this are Dr. Marsh, who settled in Contra Costa County as early as
1835. That brave old Scotchman, John Gilroy, who landed on the shores
of California in 1813, and wended his way to the Santa Clara Valley soon
afterwards, and George C. Tount, who settled in Xapa Valley as early as
1831, thus being the first settler in the valley.
The Spaniards had visited the country long previous to this, but had
made no settlement — at least none that extended for any length of time.
In 1876, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo delivered an address in Santa
Rosa, of a historical character, in which he said : " Padre Jose Altimira and
Don Francisco Castro went in June and July. 1S23. with an armed escort,
under ensign Jose Sanchez, to select a proper site for a new Mission.
Padre Altimira went on with his survey to Huichica, now the property of
Messrs. Winter and Borel, and on the fifth day, after exploring the Napa
Valley, ' bike to Sonoma in every respect,' the party climbed the ridge of
Suysunes, now the property of Cayetano Juarez, where the State Insane
Asylum stands, and there found stone of excellent quality, and so abundant
that a new Rome might be built. Between 1840 and 1845, a considerable
number of emigrant wagons arrived across the Sierras, bringing American
54 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
families, and families of other nationalities, most of whom settled among
us, and to whom these valleys owe much of their progress."
A writer, in a work published by Smith & Elliot, in 1878, says : " In
1776 a fort was erected by the Spanish Governor, Felipe de Neve, a short
distance north-west of Napa, on an elevated plateau. Part of the original
fort is now standing, the wall being of adobe, and three feet in thickness.
It is situated on the Rancho Viljo, and is occupied as a residence and wine
cellar by J. J. Sigrist." We are obliged to take issue with this statement.
We do not know the writer's authority, but are conversant with the history
of the movements of the Spaniards in this part of California during that
year. It was in 1776 that the first location was made at San Francisco,
and the grant to the Mission is dated October 9th of that year. While
waiting for the vessel to arrive, which had been dispatched with supplies,
etc., excursions were made into the interior, and the circuit of the bay was
made by way of San Jose", and far up the Alameda side. Another party
crossed the strait at Saucelito, and passed as far northward as the Olom-
poli Rancheria, south of Petaluma a few miles, where they taught the Indians
how to make adobe houses, and one was erected which stood there until a
very few years ago, when it was torn down. The writer has seen adobes
from the old structure, which was evidently the first one ever built north of
San Francisco Bay. But in none of the records of these excursions is any
mention made of the erection of a fort at the place mentioned above. We
should be glad to establish the fact if it were possible, and to confer, sub-
stantiated, upon Napa County, the honor of having such an ancient relic of
the Spanish regime within its boundaries, but a due regard for the truth
prevents us from giving the statement unqualifiedly.
As stated above, George C. Yount came into Napa Valley in February,
1831, and was thus the first permanent settler in the county. .He was
piloted hither by a young man by the name of Guy F. Fling, or Flynn.
This guide afterwards became a settler in the county also, but it is not
known when he came here to locate permanently. Evidently, he did not
remain with Yount at the time they came here in 1831. It is known that
Flynn came to the State in 1825, and that he became more like an Indian
than a white man, and that his last days were spent among the Indians,
near Napa, he living in a little old house at their rancheria. He died hi
1872. After Mr. Yount arrived in the valley, he followed the occupation of
hunting and trapping. In 1836 he built the first log house ever erected in
California by an American. It was eighteen feet square below, with an
upper story, which was twenty-two feet square, in which there were port
holes, through which it often became 'necessary for him to defend himself
from the savages, with which the valley then fairly swarmed. He obtained
a grant to the Caymus Rancho, and lived there until his death, which oc-
curred October 5th, 1865.
General History and Settlement. 55
Next in order comes Don Cayetano Juarez, who came into the county as
a permanent settler in 1840, although he had stock in the valley since 1837.
In 1840 he built a small adobe house on his present place, the Tulucay
Raneho, and brought his family from Sonoma, and has ever resided within
sight of the City of Napa, and has seen a wilderness and jungle transferred
into a beautiful city, and has seen the wild plains, on which Indians and
wild animals roamed at will, changed into wide stretches of smiling grain.
He still survives the storms of life, and is as hale and hearty as he was
thirty years ago.
The next settler in the county was Nicolas Higuerra, sometimes referred
to as Jose Higuerra. It is not now known just what year he came in, but
certainly previous to 1841. He located on the banks of the Napa Creek,
about half a mile above its mouth, where he had a wicker house, plastered
over with a thick coat of mud, and covered with a thatched roof of tule and
grass. Here he lived, having a large family; the two daughters marrying
the Berryessas, of the valley of that name.
In 1839 Dr. E. T. Bale, an Englishman, obtained a grant to the Come
Humana Raneho, and settled there some time afterwards. He married a
sister of General Vallejo, and lived upon his immense estate, which in-
cluded all of the Napa Valley north of the Caymus Raneho, until his death,
in 1850.
Salvador Vallejo obtained a grant to the Napa Raneho September 21,
1838, and subsequently erected a very large adobe house, north-west of
Napa some three miles. It is not known now just when his settlement
dates to, as he really made his home at Sonoma.
In 1843 Jose" Jesus and Sisto Berry essa obtained a grant to the Las
Putas Raneho, and shortly afterwards located upon it, constructing a large
adobe house, which went to ruin, and a second one was built, a portion of
which is still standing on the estate of Abraham Clark.
In 1840 E. Barnett came to the valley, and remained with Mr. Yount till
1843, when he settled in Pope Valley. William (or Julien) Pope obtained a
grant to the Raneho Locoallomi in September, 1841, and moved his family
there in 1843, where he shortly after lost his life by an accident. He and
William Gordon had come via Mexico, in which country Pope had married
a native wife. She subsequently married the pioneer mentioned above, E.
Barnett, who lived in Pope Valley until a few years ago, when he died.
In 1844 William Baldridge arrived at Napa Embarcadero, and thence he
proceeded to Yount's place, and is still residing near Oakville, a hale and
hearty old pioneer. Bartlett Vines, son-in-law of Yount, crossed the plains
with him, and came to Napa County at the same time, on board Captain
Sutter's schooner " Sacramento." To the Vines family was born the first
white child in Napa County, and, it is claimed by some, the first white child
56 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in California, but this is a mooted question, the honor lying between the
Vines family, of Napa County, the Julius Martin family, of Santa Clara
County, who crossed the plains with Baldridge and Vines, and the James
Gregson family, of Sonoma County. Colonel J. B. Chiles, who first came
to California in 1841, came again with the Baldridge party in 1843, and lo-
cated in Chiles Valley in 1844 or 1845. With this party came also Miss
Elizabeth Yount, daughter of the old pioneer, who, in 1849, was married to
John C. Davis.
In 1845, John York, John Grigsby, William Hudson, Harrison Pierce,
David Hudson, Benjamin Dewell, William Elliott and sons, William Fow-
ler, Sr., Henry Fowler, William Fowler, Jr., Calvin C. Griffith, Col. James
Clyman, Harvey Porterfield, and William Hargrave, came in and settled in
different portions of the county.
When Mr. York arrived in the valley in 1845, he found the following
settlers in the county. Ben. Kelsey lived on the place now owned by Peter
Teal, which was then the property of Ralph Kilburn. This was about one
mile south of the present site of Calistoga. Next to him, and on what is now
the George Tucker place, E. Barnett was living, in a small log house. This is
the man referred to above as having married the widow Pope. Sam Kelsey
lived at the place where Bale's mill now stands, and he had a wife and two
or three children ; his wife being among the first, if not the first woman who
ever came overland to California.
At this time Ralph Kilburn had begun the erection of a saw mill on
Napa River, just a little north-east of Krug's wine cellar, and for this work,
and the running of the mill for a certain length of time, Dr. Bale was to
give him three-quarters of a league of land. Dr. Edward Bale then lived
in an adobe house, which was about 60 x 20 in size, and situated near the
foot-hills west of Pine Station. The next settler was George C. Yount, who
also lived in an adobe, near the present mill property of F. W. Ellis. The
next place was the Salvador Vallejo estate, on which there were three
adobes, one at the site of Barth's wine cellar, one at the Trancas, and one
on the opposite side of the river. He made his home when in the county
at the former. Nicolas Higuerra had an adobe (wicker, plastered with mud)
at the Patchett place ; Cayetano Juarez had an adobe between Napa and
the Asylum, and General Vallejo had an adobe on the Suscol Rancho, where
he kept a few of his retainers. The Pope family were living in the valley
of that name ; the Berryessas in the valley of that name, and Col. Chiles,
and William Baldridge in Chiles Valley. Peter Storm was living on the
Kilburn place at that time. Nathan Coombs came into Napa Township
during this year.
When Mr. York arrived in Napa County he proceeded at once to the
vicinity of Calistoga, then known as Aquas Caliente, as did William Hud-
General History and Settlement. 57
son. William Elliott and family also spent the first winter there. Of
the young men who came over the mountains with Mr. York, Benjamin
Dewell, John Gibbs, H. Sanders, Ford, B. Fowler, who was so brutally
murdered during the Bear Flag excitement near Santa Rosa, all settled
in the county. David Hudson's first house at Calistoga, built in the fall of
1845, was a cabin constructed of little round logs, " chinked " with mud,
and covered with shakes. Mr. York cut and split a redwood log, and con-
structed his cabin out of slabs, and covered it with shakes. It was 10 x 12
in size, but afforded ample protection against the rigors of a California
winter.
In 1846 there came in Enoch Cyrus and family, William H. Nash and
family, John S. Stark and family, Col. M. D. Ritchie and family, Charles
Hopper and family, and John Cyrus. In this year F. E. Kellogg and
family arrived from Illinois, and settled on what is now known as the
Lyman place.
In 1847 the Bale mill was completed, and John York drew the first
logs to it from the adjacent hills. It was during this year that the first
celebration of the natal day of our coimtry occurred. The place of meet-
ing was under the shade of a mammoth oak tree at the mouth of Rector
Canon. The families of York, Hudson, Bale, Vines, Yount, Rector, and
Grigsby were present, and a good social time generally was had. During
the day singing was indulged in, and the grand strains of the " Star
Spangled Banner " echoed through the hills and up the canon for the first
time. It will be remembered that California was yet a part of Mexico,
and the celebration of the day on foreign soil was rather incongruous, but
prophetic. Among the settlers who came in in 1847 were William Edg-
ington, who settled in Chiles Valley, J. W., S. J., R. P. and G. W. Tucker,
who settled near Calistoga.
In 1848 there came in John Custer, who settled near Napa; John
Adams, also near Napa ; George N. Cornwell, at Napa. At this time John
Kelley, Frank Kellogg, William McDonald and Hiram Acres are known to
have been in the county, but it is not known just when they came. Also
William Russell, J. P. Thompson and Capt. Brackett.
In 1849 there came Peter D. Bailey, George Linn, Turner G. Baxter,
and James H. McCorcle.
In 1850 J. H. Sea well, William Dinning, in Hot Springs Township ;
Leonard Tully, in Yount ; P. D. Grigsby, in Napa ; William A. Haskin, Hot
Springs ; T. F. Raney, Napa ; H. Amesbuiy, Napa ; E. G. Young, Napa ;
J. S. Trubody, Yount; and Jesse Grigsby, Napa. In 1851 William
Locker, T. Grigsby, Yount ; P. G. Gesford, Hot Springs ; J. H. Howland,
Napa. In 1852 A. W. Norton, Napa; John M. Davis, Napa; Matthew
Vann, Hot Springs ; John Lawler, Hot Springs ; John T. Smith, Napa ;
58 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
P. T. and G. W. Teale, Hot Springs ; W. S. Jacks, Napa. In 1853 M.
A. Elgin, Napa; J. G. Randall, Napa; B. Little, Napa; William Middleton,
Napa ; Charles Robinson, Napa ; C. H. Allen, Napa ; H. Goodrich, Napa ;
H. H. Harris, Yount ; H. A. Pellet, Napa ; W. A. Fisher, Napa. In 1854
Joel Barnett, Hot Springs ; Robert Miller, Napa ; John S. Kister, Hot
Springs ; Jesse Barnett, Knox ; R. F. Lane, Knox ; J. Watson, Napa. In
1855 Connelly Conn, Yount; W. E. Anderson, Napa. There are many
other pioneers whose names will be found mentioned elsewhere, that are
omitted here. The reader is referred to the township histories, and to the
biographical departments for further names. Of course it is impossible at
this late date to make the list complete, but we have it as full as it is pos-
sible to make it.
We will now take up the principal events which have occurred in the
history of Napa County, and record them in the order of their occurrence.
As early as 1841, John Rose and John C. Davis built a schooner and
launched it from a point of land just above the stone bridge on First street.
This must have been a small affair, probably not much larger than a whale
boat. In 1845, they built a barge which was used as a trading boat in all
the bay inlets. In 1847, they constructed a saw-mill for Salvador Vallejo,
on the east side of Napa River, about seven miles above town, and the site
is still visible.
Among the early pioneers who came over the unknown and untraveled
desert and mountains to California, in 1846, was ex-Governor Lilburn W.
Boggs. In those days, it will be remembered that California was a Mexican
province, and it was necessary for an American citizen to have a passport
from his Government to secure his safe passage through the country. The
passport given to Governor Boggs was as follows :
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
To all to whom these Presents come, Greeting :
No. 951.
I, the undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States of America,
hereby request all whom it may concern, to permit, safely and freely to
pass, Lilburn W. Boggs, wife and eight children, a citizen of the United
States, and in case of need to give him all lawful aid and protection.
Given under my hand and the impression of the seal of the
Department of State, at the City of Washington, the 25th
day of April, a. d. 1846, in the seventieth year of the Inde-
pendence of the United States.
(Signed) James Buchanan.
General History and Settlement. 59
August 1, 1849, an election was held at Sonoma, in the Territory of Cal-
ifornia, at which James Cooper, John G. Ray and Nathan Coombs acted as
Judges, and Richard H. Maupin and George Pearce acted as clerks. The
poll list was certified to by H. W. Halleck, then Brevet-Captain and Secre-
tary of State. Ex-Governor Boggs, as First Alcalde of the District of
Sonoma, filed the following certificate in regard to this election :
Alcalde's Office, Sonoma, August 21, 1849.
I, L. W.TJoggs, First Alcalde of Sonoma, do hereby certify that the above
returns are correct, with the exception of the vote for First Alcalde, which
office is not vacant.
Given under my hand and seal at my office in Sonoma, the
2d day of August, 1849.
(Signed) L. W. Boggs, First Alcalde.
The vote certified to above was as follows : For Delegate to the Con-
vention, Schoolcraft, 1 ; Stephen Smith, 3 ; M. G. Vallejo, 4 ; Salvador Val-
lejo, 23; Robert Semple, 32; John B. Frisbie, 16; Lilburn W. Boggs, 34;
James Clyman, 37 ; Jasper O'Farrell, 38 ; Joel P. Walker, 65, and Richard
A. Maupin, 75. For Judge of the Superior Court. J. E. Brackett, 85. For
Prefect, Charles P. Wilkins, 45 ; William E. Taylor, 26 ; Jose" Berryessa, 19,
and John Cameron, 7. For First Alcalde, John G Ray, 19 ; John A. Griffith,
5 ; George Yount, 3, and Peter Campbell, 1. For Second Alcalde, Ralph Kil-
burn, 43. For Justices of the Peace, Peter Campbell, 28, and James Griffith,
14. For Sheriff, Israel Brockman, 86.
The first record of the Alcalde's Court in Napa County is under date of
October 20th, 1849, when the following proceedings were had: "Napa
Valley, Territory of California, District of Sonoma. For Petty Larceny :
And now comes the said parties, Charles L. Cady appearing for the Territory
of California, being ready for trial, a jury of six men was subpoenaed and
sworn, viz : D. Q. Tucker, William Russel, J. Brown, William Edgington,
William Morgan and John Taylor. Case adjourned till 6 P. M. Parties and
jury appeared, and after hearing could not agree on a verdict. Case ad-
journed till 10 o'clock Sunday, 21st October, 1849. Sunday, October 21st,
1849, parties appeared Another juiy subpoenaed and sworn, viz : H. John-
son, C Briggs, A. Guthrie, N. Kennedy, William Watson and I. Boles. N.
McKimmy, Constable or Sheriff, and R L. Kilburn, Alcalde.
The next case recorded is under date of November 8, 1849, and was a
civil action, entitled " Nicholas Agara vs. — Jarrus." The judgment
rendered in the case was as follows : " Judgment is hereby rendered in
favor of said Nicholas for damages, $75.00, and for costs of the suit, also the
60 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
further sura of $10 ; total, §85.00. On further proof that said Jarrus has
no property, and with his consent, and the petition of said Nicholas, it is
ordered that the said Jarrus work for said Nicholas, at wages to be agreed
upon between them, at as high a rate as Jarrus could obtain elsewhere,
continuously from day to day until the said sum of $85.00 is fully paid and
satisfied."
The District Attorney at this time was Joseph W. Brackett. In August,
1850, the Justice for Napa County was John S. Cripps, and in November
of that year S. H. Sellers is found to hold that position. Charles P. Wil-
kins was Prefect in Sonoma in 1849.
Among the curiosities of the olden days, many of our readers will re-
member the pioneer carriage of this section, which was the property of
General Vallejo. It was at one time the state carriage of the Duke of
Wellington. General Vallejo purchased it in London in 1833, and brought
it to California shortly after. The driver rode on one of the horses.
The first election held in Napa County after its organization was on the
first Monday in April, 1850. The first deed recorded in Napa County is
dated April 3, 1850, and is from Nicholas Heguera to John C. Brown, and
acknowledged before M. H. N. Kendig, Recorder. The second is 'dated
February 15, 1850, from Nathan Coombs and Isabella, his wife, to Joseph
Brackett and J. W. Brackett, " of Napa Valley, District of Sonoma, in the
Northern Department of California." The property conveyed was " lot 3,
in block 5, Napa City," acknowledged before R. L. Kilburn, Alcalde. The
next deed is dated November 29, 1848, from Nicholas^Higuera to Joseph
P. Thompson, acknowledged before L. W. Boggs, Alcalde of Sonoma.
Another early deed is dated October 18, 1845, from George Roch to Jacob
P. Leese, conveying the grant called "Guenoc." It is in the Spanish lang-
uage, and acknowledged before Jose" de la Rosa u seventh Constitutional
Alcalde of Sonoma. As an illustration of the value of money in those early
days, we may mention that a mortgage was given October 20, 1850, from
Jose- S. Berryessa to W. R. Bradshaw for $1,000, at 10 per cent, interest per
month. The principal and interest were paid in a few months.
The first Grand Jury in Napa County comprised the following gentle-
men: Thomas Knight, Enoch Cyrus, William A. H&skin, William D.
Dearing, George C. Yount, Joseph Green, George W. Moodie, Angus L.
Boggs, Edward H. Cage, John Barbour, Anderson Farley, Horatio N. Ames-
bury, Lyman Chapman. The following persons were subpoenaed for this
jury, but did not put in an appearance ; Thomas Hensley, Leonard Miller,
Joseph Mount, Joseph White, Turner G. Baxter and Joseph Reed. The
meeting of this jury was held August 4, 1851.
On the same date the following gentlemen were subpoenaed, comprising
the first Trial Jury in Napa County : Preston G. Gesford, Henry Boggs,
General History and Settlement. 61
William Baldridge, John Grigsby, Anson White, F. J. Benjamin, John
Guthrie, Isaac McCoombs, and Edward McGarry. The following were
absent, William James, Em. A. d'Himicourt, Robert Catherwood, and John
S. Cripps.
In December, 1851, Edward H. Cage, better known as " Ned " Cage, was
appointed to the position of Judge of the Plains, for the lower precinct, and
the Sheriff of the county was delegated to perform the same duties for the
upper precinct. As that position and its duties are long since things of the
past, a word of explanation will not be out of place here. It will be remem-
bered that in the early days everybody's cattle ran at large here, and as a
matter of course the bands got very promiscuously mixed up during the
year. Once each year there was a general grand gathering up of all the
cattle in the county, and the young stock was branded. This was called by
the Spainards a rodeo, pronounced " rodero." It often occured that disputes
arose among the stockmen in regard to the ownership of the stock, and it
was to arbitrate these matters that the Judge of the Plains was appointed.
The first Board of Supervisors of Napa County convened December 6,
1856, and was composed of the following members. John M. Hamilton,
Florentine E. Kellogg and Jessie Whitton. J. M. Hamilton was chosen
chairman of the Board. Pressley Thompson presented the first claim against
the county, which was for building a bridge across Napa Creek, and the
amount of the claim was $1,190.00.
May 17, 1853, Napa River was declared to be a navigable stream by the
Legislature.
April 10, 1855, the following Act of the Legislature was approved.
" The people of Napa County may levy a tax not to exceed one-half of one
per cent., half of which is to be applied to the removal of snags from the
Napa River, and the other half to the construction of a wagon road from
Napa Valley to Clear Lake via Pope and Coyote Valleys."
November 7, 1855, the Board of Supervisors ordered that the Treasurer
purchase a safe for the county, not to cost more than $200.
April 7, 1856, the first school districts were organized in what is now
Lake County, but was then a portion of Napa. There were two of them
organized.
May 19, 1856, the Board of Supervisors issued an order for funding the
county debt. The new bonds were to be of the denominations of $50,
$100 and $500, and the rate of interest was to be 10 per cent, per annum.
62 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The condition of the finances of the county in 1856 is indicated by the
following report of the Treasurer, rendered October 31st of that year :
in County Fund $1,319 78
Balance in Contingent Fund 171 82
Balance in Road Fund 444 20
Balance in Sinking Fund 427 74
Balance in School Fund 287 63
Total on hand $2,651 17
The indebtedness could not be ascertained at that time.
Among the historical curiosities which we have unearthed in Napa
County, we present the following copy of an old political poster, which was
issued in 1856, as being of considerable interest:
REPUBLICAN RALLY.
" There will be a meeting of the Republican party at the Court-house
in Napa City on Saturday, October 18, 1856, at 2 p. it, to adopt such
measures as will promote the success of Republican principles, and the
triumph of the party. Trenor W. Parks, Esq., of San Francisco, will be
present and address the meeting. Let all come who are in favor of the im-
mediate construction of the (Central) Pacific Railroad ; opposed to violence
and bloodshed at the National Capital, and who believe that the truths of
the Declaration of Independence are practical. Come one! Come all!!" (The
following names were signed to the call.) C. Hartson, Dr. Henry, James
Glasford, Thomas Knight, William Hargrave, S. Wing, William McDonald,
J. M. Mansfield, Reese Smith, Seth Dunham, Isaac Allen, John Wilford,
Jacob McCoombs, Levi Hardman, J. W. Osborne, Josiah Trubody, Isaac
Pastelow, Dr. W. W. Stillwagon, J. McCoombs, George C. Yount, James
Lefferts, A. L. Haven, Phil. Howell, Charles H. Allen, Ed. Chesebro, Silas
Ritchie, John McCloud, Capt. L. T. Wilson, Dr. White, Capt. Clayton,
William Fisher, Lyman Chapman, D. L. Cheeney, H. R. Curtis, L. G. Lillie,
Israel Putnam, Benjamin McCoombs, A. C. Welch, John Wolf, Samuel
Cook, James Blake, Stephen Broadhurst, S. T. Mount, Simon Loveland,
James Record, Capt. Nichols, James Buckman, David Howell, Pierce Wig-
gins, William Lord, W. S. Jacks, Joseph Baker, George F. Reeves, Henry
Baker, William Sherman.
The first move toward telegraphic connection in Napa County was made
in 1857. In November of that year we find that twenty-five shares of stock
at $100 each had been subscribed towards constructing a line of telegraph
from Napa to Vallejo. ' Only ten shares more were required to be sub-
scribed to insure the success of the enterprise. February 13, 1858, the
John Yor^k
General History and Settlement. 63
first meeting of the Napa and Vallejo Telegraph Company was held, and
the following officers were elected : President, James Lefferts ; Vice-Presi-
dent, R. D. Hopkins ; Treasurer, Richard Dudding ; Secretary, Robert R.
Pierpont. Directors — G. N. Cornwell, W. H. James, Smith Brown, Henry
Sage and Thomas Earl. It would seem that nothing further than getting
the thing to booming on paper was accomplished until 1859. On the 25th
day of January of that year the first pole was set, and the line was soon
after completed.
NAPA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— There was a small Agricultural
Society organized in 1854, but it did not amount to very much, there being
only a small exhibition in a building in Napa City. October 17, 1857,
active measures were taken looking to the organization of an Agricultural
Society in Napa County, and a meeting was called on that day of the citi-
zens of the county to take the matter under advisement. This convocation
was organized by calling J. W. Osborne to the chair, and J. M. Dudley was
chosen to act as Secretary. Hon. Pulaski Jacks introduced the following
resolutions :
Resolved, That a committee of three citizens be appointed to make pre-
liminary arrangements in reference to holding a County Agricultural Show
on or about the 5th of November next, said committee to make the neces-
sary inquiries, and make report to this meeting by Wednesday next, the
21st instant, at 2 o'clock P. M., and also report the probability of reorganiz-
ing the old society. The following gentlemen were appointed on that com-
mittee : A. D. Pryal, B. Grimes and Thomas Earl.
On motion of Mr. Ogden, it was resolved that a committee of three be
appointed to devise ways and means, and collect subscriptions necessary for
incidental expenses. The following gentlemen were appointed : Smith
Brown, Major Easterbrook and George E. Goodman.
It was also resolved that the Secretary be requested to place in several
of the stores subscription lists, that those wishing to subscribe can specify
the articles for exhibition.
In pursuance with the resolution above quoted, another meeting was
held October 21st, when the committee first mentioned above reported in
favor of reorganizing the present Agricultural Society, and, on motion, the
report was adopted. The following officers were then elected : J. W. Os-
borne, President; George C. Yount, First Vice-President; Thomas H. Thomp-
son, Second Vice-President ; W. A. Haskins, Third Vice-President ; L. T.
Musick, Fourth Vice-President, and Boone Fly, Fifth Vice-President ; James
McNeil, Corresponding Secretaiy; Robert R. Pierpont, Recording Secretary;
Thomas Earl, Treasurer, and R. C. Haile, Pulaski Jacks, L. F. Baker, James
Hornbeck and Brice Grimes, Directors.
64 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The Board of Directors met at Napa on the 22d, and, upon consulting
the best interests of the Society, it was decided by the Board that an exhi-
bition of stock, farm, orchard, dairy, household and manufacturing products
be held at Napa, on the 4th and 5th days of November next (1857), and
that the following programme of exercises and amusements be adopted,
viz: For Wednesday, the first day, there will be a plowing match, trial of
teams on draft, ladies' riding on horseback, and an address. For the second
day, a trial of road teams, gentlemen riding and practicing with the lasso.
The exhibition to close with a ball in the evening. Certificates of member-
ship may be had of the Treasurer, Thomas Earl. Tickets for the ball were
held at $3.00 each, and the ladies of Napa were requested to turn out and
adorn the building in which the ball was to be held. We know nothing of
the success of the exhibition, and find no mention of its repetition.
February 1, 1858, the following Act of the Legislature was approved:
The Board of Supervisors of Napa County shall levy a tax, not to exceed
one quarter of one per cent., for the purpose of constructing a public road
from the city of Napa, by the way of Knight's Valley in Napa County, to
Russian River Valley. Said road to pass up Napa Valley on the west side
of Napa Creek ; and also for the purpose of constructing a public road from
Napa City, running up the east side of Napa Creek to Clear Lake by the
way of Chiles Canon.
In 1861, William Baldridge experimented on cotton growing in Napa
County; it did not do very well, as the soil and climate is evidently much
better adapted to growing grapes than cotton. We would remark en pas-
sant that to Mr. Baldridge belongs the honor of introducing the black locust
tree upon this coast. The seed was sent to him about 1845, and he planted
it, and from that came the stock now in California.
March 3, 1863, the Legislature passed an Act, providing for the levying
of a tax of fifteen cents on the $100, in both Napa and Lake Counties, for
improvement of the road running through Chiles and Butts Canons.
August 11, 1863, Charles Britton was hanged in Napa, which was the
first execution that ever occured in the city.
September 7, 1863, the Board of Supervisors of Napa County, by a
special motion, added the word " forever " to their order, for a road from the
Benicia road to Gordon Valley, thus making it a " highway forever." We
do not know that the order has ever been rescinded, nor do we know how
it will affect matters in the eras yet to be.
December 24, 1863, Samuel Brannan advertised for five hundred and
seventy -five telegraph poles, with which to construct a line from Napa City
to Calistoga.
April 4, 1864, the following Act of the Legislature was approved : The
Board of Supervisors of Napa County may levy a tax of twenty cents on
General History and Settlement. 65
each $100, in Napa County, for the purpose of purchasing Fair Grounds and
constructing suitable buildings thereon, for the use of any Agricultural
Society now formed or that may be formed hereafter. Said tax to be levied
whenever the San Pablo Bay District Agricultural and Mechanical Society
is permanently located at Napa City, or whenever two hundred tax-payers
of said county shall, in writing, petition said Board to make such levy.
Native or wild tobacco has been found on the Pacific Coast, from Cape
St. Lucas in Lower California to the Upper Sacramento, which in every
respect closely resembles the cultivated article. The first account of it is
given in the history of the voyage of Cabrillo, in 1541, who met with it in
common use among the savages. Sir Francis Drake also mentions it at
Point Reyes. The plant is found very generally dispersed all through Napa
County, and the writer has seen it in rank growth all over the hillsides in
the vicinity of Knoxville. In 1864, Messrs. George N. and John Cornwell,
planted a crop of tobacco near Napa, which grew well, and there is no doubt
but that it would do as well here as anywhere in California.
In 1864, the stage business between Napa City and Calistoga was in a
flourishing condition. In that year, the line was owned by Messrs. Brannan
& Coombs, who ran a 24-passenger coach on it. Mr. Coombs also had a
stage line between Napa City and Benicia.
The condition of the county finances in August, 1864, was as follows :
Total indebtedness $21,678 . 25
Cash on hand 3,964.09
Balance of debt $17,714. 16
From the report of the Internal Revenue officer, in 1865, we find that
there were in Napa County, business subject to tax as follows : Retail
dealers, 12 ; retail liquor dealers, 6 ; butchers, 1 ; hotels, 5 ; dentist, 1 ; doc-
tors, 4 ; lawyers, 4 ; pianos, 1 ; buggies, 3, and billiard tables, 1.
PETROLEUM. — Pursuant to a notice, a meeting of persons owning or
interested in oil lands in Napa County, was held at the office of G. W. Towle,
in Napa City, on the 30th day of September, 1865. The committee ap-
pointed for the purpose, reported the following rules and regulations for the
district, which were adopted :
The district shall be bounded by the county lines, and be called the
«' Napa Petroleum District."
Each claim may be one hundred and sixty acres or less, but shall in no
case exceed one-half mile in length. All claims shall be defined by metes
and bounds, or by the sections of the Government survey as numbered.
66 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
No person shall hold by location more than one claim in the District.
The County Recorder of Napa County, for the time being, shall be the Re-
corder of this district, and shall be allowed such fees as are allowed for
other recording.
Any person taking up a claim in this district, shall post a written notice
thereon, signed by him, and describing the boundaries of such claim, and
shall cause said notice to be recorded in the Recorder's office, within twenty
days thereafter.
Any person locating a claim shall, within sixty days after recording
the same, perform thereon three days' work, which shall entitle him to hold
such claim for twelve months. The Recorder may, on evidence satisfactory
to him, issue certificates that such work has been duly performed.
If a company owning two or more adjacent claims, shall perform the
above required amount of work on any one of them, it shall be considered
as work done upon them all.
E. N. Boynton, President.
R. T. Montgomery, Secretary.
The first mention of the discovery of petroleum in Napa County, is
made under date of May, 1865, and the place where it was found was on
Capt. Samuel D. Goodrich's place, about four miles north-east of Napa City.
In July of the same year, it was discovered on Gen. Keyes' place, near St.
Helena. The oil was said to be clear and of good quality. In May, 1866,
it was discovered at the head of Capelle Valley, fifteen miles from Napa
City. A ledge of white quartz in which there are small cavities containing
petroleum, a spoonful or so in a place, here and there, in the solid rock. A
company was organized, called the " Alladin Petroleum Company," for the
purpose of prospecting. Evidences of petroleum are to be found all over
the county, but no great quantities of it have been found.
ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.— The principal event
that occurred in the United States in 1865 was the heartless striking down
of the head of the nation, Abraham Lincoln, by the fell assassin, J. Wilkes
Booth. This was a matter so fraught with interest to every citizen of the
Union that we shall devote a portion of our space to a narration of the
subject, giving when practicable, the editorial mention made of the deed by
the Press of the county, both Democratic and Republican, and such other
notices and resolutions that will be of interest in this connection. We
regret that the files of the Reporter are not to be found of this date, and
hence are confined to the columns of the Register for our quotations. Under
date of April 22, 1865, the Register appeared with inverted column rules,
or dressed in mourning, and published the following in its editorial columns :
General History and Settlement. 67
" The nation is in mourning over the death of a good and great ruler.
Abraham Lincoln is assassinated ! Great horror and unspeakable anguish
fills every loyal heart in the land at this announcement. A week since the
country was everywhere jubilant ; the joyous roar of cannon rang over hill
and through valley, proclaiming the fall of the rebel dynasty. But ere the
smoke had ceased curling towards the heavens — while the echo of joyous
salutes still vibrated upon the air, and before the cannon-breech had fairly
cooled — the terrible tidings that President Lincoln had fallen a victim to
the assassin burst over the startled country, bowing many a head in anguish
and sending a thrill of horror to the strongest heart. Lincoln, the crushed
ruler of a free people — a second ' Father of his Country' — launched into eter-
nity without a moment's warning — guilty of naught save a devotion to the
country ! ' God grant it may not be true,' was the prayer of all. But, alas
for us ! the telegraph performed its office, and tells us the terrible truth.
" We read in history of ambitious chiefs and rulers having fallen by
assassination ; but the records of the dark ages — where crime and anarchy
ran riot — furnish no parallel to this damnable and atrocious act. The
brain throbs and the heart grows faint as we meditate over the awful catas-
trophe. The deed was committed on the night of the 14th of April, in
Ford's Theatre, Washington. President Lincoln had consented to be
present — went, though against his will, with his wife and son. His mind
was occupied in devising ways and means for the speedy restoration of
peace, and he preferred the Council Chamber, where he had spent the day
in deliberation with the Cabinet, to the Opera House. But he took the
fatal step, and there, while in his private box with his family, unconscious
of harm, the assassin did the work.
" Though shaken to our very center by the terrible and unexpected blow,
the Nation stands strong, and will travel on forever, shedding the light of
our glory on all coming ages. Dark though our past may have been, our
future is bright with promise of returning peace and prosperity ; but
Americans never will, nor can they, forget this dark blot upon their
country's history, however resplendent may be our future record ; and 0,
how bitter will be the anguish of those who are in any way connected with
or responsible for the hellish act ! What a weight of woe and lasting infamy
will rest upon their children and their children's children — the conscious-
ness of their fathers' guilt in having sustained, by word or deed, the doings
of traitors, North or South, whose acts have resulted in the death of Presi-
dent Lincoln.
Mass Meeting. — Pursuant to a notice, a large meeting of the citizens
of Napa assembled at the Court-house on Monday evening, the 17th, and
made arrangements for appropriate funeral ceremonies on the following
Wednesday, the day that President Lincoln was buried. The meeting was
OS History of Napa and Lake Comities — Napa.
called to order by A. Y. Easterby, and the following officers and committees
were appointed : President, Hon. Robert Crouch ; Secretary, A. A. Hume-
well ; Vice-Presidents : James Lefferts, Nathan Coombs, George Fellows,
Dr. W. W. Stillwagon, J. H. Goodman, A. Wheeler, Smith Brown, E. S. Chese-
bro, N. A. Greene1, J. F. Lambdin, J. H. Moran, J. M. Nichols, J. H. Carter,
R. T. Montgomery, Henry Edgington, Rev. P. Deyaert, A. Y. Easterby, L.
Bruck, A. Higbie, W. S. Turner, A. H. Humewell, Rev. W. J. McClay, Rev.
P. V. Veeder ; Committee on Resolutions : R. T. Montgomery, J. M. Carter
and A. Higbie ; Committee on Arrangements: N. Coombs, G. Fellows, J.
H. Goodman, A. Wheeler, George E. Goodman, Smith Brown, A. A. Hume-
well, E. S. Chesebro, N. A. Greene, J. F. Lambdin and J. H. Moran.
Resolution*. — Whereas, The causeless and unsuccessful assault which
has been made by traitors in the revolted States, and by their abettors
everywhere, againsc the liberties of the American people and the lawful
Government of the United States, has culminated in the cowardly assassi-
nation of our revered Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, and the attempted
murder of William H. Seward, the Secretary of State ; thei-efore
Resolved, That the loyal citizens of Napa County recognize, in this last
desperate act of the unscrupulous tools of traitors, new evidence of their
barbarousness, and the character of the wretches who have so long made
war against the Government and Administration, and regard this atrocious
murder as the legitimate fruits of the fiendish spirit of opposition which has
appealed to the brute passions of the brute man.
Resolved, That, in our view, the actual perpetrators of this murder, un-
paralleled in American history, are less guilty than the traitors, North as
will as South, who have for the past four years fermented discord, de-
nounced the officers of the Government and incited treason ; in that in our
belief the assassination of the President is to be attributed, not to a single
murderer, but that a secret organization, whose members are to be found in
every community, and which, either directly or indirectlv, or through its
satellites, has been and still is actuated by the single purpose of destroying
the Government and securing success to the Slave-holders' Rebellion.
Resolved, That the clemency and forbearance with which this class of
traitors have been treated by loyal citizens has been interpreted by them as
evidence of cowardice and indifference, and emboldened traitors and ruffians
in our midst to continue their vile abuse of the Government and its officers,
and this unchecked license to treasonable sentiments has led to this crown-
ing act of infamy — the murder of the President of the Republic.
Resolved, That swift and severe punishment should be meted out to
the authors and instruments of this hellish crime — a crime against the
human race — as well as to all who justify it, and that from this hour we
will hold no man guiltless who shall approve the act or apologize for its
General History and Settlement. 69
perpetrators, but will heap upon any such, if detected in this community, the
heavy indignation of a loyal people.
Resolved, That as citizens of the American Republic, we profoundly
lament the loss of the great and good man who, through four terrible years
of the Rebellion, has conducted our national Government with success and
honor; that his untimely and violent death, when just upon the eve of
returning peace, which his heart yearned for, and toward which the last
energies of his life were devoted — was a calamity not only to the Nation,
but to civilization everywhere ; that while we weep over his loss, our hearts
are rilled with thankfulness to the Giver of good, that even thus far in' the
Nation's life struggle, he hath vouchsafed to us the clear head, the pure
heart, the firm will, and the unfaltering truth of Abraham Lincoln ; that
while in anguish we yield to the bitter consciousness that he has flown, and
by the treacherous hand of an assassin, we rejoice in the knowledge that
he leaves to the coming ages, a spotless record as a Christian and a patriot;
that no words of praise from living lips — no inscriptions on sculptured
marble can fitly set forth the greatness of the man, or declare the poignant
sorrow of the Nation that loved and revered him, but the living and lasting
record of his lofty patriotism shall be found in the heart of every man that
has known opposition or learned the value of liberty.
Resolved, That in view of this cowardly and atrocious attack upon the
Nation in the person of its executive head, and the lurking danger that
threatens every loyal man, we pledge ourselves anew to devote our influence,
our property, our lives, if need be, whenever and wherever they may be
required, to maintain the entirety of the government and punish all traitors
against its authority.
Resolved, That on Wednesday next, the day of the obsequies of the
President, we recommend that all business places be closed ; that all flags
and public and private buildings be draped in mourning; that a funeral
oration be delivered on that day, with suitable religious services, and that
the several military and fire companies, benevolent societies, public and
j)rivate societies, and every man who feels the deep outrage which this
terrible assassination inflicts upon him as a citizen, be invited to join in the
funeral procession on that day and attend the public exercises.
At a meeting of the Washington Light Battery, held at their rrrnory on
Friday the 21st, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, Abraham Lincoln, the beloved President of a free people,
has been basely assassinated, while in the discharge of his official duties,
at the Nation's Capital, and — ■
Whereas, While in his official career, in time of the rebellion and
civil war, when the life of the Nation was in peril, his wisdom and impar-
tiality gave us confidence in his judgment and the final issue of the war,
70 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and while his patriotism and love of liberty gave full assurance of the
advancement of the great question of this enlightened age, the extinction
of human bondage, and —
Whereas, His kindness and magnanimity gave us promise of a speedy
and peaceful reunion with the Nation's foes, Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That we look upon his untimely end as a calamity, not alone
to the nation, but to the lovers of freedom throughout the world.
Resolved, That we cherish the principles he advocated, and renew in
this solemn hour our fidelity to the Union and its course.
Resolved, That the armory be dressed in mourning for thirty days.
E. M. Boynton, Secretary.
Obsequies of the President. — No event ever drew such a concourse
of people to Napa as the burial services of the Chief Magistrate, Abraham
Lincoln, on the day indicated in the resolution above quoted. The pro-
cession was nearly half a mile in length, and was led by the " Rangers,"
Capt. Lambdin ; then followed the " Guards," Washington Light Battery,
Pioneer Engine Company, citizens, Odd Fellows and Masons. The services
were held in the Court-house square, which was densely crowded by a sor-
rowful multitude, who had assembled to pay their last homage to the earthly
remains of one of the greatest and best of men. After a touching and
appropriate prayer by Rev. McClay, Hon. Henry Edgerton delivered an
oration, replete with wisdom, truth and pathos. His words, with a melan-
choly sadness, fell upon the ears and touched the hearts of an attentive and
tearful audience. Rev. Higbie delivered a benediction at the close of the
ceremonies, after which Mr. Easterby came forward and requested the flag
to be i-aised to full mast, and invoked the blessing of Almighty God upon
President Johnson. The day was generally observed throughout, and the
whole town being draped in mourning gave it the solemnity due so great
an occasion.
At a meeting of the Pioneer Engine Company the following preambles
and resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to have taken from among us,
by the hand of the assassin, that great and good man Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States ; and
Whereas, We have heard of the assassination with mingled feelings of
sorrow and indignation ; therefore,
Resolved, That in the death of Abraham Lincoln, the late President of
tin' lTnited .States, the Nation has lost a statesman, whose patriotism was
the most unselfish, whose chaiacter was spotless, and whose honor in all
tin- dealings of his lifetime was unsullied.
General History and Settlement. 71
Resolved, That in respect to the memory of the deceased, we will wear
the usual badge of mourning, and cause our engine house to be shrouded in
mourning for thirty days.
At a meeting of Franklin Lodge, No. 29, Independent Order of Good
Templars, the following preambles and resolution were adopted :
Whereas, Assassination has taken from the position which he held
with such honor to himself and the people, the President of the United
States ; and
Whereas, Through his death we have lost a lover of his country and a
friend of all good enterprises, not the least among which was the cause of
temperance ; and as, under such circumstances, it becomes all patriots,
whether as individuals or associations, to make an appropriate expression
of their grief ; therefore, be it
Resolved, That Franklin Lodge of Good Templars of Napa City con-
demn the traitors who can be guilty of such a crime ; and, acknowledging
the worth of the illustrious dead, do hereby tender their most heartfelt
sorrow at the death of the Chief Executive of their country, and that their
hall be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days.
V. J. Van Doren,
P. Prior,
N. B. Gower,
Committee.
On the night of November 8, 1865, the prisoners in the County Jail,
four in number, succeeded in making their escape. During the day the
cells had been scrubbed out, and the prisoners were left in the corridor that
night. They removed a stone 10 x 20 inches in size, which allowed them to
pass out easily. These stones were supposed to be dove-tailed, so that they
could not be removed, but this one did not seem to be.
March 17, 1866, an Act of the Legislature was approved, giving to John
Lawley the light to construct a turnpike road from Ed. Ebry's house, in
Napa County, through St. Helena Canon, and over the St. Helena range of
mountains to Siegler Valley, in Lake County.
April 2, 1866, an Act of the Legislature granted to Dr. G. B. Crane,
Dwight Spencer, Jesse Grigsby and R. B. Woodward the right to contruct a
Macadamized road from Napa to St. Helena. The matter was to be sub-
mitted to the people of the county.
All old pioneers will well remember Ned McGarry, who served in the
State Senate for several terms from this district. In December, 1877, he
ended his earthly existence with a penknife, in the Occidental Hotel, in San
Francisco.
72
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
CLIMATE OF NAPA COUNTY.— The following table, which is the
record of temperature from April to December, 1S67, will serve to indicate
what the general climate of the city is :
April 15
" 20-27 ..
" 28
" 29
May 1
" 2-3....
" 4-10...
" 12"!!!"
" 13
" 14-21....
" 22
" 25-27...
" 28-29-30.
" 31
.Tune 1-5
" 6-7
" 8-9
" 10-14....
" 15-19....
" 20
" 21-22....
" 23-25....
" 20-29....
" 30
July 1
" 2-3
" 4
" e!!!!'.'.!
" 7
" 9-ii '.'."'.
" 12-13....
" 14-15....
" 16-18....
" 19-20....
" 21-22....
" 23
" 24-27....
" 28-29.. . .
" 30
August 1 .
2
10-13.
14-16.
17-18.
19....
20-21 .
23 24.
25-20.
27-28.
29....
30....
September
6-7..
8-11.
12-14.
15-17 .
18-21.
22....
23 29.
^A^Aif^
General History and Settlement.
73
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74 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
COUNTY INFIRMARY.— In accordance with an Act of the Legisla-
ture, approved April 18, 1867, it was ordered by the Board of Supervisors,
March 18, 1868, that they proceed to establish an Infirmary in Napa
County. The Board of Supervisors then took the oath as Directors of the
institution. March 10, 1869, bids for the erection of buildings were adver-
tised for, and April 13th of that year, the contract was let to Beeby, Robin-
son & Son, for the sum of $81,218.55. The building was completed August
2d of the same year, and is located in a spacious tract of land to the south-
west of Napa City, a short distance.
In 1869, the following tax statistics were culled from the Assessor's
books :
Value of real estate in Napa County $2,538,089
Value of personal property in Napa County 1,075,164
Total 83,613,253
Number of Acres taxed, 211,131.
State tax on above $35,115.87
County tax on above 66,973 55
Road poll tax collected 4,125.00
Road district tax collected 9,050.00
Dog tax collected 804.00
Total tax collected $116,068.42
OLD DEBT FUNDED. — In accordance with an Act of the Legislature,
approved April 16, 1880, the Board of Supervisors funded the debt of the
county as follows : Railroad debt of $228,000, bearing interest at the rate
of 10 per cent, to 6 per cent., payable June 30, 1900 ; and the road district
indebtedness of about $80,000, funded from 7 per cent, to 4£ per cent.,
payable June 30, 1890.
RAILROAD HISTORY.— There is no subject more closely allied to the
general history of Napa County than the railroad which extends through
Napa Valley, and for which the people have to pay, but do not own. It is
not within our province to comment on matters of this kind, but to give
the facts as recorded in the Press and records of the county, and leave the
reader to draw his own conclusions.
The first mention of a railroad enterprise of any kind in Napa County,
' is found under date of December 26, 1863, which states that a company has
been organized in San Francisco for the purpose of constructing a railroad
tVi mi Vallejo to Calistoga. No further mention is made of this company,
and it is fair to presume that nothing more was ever done by it.
General History and Settlement.
75
In 1864, the ball for the Napa Valley Railroad was set to rolling, and as
early as January 9th of that year, we find that subscription books to stock
in this enterprise were open at the bank and the store of A. Y. Easterby
& Co.
March 26th of that year, Hon. Chancellor Hartson introduced a bill
before the Legislature providing for the issuance of county bonds to the
amount of $225,000 to aid the pi'oject. It was provided that bonds should
be issued at the rate of $10,000 per mile for the first five miles constructed
and $5,000 for the remaining thirty -five on to Calistoga. This proposition
was to be submitted to a vote of the people. It was argued that all the
bonds along the line of the road would be enhanced in value at least ten
per cent., and that would more than remunerate the added tax.
April 4, 1864, the Hartson bill was approved by the Governor, and its
provisions, as finally passed, were in brief as follows : The Board of Super-
visors shall call a special election, to be held on the second Wednesday in
May next (1864), to vote on the proposition of the taking of railroad stock
by the county at the rate of $10,000 per mile for the first five miles and
$5,000 per mile for each mile thereafter. Two miles of the road must be
completed before any money can be paid on it, and the bonds shall be of
the denominations of $10,000 and $5,000 each, and shall have coupons for
interest attached, and the interest shall be payable on the second day of
January of each year. A tax shall be levied not to exceed 25 cents on the
$100, which shall be known as the interest tax. In the year 1870, and
each year thereafter until the bonds are all paid, the Board may levy a tax
not to exceed 25 cents on the $100 for the purpose of raising a fund for
the payment of said bonds, to be known as the " Railroad Fund."
In accordance with the provisions of the above Act an election was held
May 11, 1864, which resulted as follows :
Gordon Valley.
Hot Springs . . .
Yount
St. Helena.
Soscol
It will be seen by the above that the proposition of " Railroad yes "
carried by the handsome majority of 31S votes in a total vote of 654. In
only one precinct was a negative majority cast.
76 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Shortly after this election, and during the same month, the company
was organized and the following officers chosen : President, C. Hartson ;
Vice-President, A. Y. Easterby ; Treasurer, Sam. Brannan ; and Secretary,
A. A. Cohen.
June 13, 1864, the Board of Supervisors officially complied with the
requirements of the Act of the Legislature of April 4, 1864, and subscribed
to the stock of the railroad company for the County of Napa in the amount
of $10,000 per mile for the first five miles completed, and §5000 per mile
for each subsequent mile completed.
Outside of the subscriptions of the county, many private citizens sub-
scribed very liberally towards the enterprise, agreeing also to donate a right
of way sixty feet wide through their premises. These subscribei-s were as
follows : S. Brannan $3000, R. B. Woodward $3000, C. Mayne $3000, A. A.
Cohen S3000, C. Hartson $2000, N. Coombs $2000, W. R. Garrison $3000, H.
Barroilhet $3000, C. F. Lott $3000, S. Alstrom $3000, E. J. Weeks $5000,
J. Graves $2000, T. Knight $2000, G. C. Yount $2000, J. H. Goodman $1000,
A. Y. Easterby $1000, J. Lawley $1000, Smith Brown $1000, S. C. Hastings
$1000, G. W. Crowey $1000, George Fellows $1000, J. S. Trubody $1000,
H. Fowler $1000, E. Stanley $500, J. F. Lambdin $500, C. H. Holmes $500,
R. Ellis $100 and W. Hargrave $500. The following additional subscrip-
tions were added : R. B. Woodward $2000, S. Brannan $5000, J. Trubody,
$2000, and sundry persons $3000.
Arrangements were all completed and everything got in readiness so
that the first ground was broken November 21, 1864, a short distance
below Napa City.
In accordance with the provisions of the railway bill a tax of twenty-
five cents on the $100 was levied for 1864 by the Board of Supervisors.
By January 10, 1865, the road was completed as to grading and track-
laying from Soscol to Napa City. It was built by Messrs. Patterson & Gray
for the sum of $32,000. The rolling-stock, which had then been ordered,
consisted of two cars, with a capacity of 105 passengers, and a ponjr engine.
The track entered Napa City by way of Main street, and was laid along
that street to Third. Most of our readers will remember the old arrange-
ment in this regard. The rolling-stock did not arrive until about July 1 ,
1865, and on the 11th of that month the first train passed over the track.
A collation was spread at the Revere House and free rides were given to
all who wished to embrace the opportunity.
At the first annual election the following officers were chosen: President,
A. Y. Easterby; Vice-President, R. B. Woodward; Secretary, A. Badlam, Jr.;
Treasurer, S. Brannan ; Directors, S. Brannan, A. Y. Easterby, C. Mayne,
J. H. Goodman, J. Lawley, C. Hartson, and R. B. Woodward.
November 4, 1865, a new locomotive was purchased to take the place of
the " pony," which had first been put upon the road. The driving wheel
General History and Settlement. 77
was four and a half feet in diameter, and the cost of the engine was $9000.
It was named "Napa City."
The business done by this little railroad at that time may be gleaned
from the following report, rendered December 31, 1865, and covers the first
six months of its existence :
RECEIPTS :
Passengers $2,525.75
Freight 2,213.63
$4,739.38
EXPENSES :
Fuel, oil, etc $841.69
Salaries 1,969.60
$2,811.29
Total Profits $1,928.09
Average per month 321.35
Any one good at calculating interest can soon find out how much the
road was paying on the investment. The trains ran to Soscol, where con-
nection was made with a steamer for San Francisco.
In January, 1866, Mr. Hartson introduced a bill before the Legislature
providing for the additional subscription by the county of Napa of
$15,000 per mile to the proposed railroad from Napa City to Calistoga.
This met with a considerable opposition, and the following petition was
signed quite extensively and sent to the State Senate :
"To the Honorable House of Representatives of California : We, the
undersigned, citizens of Napa County, respectfully protest against any bill
appropriating or in any manner using the money or credit of the county
for the purpose of making or building a railroad from Napa City to Calis-
toga, or to or from any other place in said county. The reasons for thus
protesting are in print as follows : The road will not pay the expenses of
running when completed, therefore every dollar subscribed or loaned by
the county will be lost, and have to be collected by taxation from taxpayers,
amounting to more than one-tenth of the assessable valuation of the whole
county. It will not be of any practicable use to more than one-fifteenth
of the agricultural lands of the county, and we believe not one-fourth of
the people of the county will be benefited thereby ; that the county is
already deeply indebted for a subscription made to a road already con-
structed ; that in consideration and in consequence of the present high
taxation from various sources, it will place a burden too heavy to be borne,
and that it will be a gross injustice to put a heavy tax on the whole for the
benefit of the few."
The above petition did not prevent the passage of the Hartson bill, for
it was approved January 25, 1866. Its provisions were as follows : The
78
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Board of Supervisors shall direct a special election to be held on the third
Wednesday of February, 1866, for the purpose of voting on the proposi-
tion of taking stock in the railroad to the extent of $10,000 per mile for each
mile of the portion of the said road which is unfinished within the limits
of the County of Napa. The Board may levy a tax sufficient to pay the
interest on the bonds ; and in the year 1880, and every year thereafter till
the bonds are all paid, the Board may levy a tax not to exceed fifty cents on
the $100, for the payment of the bonds.
The passage of this bill fell like a bombshell upon the community. Every
man who opposed the measure appointed himself a committee of one to
secure votes against what they termed an outrage. On this subject, under
date of February 17, 1866, the Register says:
" Every voter in the county who values his home and property should
turn out on Wednesday next (the 21st) and vote against the scheme which,
if successful, will surely bring bankruptcy and ruin upon' himself and
family. By voting " no " upon the railroad bill he will discharge a duty
required by every consideration of reason and justice toward himself and
all who are dependent upon him. Let no lack of interest in the matter
keep men from the polls or prevent them from working for the defeat of
the iniquitous and burdensome measure. Its defeat will be worth more to
every farmer than the entire value of his crops, and no fears of pecuniary
loss by leaving work should cause any man to stay away from the polls on
that day. Its friends are working for its success, and having an abundance
of means wherewith to control the vote of the floating population, will
make close work for us, even with our strength."
When the day of election came, February 21, 1866, it was demonstrated
that the people had all the railroad debt to cany that they desired, and
that they would have no more, as will be seen by consulting the following
vote:
Sub
,D,
Maji
U,TV.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
St. Helena
115
143
25
66
0
0
0
66
1
69
75
636
38
43
15
94
64
1037
40
140
43
15
41U
186
S07
General History and Settlement.
79
Real majority "no," 621. Out of 702 votes cast in Napa City only 66
were for the proposition. The vote of Carneros, Gordon Valley and Pope
Precincts were rejected, on the grounds that there was no evidence that the
officers of election were sworn. This reduced the majority to 477, which
was, all things considered, very overwhelming.
The railroad parties had gotten a set-back at the above election, but
that did not daunt them any. They then set about to get a grander scheme
than ever foisted upon the people, and a bill was passed April 2, 1866, which
provided that an election should be held for the purpose of deciding
whether or not the railroad company should have donated to them as a free
gift the entire amount of bonds that had been previously voted. About the
same time a party sprung into existence who advocated the feasibility of a
Macadamized road to Calistoga instead of a railroad. Finally, the matter
culminated in an election, which was held September 5, 1866, at which the
proposition of a Macadamized road and the donation of the bonds to the
railroad company were both voted upon. The vote was as follows :
Name of Precincts.
Macadamized
Road.
Donation to
Railroad.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
Napa
76
3
3
192
60
82
50
18
64
54
73
54
11
82
402
241
243
320
It will be seen by the above that the vote was not nearly so large as at
the previous election, and that the railroad company only lacked three
votes of getting a majority in favor of donation. The people seemed to
realize the fact that they would have the bonds to pay any way, and that
the railroad company would eventually get possession of them, and that
they might as well get them first as last, hence let that matter go by de-
fault.
A new trouble now presented itself to the railroad company. The
Board of Supervisors refused to issue the bonds in accordance with the
provisions of the Act of the Legislature and the vote of the people. A
mandamus was served upon the Board to compel them to issue the bonds,
which they contested and the matter was carried to the Supreme Court,
which body decided that the Board must subscribe to the stock.
80 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The following list will show the date of issuance, numbers of the bond?
issued, and total amount issued on each several day :
October 15, 1866 1 to 60 $30,000
61 — 171 14,500
172 — 191 10,000
192 — 211 10,000
212 — 231 10,000
232 — 251 10,000
252 — 271 10,000
272 — 291 10,000
292 — 311 10,000
312 — 331 10,000
.... 20,000
May
June
7, 1867
4, "
20, "
July
3, "
18, "
August
15, "
Septem.
Decern.
10, "
10, "
Feb'y
29, 1868
May
July
August
Decern.
20, "
21, "
24, "
19, "
Janury
14, 1869
332-
-371
372-
-411
412-
-424
425-
-468
469-
-470
20,000
6,500
22,000
1,000
.$194,000
In April, 1867, the work of constructing the road up the valley was
begun, with Calistoga as the objective point. September 2, 1867, the rate
of interest tax on railroad bonds was increased ten cents on the $100. In
October, 1868, the road was completed to Calistoga, and a grand excursion
was had. Samuel Brannan, with his characteristic hospitality, assumed the
role of host upon the occasion and feasted everybody right royally.
May 27, 1869, the Napa Valley Railroad was sold to Messrs. Rulofson &
Ryder, for the sum of $500,000, which put the road under the management
of the California Pacific.
Capt. N. A. Greene, who was the first conductor on the Napa Valley Rail-
road, was accidently killed on the Western Pacific Railroad, October 28,
1869, where he was running a freight train.
January 1, 1871, the right of way was granted to the railroad through
Main street, Napa, but it was never used further than Third street.
After the road was extended to Calistoga, trains used to run up to the
depot, at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, and then back down and
strike the main track in the vicinity of the gas works, and then pass out
through the western portion of town. Januaiy 4, 1877, the change to the
present route through East Napa was made. The entire length of road in
the county is forty-one miles.
General History and Settlement. 81
COURT-HOUSES.— Napa County has had three Court-houses. With
the organization of the county in 1850, came, of course, the necessity for
public buildings. At the December term of the Court of Sessions, a con-
tract was let for the building of a Court-house, " which shall be 20x30 feet
in size, erected of good, substantial materials, with a corridor the whole
length, six feet wide, covered overhead by an extension of the roof, the
stairs to be in said corridor, outside ; the second stoiy to be divided by a
hall four feet wide, running through the center, and into four rooms, 10x13
each, all rooms to be ceiled, both walls and overhead ; seven doors, fifteen
windows, a plain desk and railing for the bar, and six benches, each eight
feet long."
This building was located on the north-west corner of Coombs and
Second streets, just west of the Revere House, and was a small two-story
building, innocent of plastering, with Court-room below and clerk's office
above. Persons sentenced for long terms were confined in the adobe jail at
Sonoma, while petty offenders were placed in the upper rooms of the Court-
house. The Court-room was often used as a place of worship, and also for
itinerant lecturers, jugglers, etc.
Among the first Acts of the Legislature in reference to Napa County, is
the following : " The Court of Sessions may levy a tax not to exceed one-
fourth of one per cent, for the purpose of building a Court-house."
The subsequent history of this building is thus recorded in the Reg-
ister: "The fire on Monday, August 25, 1875, destroyed a historic build-
ing. This structure was the first Court-house in Napa. It was an old
two-story frame building which was framed in the East, and brought around
the Horn in 1849 or 1850, by a Mr. Ely, afterwards attorney in San Fran-
cisco, and bought by the county for county purposes. It did duty in this
capacity until about 1855, having the clerk's and perhaps other offices in it,
and also apartments for petty malefactors, who were chained down to the
floor. When the county sold it, C. Hartson bought it and moved it to
where it stood when it was destroyed. The building was 20x40, and had
a mate which was built in the East and came to this county with it." This
building was then the residence of R. Peddie, on the east side of Main
street.
The matter of a new Court-house began to agitate the minds of the
people in 1855, as by that time the old building had become inadequate in
all respects, and the want of a jail was keenly felt. Accordingly, bids were
advertised for, and on August 11, 1855, the Board of Supervisors accepted
the bid of Messrs. Webb & Kincaid of San Francisco, for the sum of $19,-
480. This action did not seem to meet with the approval of the people,
and so, on the 31st of the same month the Board rescinded their action in
82 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the matter, and submitted it to a vote of the people, at the following gen-
eral election, which occurred September 7th of that year.
There is nothing on record to show what the decision of the voters was
at that election in reference to the matter. We find, however, that on
April 8, 1858, the Board of Supervisors received a remonstrance signed by
the citizens of Yount Township against the erection of a Court-house and
jail.
A Court-house, however, had to be erected, for the old one would not
longer answer the purpose. Hence we find that on May 5, 185C, despite
the remonstrance, the following gentlemen were appointed by the County
Judge for the purpose of selecting and appraising a site for the new county
buildings : R. M. Hill, Riley Gregg, and George N. Cornwell. They decided
that the location of the building should be as follows : The center of the
building shall be in the center of the lot, east and west, and the front of
the house on the center of the lot north and south, the building to front
north. The site chosen is the same as is now occupied by the county
buildings.
The corner-stone to this building was laid with appropriate ceremonies
by the Masonic fraternity, in the presence of a great number of Napa
people. The stone was a square block with a hole cut down into it, which
was covered with a piece of sheet iron, which was cemented down. On
the side of the stone was the following inscription : " Laid July 29, A. d.
1856, A. L. 5856, by W. H. Howard, Grand Past Master of Masons for Cali-
fornia." When this building was torn down to give place for a new
structure in 1878, the contents of the corner-stone were removed. They
were found to be a number of time-blackened and mildewed pamphlets and
newspapers, and several coins. It was a wonder that the newspapers were
so well preserved as they were, as there was no lining to the cavity in the
stone. Some of the papers were almost rotted, but by careful handling
could be read. There was a Masonic pamphlet dated 1856, a copy
of the by-laws of Benicja Lodge No. 5, F. and A. M., and the following
San Francisco papers : Daily Town Talk, P. B. Hall & Co., proprietors, and
Richard H. Bowlin, editor; number 3 of volume 1 of the Daily California
Chronicle, Frank Soule and W. L. Newell, editors and publishers ; Daily
Herald, John Nugent, editor and publisher; Daily Evening Bulletin,
Thomas S. King, editor ; Daily True Californian, edited and published by
Rhodes & Bartlett. There was also the Sacramento Daily California
American, the Napa County Weekly Reporter, dated Saturday, July 19,
1856, which was number 3 of volume 1 of that paper. The coins were
one gold £3.00 piece and a $1.00 piece, both of the issue of 1856 ; a silver
one-half and one-quarter dollar piece, of the same date ; two dimes coined
in 1853, and a three-cent piece coined in 1851,
General History and Settlement. 83
The jail cells were made of boiler iron, three-sixteenths of an inch
thick, well riveted together, the top to be punched with one-half inch holes,
six of them to the square foot. The doors were grated and securely hinged.
The floor of the jail was of brick, laid edgewise in cement.
Originally, the jail occupied two-thirds of the lower floor. All the
offices on the lower floor, except those of sheriff and clerk, were constructed
five years afterwards. The whole of the second story has been again and
again remodeled. The cupola was originally at the east end of the building,
instead of the center as when it was torn down. Probably no other build-
ing underwent so many or costly changes as did this one. It is stated by
the local press, that probably from $50,000 to $60,000 was expended on the
building from first to last. The original cost will be shown by the fol-
lowing :
Contract to A. C. Latsom $19,990
Expended for box window frames . 350
Expended for cupola 750
Contract to Benjamin & Sanford for jail, June 25th,
1859 7,000
James & Co., painting and re-glazing in Court-house,
June 5, 1865 750
E. M. Benjamin, vault in clerk's office 1,900
Total $30,740
This building was completed, and accepted by the Board of Supervisors,
December 16, 1856. The Court-house plaza was occupied in 1855, by
Lawley & Lefferts, as a lumber yard. After the erection of the coimty
buildings, the Supervisors contracted with John H. Waterson to construct a
fence around it for $572. In 1857, A. D. Pryal took the contract of grading
the grounds and planting shrubbery, the expense of which was partly met
by the Board of Supervisors, which body ordered $200 to be paid, and the
remainder was met by the private subscriptions of the citizens of Napa,
amounting to about $300.
In 1864, great cracks were discovered to be making their appearance in
the walls of the building, and it became a source of much concern among
the county officials whether or not the building was safe. In March of
that year, E. M. Benjamin was appointed to examine into the matter, and
report to the Board. He did so, and measures were taken to stop the
spreading of the openings. At the same time, bids were asked for for the
construction of a vault and for other improvements. The matter went
on for a decade, when the subject of erecting a new building came up for
serious discussion on every hand. The old building was deemed to be in an
84 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
unsafe condition by the occupants, and also by architects. The public press
was clamerous for a structure that would do the place and the county credit,
stating that the old one had long since outlived its usefulness. August 24,
1874, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors :
" That any permanent repairs on the said building (the old Court-house)
will be unwise and inexpedient, and a waste of the public money." Shortly
afterwards, the Judge deemed the building so unsafe that he refused to hold
the sessions of the Court in it any longer.
Strange as it may seem, after all this, the matter dallied along for an-
other two years, with nothing definite being accomplished by the Board in
regard to the matter. Finally, April 6, 1876, the following resolution was
presented to the Board : " That the Board think it advisable to build a
new Court-house and jail for the accommodation of Napa County." This
was carried by the following vote : Deweese, Robinson, Mecklenberg and
Safely, affirmative ; and Ink and Hams, negative. Still, two more years
rolled by before bids were asked for, and it was not until June 25th, 1878,
that the contract was let, on plans drawn by Ira Gilchrist, to John Cox, for
the sum of $50,990.
The old Court-house building was sold to D. Ross for $400. The bonds
for the new Court-house were placed upon the market in August, 1878,
and sold for G| per cent, premium, F. H. Woods being the purchaser.
The corner-stone to the new building was laid September 21, 1878.
About 1 o'clock p. M., of that day, the Masonic fraternity to the number of
eighty, all in regalia, marched from their hall, headed by the Napa Brass
Band which discoursed appropriate music. The majority of those in line
were members of Yount Lodge, No. 12, of Napa City, and there were also
delegations from the Lodges at St. Helena and Calistoga, and among dis-
tinguished Masons from abroad were Dr. J. M. Brown, Most Worshipful
Grand Master, and J. W. Shafer, Grand Lecturer. The assemblage was
called to order by F. E. Johnson, W. M. of Yount Lodge, who stated that
before the exercises began, J. W. Brayton would photograph the scene,
which was clone in short order. It was estimated that about one thousand
persons were present. The platform was filled with ladies and members
of the Masonic Order. The exercises were opened with music by the choir,
which consisted of J. A Keller, organist ; Mrs. Richard Wylie, soprano ;
Mrs. Dennis Spencer, contralto; Prof. W. A. Packard, tenor, and C. B.
Stone, bass. The selection given was a Masonic hymn set to the tune of
"Rule Britannia."
The oration was then given by Dr. J. M. Brown, M. W. G. M. of the
Grand Lodo-c of California, which was brief and appropriate. The speaker
referred to the time-honored usage, by which it had been the custom to
delegate to the Masonic Order, the laying of the corner-stones of public
General History and Settlement. 85
buildings. " This ancient fraternity rarely breaks its seclusion to attend
public demonstrations of any kind. It covets retirement, not proselyting,
never seeking public parades, but peaceful and independent lives by laws
within itself. With raiments spotless, and teachings pure, it clings to the
old landmarks, and only appears in procession on the public streets when in
the performance of some public duty intrusted to it. Such an occasion is
this to-day. The usage is essentially Masonic. It is fitting that a body
springing from a band of positive Masons, should exercise the same duties
in a public work of this kind, as though they were practical Masons.
" Apart from this, it is appropriate that Masons should lay the corner-
stone, because they compose an organization whose members are quiet,
peaceful citizens, and hold among themselves the great principles of law,
liberty and equality. It is a fraternity which fosters political liberty.
Power precedes liberty, and from the nature of things liberty is dependent
upon power. The Masons are always the advocates of secular improvement.
We live in an age of singular movements — a time when the foundations of
States are shaken, and our form of government seems subjected to powerful
solvents. But the aim of our Order is to perpetuate. It has stood long
ages, by the ancient landmarks of truth, justice, loyalty and charity,
and it still rises above the floods eternal as the stars in their course. To
such a fraternity is entrusted the work of laying the corner-stone. On the
edifice about to be erected may symmetry and order rest in each line and
curve ; may strength and beauty grace each arch and pillar from base to
capstone ; and may the beautiful proportions of the whole structure be for
the admiration of the beholder."
At the close of the oration there was music by the choir, and then the
beautiful and impressive ceremony of laying the corner-stone was pro-
ceeded with. When the metal box containing the deposits was placed in
the cavity made for it in the lower stone it was cemented in by John Cox,
the contractor, and the upper stone was slowly lowered on to it by block
and tackle. After it was settled it was tested with the silver tools of the
Order — the square, level, plumb and gavel. The list of articles placed in the
stone was read, and corn, wine and oil was poured on it from gold and silver
vases, with the usual salutes and responses. The M. W. G. M. then said :
" It has been the custom from time immemorial, when requested to do
so, for Masons to assemble to lay the north-east corner-stone of public
buildings. It has also been the custom to deposit therein certain memorials
of the age. The Grand Lodge have been invited by the Board of Super-
visors of Napa County to superintend this duty. It is my will and pleasure
to announce the ceremonies completed."
He then made a brief invocation to the Divine Architect of the Universe
for His blessing on the work. Aiiother hymn was sung by the choir, and
86 History of Napa a?id Lake Counties — Napa.
the Masons proceeded to their hall to the music of the band. The inscrip-
tion on the stone is as follows :
LAID JULY 29, 1856.
RELAID SEPTEMBER 21, 1878.
The contents of the metal box deposited in the stone were : Specimens
of all the United States postage stamps ; historical sketch book of Napa
County : copies of the Daily and Weekly Register; Napa City' Reporter, of
July 19, 1856 (the one taken from the old stone), and of late date; the St,
Helena Star ; Napa Classic ; picture of the Collegiate Institute ; charter
and ordinance of the City of Napa ; local laws of Napa ; catalogue of Napa
Female Seminary ; catalogue of Oak Mound School ; reports from the Insane
Asylum for 187G-7 ; Republican, Democratic and Independent State and
County tickets for 1875 ; copy of proceedings of the M. W. G. L. F. & A. M.
for 1877, together with all that was removed from the former stone.
The building was completed, and accepted by the Board of Supervisors
February 17, 1879. The following complete and succinct historical and
descriptive sketch of the new Court-house is taken from the columns of the
Register :
" On Mai-ch 27, 1878, an Act of the Legislature to provide for the building
and furnishing of a Court-house, offices and jail for Napa County, and for
improving the Court-house grades, was approved by the Governor. The
Board of Supervisors of this county were authorized and directed to issue
bonds of the county to an amount not to exceed $80,000, payable at any time
after 1883, and within twenty years of the date of their issuance, at the
option of the Board ; said bonds to bear a rate of interest not exceeding
seven per cent, per annum ; to be in denominations of $500 each ; interest
coupons to be attached. To pay the interest a special tax is to be levied
each year. In and for 1884 and each year thereafter until all of said bonds
are paid, the Board of Supervisors are to levy and cause to be collected a
tax sufficient to pay one-fifteenth part of the whole issue of said bonds, the
tax thus collected to be set apart as a special fund, to be known as the
' Court-house Bond Redemption Fund.' When there shall be $1000 or
more in said fund the County Treasurer is to advertise for sealed proposals
for the surrender of bonds. These bonds were furuished by D. L. Haas of
Napa City. One hundred and twenty of them have been issued, two-
thirds of them having twenty-one coupons attached, the remaining one-third
having twenty. Each of these calls for $35, when due, except the first and
last ones of the first lot mentioned. These coupons are fac-similes of
United States bonds.
" Plans for the building were submitted to the Board of Supervisors on
May 9, 1878. Ira Gilchrist, of Napa, submitting one; Kirk, of Oakland,
General History and Settlement. 87
one, and Daly & Praun, of Napa, three ; that of Gilchrist being accepted. As
a Building Committee to act for the Board, Supervisors Robinson and
Deweese were appointed, and Mr. Gilchrist, the architect, had a general
oversight of the work. Nine contractors put in bids on the 25th day of June,
1878, ranging from $60,460 down to $50,990, the latter being by J. Cox, of
San Francisco, to whom the contract was let. Ground was broken for the
foundation on or about July 7th. Trenches five feet wide and three feet
deep were dug, in which was put the best of concrete, which was allowed
to settle for six weeks, at the end of which time it had become as hard as
a solid rock. The work of laying the walls, when commenced, was rapidly
carried forward, and on September 21st the corner-stone was laid with im-
posing Masonic ceremonies.
"All the brick used in the construction of the Court-house and jail were
made at the old brick yards on the Sonoma road. About 90,000 were made,
which were pronounced by competent judges to be of excellent quality.
The outer dimensions of the Court-house are 95x86 feet. The outside
walls are sixteen inches thick, firmly held together by iron rods, which are
firmly imbedded in the solid foundation, and extend therefrom to the plate
on top of the walls, arching the building firmly. The partition walls are
twelve inches thick. The jail is 5Sx30 feet outside, with the same kind of
foundation as the Court-house, and the walls are firmly bound together by
iron bands, rendering them very solid. The outer walls were coated with
Rosendale cement, adding much to the beauty of the building. The cornice
is of galvanized iron.
" The hipped roof of both buildings are covered with tin, which is covered
with fire-proof paint. The tower, which rises from the front or eastern end
of the building, is twenty feet square at its base, and immediately above
this is a cupola which tapers to a point, on which is placed a weather-vane,
and over all, on the topmost spire, a golden globe reflects the light from rise
to set of sun. The main entrance to the Court-house is on Brown street,
and is reached by a broad flight of seven granite steps. The floor of the
vestibule is composed of diamond-shaped marble blocks in two colors. The
walls are all richly wainscotted four feet from the floor, above which on
either side are placed bulletin boards, and overhead the ceiling is beautifully
ornamented with stucco-work, from the center piece of which depends orna-
mented gas fixtures.
" Massive wooden doors, grained in imitation of black walnut, with Cali-
fornia laurel panels, open from this vestibule to right and left, admitting one
into the grand hall, which is seventy-four feet long by sixteen feet wide
and eighteen feet high, extending from one end of the building to the other.
The floor of this hall is also of tassalated marble. The first room from the
front entrance on the right of the hall is that of the County Treasurer,
88 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
which is 26 x 15 feet in size, with a private office therefrom 7x11 feet. An
arched vault, for the Treasurer's special use, is entered from the main office,
and is both strong and convenient.
" The room next adjoining the Treasurer's office, and entered also from
the main hall, is that of the Superintendent of Schools, which is 15 \ x 14i
feet in size. This room was not extended to the north wall of the building,
but was partitioned off, the upper portion of said partition being of glass,
through which and a glass door is admitted all the light of the room. Just
beyond this room a small transverse hall, 6 x 30 feet, extends from the main
hall to the north or Second street side of the building.
" The entrance of the Assessor's office, which is in the rear of the Super-
intendent's room, is on this hall, and the office is 20x15 feet and is well
lighted. On the opposite side of this hall is the room of the County Sur-
veyor, which is 24x14 feet, which is also well lighted. The first room
entered from the main hall beyond the small hall is that of the Janitor, and
is the counterpart of that occupied by the Superintendent of Schools. These
are the only two rooms in the building that have no outside windows. Next
beyond the Janitor's room, and under the main stairway, is a small hall,
through which is reached the Supervisors' room, in the north-west corner of
the building. At the foot of this small hall, as one enters it, is the Jailor's
room, which is 11x11 feet. This completes the list of rooms on the
northern side of the main building, lower floor.
" Commencing as before at the main entrance, the first room on the south
side is the Sheriff's office, which is 26 x 15 feet, with private room attached,
17 x 11 feet. Just beyond this is the office of the County Clerk, which is
35ixl6 feet, with a vault 14x13 feet and 14 feet high. Adjoining this
room is the office of the County Recorder, which is 35Jx21 feet, and is
situated in the south-west corner of the building. There is a vault also to
this room, which is 20 x 13 feet, and adjoins that of the Clerk's office. With
the exception of some private offices, all the rooms on the south or Third
street side extend from the main hall to the wall, and are well lighted.
Opposite the first entrance, and at the rear end of the hall is the grand
stairway, which is quite broad, has very rich, heavy black walnut balus-
trades, with massive new el posts, on which there are gas jets. Ascending
these stairs the upper hall is entered, which is well lighted by a vaulted
dome of many colored glass. In the first room on the north side of this
hall, the District Court (now the Superior Court) is held. Its dimensions
are 37 x 36J feet, and 20 feet high, and well lighted. It is also entered by
a private stairway communicating with the jail, so that prisoners are
brought direct from the jail to the Court-room. In the north-west corner of
the upper story is a spacious Jury-room, entered from the Coui-t-room,
which is provided with many conveniences. Adjoining the Court-room on
General History and Settlement. 89
the east is the Judge's Chamber, which is 26 x 15 feet. At the east end of
the hallway is the District Attorney's office which is 20 x 13 feet.
" Opposite the District Court-room, and on the south side of the hall is
the County Court-room, which is 31£ x 32J feet. There is also a jury-
room attached to this, in the south-west corner of the building. On the
other side of the room is the Judge's Chamber, and beyond this his private
office. A stairway leads from this upper hall to the tower, which is well
finished. A splendid view of Napa City and Valley is obtained from this
outlook. In this tower there is a very fine bell, weighing about one
thousand pounds.
" The jail is eight feet from the Court-house, on the Brown street side,
and is connected with it by a small hallway, the entrances of which are
securely guarded by iron doors. The floor beneath the lower cells was first
prepared by putting in earth five feet deep, thoroughly tamped, over which
was put two feet of concrete, which became as solid as a rock. Over this,
after the cells were completed, was put a thick coating of asphaltum. On
this floor are two rows of cells made of boiler iron, thoroughly riveted
together, containing ten cells, well painted, conveniently arranged, and
separated by a corridor. Another corridor extends around three sides of
these cells. From the lower to the upper tier iron stairways ascend, and on
this floor are two rows of cells as below, six on each side of the main cor-
ridor. The jail is well lighted, well ventilated, and provided with every
convenience that prisoners could require."
STATISTICS OF NAPA COUNTY.— From the annual statement of the
Assessor we compile the following facts and figures regarding the financial
interests of the County :
Value of real estate other than that listed below $3,769,222
Improvements on same assessed to owner 1,134,223
City and town lots 622,631
Improvements on same assessed to owner 844,159
Improvements on all property assessed to other than owners .... 13,680
Mining claims 25,275
Improvements on same 36,950
Telegraph lines 1,840
Railroad, bed and rails 676,500
Total value of all description of real estate 9,124,287
Total value of personal property 2,036,240
Western Union Telegraph Company:
Number of miles 46
Value per mile $40
Total assessed value 1,840
90 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Mount St. Helena Toll-Road :
Number of miles 10
Value per mile $500
Total assessed value $5,000
Bwrk's Toll-Road :
Number of miles 2|
Value per mile $00
Total assessed value $150
Number of trust deeds and mortgages 697
Total assessed value of them 1,645,197
State, County or Municipal Bonds $104.06
Money on hand or special deposit 115,383
Beehives, No 127 186
Brandies and liquors, galls .36,644 18,403
Calves, No 2,464 13,720
Cattle, stock, No 3,077 30,391
Coal, tons 154J 1,510
Colts, No 919 21,075
Consigned goods '. 1,800
Cows, thoroughbred, No 21 936
a;:: Sin,} ^
Farming utensils 20,045
Firearms, No 567 6,622
Fixtures of stores, saloons and other business
places 5,930
Furniture 100,150
Goats, common, No 1,012 1,358
Goods, wares and merchandise 222,401
Grain, tons 1,130 17,486
Harness, robes, saddles, etc 25,057
Hay, tons 355 2,143
Hogs, No 6,475 13,079
Hops, lbs 11,000 1,300
Horses, thoroughbred, No 9 1,950
Horses, graded, 1 , .oa 1A_ -fte
tt ' «J ■ J- 1,582 10o,29d
Horses, American. )
Horses, Spanish and half-breeds, No 2,267 61,997
Jacks and Jennies, No 10 650
Jewelry or plate 4,773
Libraries — law, medical and miscellaneous 8,925
Lumber, M feet 925 11,870
Machinery 49,665
Mules, No 498 35,435
Musical instruments 175 8.400
Pianos 209 31,445
Poultry, doz 12,823
General History and Settlement.
91
Quicksilver, in flasks 175 $ 4,973
Sewing machines 927 13,340
Sheep, imported or fine, No 44 173
Sheep, common, No 50,317 75,514
Lambs, No 10,251 5,072
Solvent credits, after deduction of debts 363,904
Steamers, vessels, water-craft, No 8 275
Wagons and other vehicles, No 2,166 117,135
Watches, No 792 19,077
Wine, galls 1,442,450 229^532
Wood, cords 3,781 6,783
Other property 84,185
Total $2,036,240
Land inclosed,
Land cultivated,
Wheat,
Wheat,
Barley,
Barley,
Oats,
Oats,
Rve,
Rye,
Corn,
Corn,
Peas,
Peas,
Peanuts,
Peanuts,
150,158
55,401
27,064
620,761
2,328
55,913
625
18,490
10
300
1,575
36,960
10
880
10
4,000
acres.
acres.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
pounds.
Beans,
Potatoes,
Potatoes,
Onions,
Onions,
Hay,
Hay,
Hops,
Hops,
Sugar Beets,
Sugar Beets,
Butter,
Cheese,
Honey,
Wool,
16
540
72
285
5
150
10,817
16,585
58
58,750
7
32
123,900
7,000
3,650
160,993
acres.
bushels.
acres.
tons.
acres.
bushels.
acres.
tons.
acres.
pounds.
acres.
tons.
pounds.
pounds.
pounds.
pounds.
Wine,
Brandy,
2,106,900 gallons.
45,714 gallons.
Distilleries,
Breweries,
12
63,500 gallons.
Lemon trees,
Orange trees,
Olive trees,
Apple trees,
Pear trees,
Fig trees,
Grist mills,
Steam power,
Run of stone,
Water power,
2 bearing.
45 bearing.
8 bearing.
40,180 bearing.
10,780 bearing.
740 bearing.
Plum trees, 6,010 bearing.
Peach trees, 17,795 bearing.
Quince trees, 815 bearing.
Grape vines, 6,055 acres.
Value of fruit crop, 406,540 dollars.
IMPROVEMENTS.
4
Run of stone, 2
Barrels of flour made in 1879, 8,500
Bushels com ground in 1879, 7,300
92
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
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Total Tax ox the 8100. . . .
General History and Settlement.
93
SCHOOLS. — The first school-house in Napa County was built by
William H. Nash, near Tucker Creek, above St. Helena, in 1849, in which a
private school was taught by Mrs. Forbes, whose husband had perished with
the Dormer Party in 1846. As late as 1854, there was not a public school
in the county, although there were two or three private schools. In 1855,
the first public school in the county was erected by subscription in Napa
City. In 1857, there were only nine hundred and eleven children in both
Napa and Lake Counties, which were then one. We give below the census
returns for the years 1858, 1865 and 1881, so that a comparison may be
made, and the growth of the school system readily seen :
American Canon .
Atlas Peak
Buchanan
Bennett
Berry essa
( 'arncros
Calistiiga
Chiles
Cherry Valley . . .
Chiles Valley
Conn Valley. . . .
Capelle Valley. . .
( 'rystal Springs , .
Cinnabar
Franklin
Foss Valley
Gordon Valley. . .
Hardin
Harmony
Howard
Howell Mountain
High Valley
Jefferson
Liberty
Lodi
Lone Tree
Mountain
Napa
Oak Grove
Oak Knoll
Number of Children
Oakville
Pope Valley .
Putah
Redwood
Soda Canon .
Salvador
Silverado
Spring Mountain
St. Helena
Sulphur Spring
Summit
Tucker
Upper Pope Valley
Vineland
Wooden Valley
Yount
Zem Zem
Fisher's School House
Browns Valley
Squatter Valley
Hot Springs No. 1
Hot Springs No. 2
Hot Springs No. 3
Clear Lake No. 1. .
Clear Lake No. 2
Monroe ,
Number of Children.
1S5S 1SG5 1SN1
CURIOSITIES OF THE GREAT REGISTER.— Some enterprising
newspaper genius, a few years ago, overhauled the Great Register of Napa
County with the following result, which we are sure will not be without
interest to the general reader :
Out of upwards of four thousand voting citizens in Napa County the
nativities are as follows : Two thousand nine hundred and seventy-three
94 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
were born in the United States and over one thousand and thirty are foreign
born. Of the former, one hundred and sixty-three were born in California;
of the latter, three hundred and thirty-one are from Erin's Isle; two hun-
dred and thirty-nine hail from " Fatherland ; " one hundred are from our
mother country, England ; forty-seven are from Canada ; forty-seven are
from the mountains of Switzerland ; thirty-six from the misty highlands
and lowlands of Scotland ; thirty-three from sunny France ; twenty-six
from Sweden ; twenty-five from Mexico ; eighteen from Denmai-k ; eighteen
from Norway ; eleven from fair Italy ; two from China (American parents) ;
and two were born at sea and consequently have no native land. The
remainder of the foreigners are distributed in small numbers among the
European countries of Austria, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Poland, etc. It
will be noticed that our largest inflow is from Ireland and our smallest from
the countries last named; and we suppose Napa's distribution is a fair
criterion for other counties.
The occupation of these four thousand citizens are varied. The principal
ones are as follows : Farmers, one thousand six hundred and fifty-three ;
mechanics, eight hundred and seven ; day laborers, six hundred and seven ;
clerks, seventy-nine ; teachers, forty-one ; doctors, thirty-four ; saloon-
keepers, twenty -four ; clergymen, twenty-one ; printers, nineteen ; lawyers;
thirteen ; law students, five ; editors, six. Nineteen of these citizens have
no registered occupation ; we suppose they would term themselves " gentle-
men."
There are a number of odd and curious occupations registered — at least,
odd and curious for this vicinity. Among them are two bottlers, one carp-
tender, two soldiers, one propagator of game cocks, two firemen, one tinker,
one 'longshoreman, one patent-maker, one bootblack and general business
man, (we suppose he means Jack-at-all-trades) and one actor. The re-
mainder are distributed among the lesser occupations.
The parents of our Napa County citizens must have had high hopes of
their progeny if they expected them to emulate the virtues of the great
men after whom they were named. We find no less than forty-five George
Washingtons with which to head the list; fourteen Thomas Jeflersons, five
James Madisons, fourteen Andrew Jacksons, one Martin Van Buren and two
William Harrisons, complete the Presidents. Then we find five Henry
Clays, one Albert Gallatin, thirteen Benjamin Franklins, two William Penns,
one Patrick Heniy, one Daniel Boone, one Samuel Houston, one Alexander
Stephenson, four Isaac Newtons, five John Wesleys, two Christopher Col-
umbus, three Charles Wesleys, one William Wirt, two Lorenzo Dows, four
Byrons, one Maximillian, two Pulaskis, two Louis Napoleons, three Horatio
Nelsons and six William Wallaces. Among the heroes of antiquity, we
find Leonidas, Quintus, Cineinnatus, Solon, Lycurgus, Theophilus, Archelaus,
General History and Settlement. 95
Erasmus, Achilles, Augustus Cresar, Hannibal, Csesar, Cassius, Lars and
Homer.
The following " queer, quaint and curious " names are found : Pardon,
Champion, Gallhelp, Pedro, Reason, Fountain, Christian, Prudence, Salter,
Chancellor, Welcome, Grandison, Berry, Littleberry, Greenberry, Brown-
berry, Greenleaf, Cilley, Fountederry, Dye, Leven, First, (the parents of
these last two probably numbered their children instead of naming them),
Razor, Finis, Purchase, Greene, Chasteen, Steptoe, Lanihut, Pleasant, Orall,
Valorous, Amatus, (Latin for " having been loved,") Doe, Napa, Francisco,
Nahum, Victoria, Angelo, Azariah, David Jonathan, Squire, Forest, Eliphalct,
Lank, Valentine, Ole, Ishman, Adonisam, Talover, Zuar, Batt, French, Page,
Ringrose. Greenup, Bani, Albion, Actor, Jesus, Adda and Hasker.
The surnames are as varied and curious as the given names ; fifty -six
citizens rejoice in the name of Smith ; of these, five prefix John. It is said
that names originally grew out of the occupations the persons followed. As
the sons do not always inherit the tastes of the father, a good many of the
names are misnomers. For instance, Mr. Baker is a storekeeper ; Mr.
Cooper is a miller ; Mr. Butcher is a farmer ; Mr. Carpenter is a drayman,
etc. Following are some of the occupations which would be designated by
the names : A Butcher, three Barbers, one Baker, one Bender, seven But-
lers, one Barker, twelve Cooks, six Coopers, two Carvers, one Carpenter,
three Cuttors, four Chancellers, one Currier, one Carrier, one dinger, one
Cartwright, four Carters, one Dresser, two Dyers, three Fishers, four
Fowlers, two Forresters, one Felter, one Glazier, five Gardners, one Goldsmith,
one Hunter, ten Millers, two Masons, one Porter, one Packer, two Parsons,
one Reader, one Rector, six Sawyers, one Stonebarger, two Sellers, one
Stringer, nine Turners, four Tylers, six Tuckers, one Tailor, one Thatcher,
five Walkers and a Wheeler. Some of them are also men of rank, judging
from the following : An Abbot, two Bishops, one Chamberlain, one Dean,
one Earl, eight Kings, two Nobles, two Priests and two Popes.
The kinds of men are also illustrated as follows : A Berryman, Brown-
man, Countryman, Cashman, Richman, Dryman, Eastman, Farman, Foman,
two Goodmans, Greenman, Grassman, Godman, Gassman, three Hardmans,
Honeyman, two Manns, Newman, Seaman, two Tallmans, Teaman and
Wayman.
These men also probably have sons as follows : Chapson, Grayson,
Robberson, Shepardson and Stillson.
Under this head we also have a Darling, Deare, Duguid, Friend, Fond-
away, Goodnow, Hunger, two Husbands, Newcomer, Love, Music, Witte,
Whitehead, Sleeper and Swain.
UNCLASSIFIED NOUNS AND VERBS.
Baldridge, Bale, Bitters, two Bachelders, Bomsall, two Chords, Christmas
96 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Carroll, Holliday, Cain, Coffer, Coffermore, Crooks, Demerett, Danbenspeck,
Devilin, Fee, Galway, Gift, Grant, Hang, Ink, Justice, two Jewells, Job,
Kildoff, Ketchum, Lineback, Musset, Millsof, two Nesbites, Overdick, Wells,
Seawell, Penwell, Corn well, Kettlewell, Philpot, Ash, Burns, Woodburn,
Coles, Lovett, Married, Powers, Purchase, Price, Paine, Parrish, Rex, Starr,
Squibb, Service, Shade, Slaughter, Standard, Trubody, Upchurch, Webb,
Wildberger, Lynch, Maddew, Maddigan, Stalkey, Tuck, Tripp, Workover,
Walover, Waite and Wash.
TIMES AND SEASONS.
Day, Weeks, Monday, Spring, Summer and Winter.
QUALITIES.
Are referred as follows: Bragg, Blank, Cross, Close, Goodrich, Goodmen,
Graves, Harsh, Happy, Keene, Meeker, Raney, Swift, Scrach, Slack, Sage,
Sharp, Savage, Sallow, Sweet, Strong, True, Wooden, Wooley, Young, Stout,
Safely, Wise and Waterous.
ANIMALS.
Buck, Coons, Doe, two Flys, Fox, Hinds, two Kidds, three Lyons, two
Lambs, Steere, Wolfe and Worm.
BIRDS.
Bird, two Cranes, Crow, Fowle, Gosling, two Hawks, Peacock, Raven,
Sparrow, Teal and Wren.
FISHES.
Two Crabbs, Herren, Klam, Leach, Pike, Ray and Salmon.
ANATOMICAL.
The anatomy of animals, including human beings and billy-goats is thus
illustrated, two Beards, Boyle, Foot, Huff, three Hydes, Haire, two Heads,
three Harts, Korn, Pulse, Shinn and Withers.
SIZES AND SHAPES.
Of these bodies, are three Biggs, High, Long, three Littles, Light, Love,
Petty and Small.
COLORS.
Nineteen Browns, six Blacks, eight Greenes, four Grays, Maroon, and
eight Whites.
NATIONALITIES.
Our population is quite cosmopolitan. We have two Coolies, one
Dutcher, one France, one French, one Holland, one Irish, seven Moores, one
Poland, and six Welshes.
MONEY.
Cash, Dollarhide, Groat and Penny.
General History and Settlement. 97
Two Bells, Brush, Clock, Ewer, Fawcett, Hopper, Hammer, two Keyes,
Mallett, two Potts, Towel, and Whetstone.
BUILDING MATERIAL.
Irons, Marble, Post, Stone, Steel and Wood.
ARCHITECTURAL.
Four Barnes, four Churches, Chapel, Foxhall, five Garretts, seven Halls,
two Houses, Lodge, Mills, Newhouse, Pier, Spires, Stackpole, Story, Shop,
Wing, Ward and Waterhouse.
EATABLES.
Allcorn, Bacon, Curry, Gruel, Milks, Pulse, Pickle, Rice and Grubb.
FRUIT AND VEGETATION.
Fruits, two Bartletts, Cobb, Cherry, Gage, Hull, Hayes, seven Murphys,
three Moss, six Roses, two Reeds, Thorn and Crabtree.
CLOTHING.
One Hat, one Coat, one Vest, one (Gilder) sleeve and Sheets.
WEAPONS.
One Gun, one Pike, one Spear, two Shields and a Spur.
LANDSCAPES AND WATERSCAPES.
The last and one of the most interesting classifications. Four Fields,
Bloomfield, Butterfield, two Greenfields, two Mansfields Mayfield, Merry-
field, two Akers, two Brinks, two Banks, Dell, Hill, Churchill, Mount,
Greenwood, Green, two Parks, four Lanes, two Streets, Heath, seven
Moores, Marsh, five Boggs, two Ponds, two Fountains, Frost, Snow, Falls
three Lakes and one See.
MOUNT ST. HELENA.— At the head of Napa Valley stands this ma-
jestic monarch of the Mayacamas Mountains, and a history of Napa and
Lake Counties would not be complete without a due mention being made of
this hoary -headed patriarch of the Pacific. A writer in one of the daily
papers gives the following beautiful and graphic description of the grand
scenes to be witnessed from its summit :
" ' Great heights charm the eye,' said Goethe, ' but the steps which lead
to them do not ; ' yet it seemed to us as we ascended that at every step the
view became wider and more complete, and that some new beauty was pre-
sented either in the surrounding landscape or on the slope itself. Upward
7
98 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
we traveled, now making turns as crooked as the manzanita sticks which
we carried, now examining the frost, which was peculiarly formed into
basalt-like columns along our path, now cutting canes and gathering speci-
mens, until finally, footsore and tired, we found ourselves on the highest
summit. It was a glorious scene which Nature on every side unfolded.
Yet early in the morning, the cool, fresh air exhilarated like champagne,
and the mists, having already disappeared under the influence of the rising
sun, the beauty of the landscape was almost perfect in detail. The moun-
tain upon which we stood is situated on the corner of Napa, Lake and
Sonoma Counties, and rises somewhat precipitously to a height of four
thousand five hundred feet. Forty years ago a party of Russians under
Commander Rotscheff visited Mount Mayacamas, as the peak was then
called, and upon the summit left a copper-plate bearing an inscription in
their own language."
In 1853 this plate was discovered by Dr. T. A. Hylton, and a copy of it
preserved by Mrs. H. L. Weston, of Petaluma. The metal slab is octagonal
in shape, and bears the following words in the Russian language :
" Russians, 1841, June. E. L. Voznisenski iii, E. L. Chernich."
This inscription was referred to Mr. Charles Mitchell Grant, of Oakland,
a gentleman long resident in Siberia, and he makes the following state-
ment : " iii means that Voznisenski is the third of the third name in his
family, the other two being still living, or at any rate alive when he was
born. Evidently two Russian sailors ; the first is a Polish name, and the
second a name common in Little Russia."
" The mountain was named St. Helena in honor of the Princess De Gaga-
rin, the commander's beautiful wife, and in this connection a romantic inci-
dent has been related by General Vallejo. He said : ' The beauty of this
lady excited so ardent a passion in the heart of Prince Solano, chief of all
the Indians about Sonoma, that he formed a plan to capture, by force or
stratagem, the object of his love ; and he might very likely have succeeded
had I not heard of his intention in time to prevent its execution.'
" The mountain is supposed to be an extinct volcano, from which were
poured out at one time the tufa in which the Petrified Forest is buried,
together with the range of basalt dividing the Petaluma and Sonoma Valleys,
and there remain two summits, one of which is four hundred feet above the
other. Viewed from different points the change in the appearance is suiiu-
what striking. Looking at the peak from Santa Rosa the shape is not
unlike that of a huge elephant ; at Fulton it has been called the ' giant in
bed ; ' from Litton Springs the outlines closely resemble those of St. Peter's
at Rome ; from Napa Valley St. Helena presents a gorgeous panorama of
shifting colors with cap of pearly gray : while from Diablo it makes a mag-
General History and Settlement. 99
nificently long outline against the sky, like some lofty monument of ancient
story. The Alpine glow seen at this season on the slope at sunset is in its
way unexcelled, and the huge mass is lighted up with a rose tint as if from
some internal fire. The foliage is of numerous varieties — manzanita, scrub
oak, scraggy pine and mountain cedar being especially predominant, while
even vineyards have been found to thrive in the lower canons. Like
Diablo and Shasta, St. Helena is largely isolated from its surroundings, and
is the presiding genius of the section in which it is located. To the specta-
tor standing on the summit the world seems to be tossed into a tempest, and
on whatever side he looks chaos reigns supreme. The view is confined only
by distant mountains and the horizon. ' The valleys sink away like settings
on the landscape ; towns and villages appear like collections of toy houses;
and men and animals disappear from the sight altogether. Rivers are
changed into tiny streams, wagon roads are narrowed to spiral-like trails,
and tall trees are little higher than shrubs just beginning to shoot. There
are mountains covered with timber to the top, and there are mountains
covered with snow all the year round. There are mountains as high as the
Jungf rau or Mont Blanc, and there are others with more pinacles and spires
than the Cathedral of Milan. There are creeks, rivers, a bay and an ocean ;
there are thousands of miles of land and water spread out like a map. It
is order as well as chaos ; it is distance brought within range of the human
eye ; it is sublimity and majesty combined ; it is out of the ' Perfection of
such beauty that God himself hath shined.'
" Directly in front of us, as we looked to the west from the summit, was
Knights Valley, that favorite sketching place for artists, on the extreme
eastern boundary of Sonoma, the dark color of its freshly plowed fields alter-
nating with the brighter shades of its grain fields and meadows. It seemed
but a stone's throw from where we stood to the magnificent residence of
Calvin Holmes, while Kellogg's was yet nearer on the Calistoga road to the
Geysers. Further to the west, and separated from Knights Valley by a
spur from the main chain, was Russian River Valley, the river flashing in
the sunlight like a stream of molten metal, and the play of colors upon its
foothills and mountains defying the best tints of a Bierstadt or Turner.
From Cloverdale to San Pablo Bay the level space stretched in an unbroken
line for a distance of nearly sixty miles, and highly cultivated fields and
pretty farm-houses followed each other in quick succession. From our dis-
tant height we could see Geyserville, with its Post-office and store and depot,
snugly situated near the river ; Litton Springs, with its schools and cottges,
located beautifully on a rising plain ; Healdsburg, overtopped by Fitch
Mountain and with half a dozen spires ' pointing the way to heaven;' Wind-
sor, Mark West and Fulton, each with a depot, and surrounded by fields as
level as a floor ; Santa Rosa, over thirty miles distant by the trail and road,
100 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
yet so near that its streets and buildings could be plainly distinguished with
the naked eye ; the hill, behind which could be seen the smoke rising from
Petaluma, though the town itself was obscured ; and then the valley shad-
ing oft' into the bay — and the eye and sense were bewildered by the mighty
prospect afforded. Beyond this central valley, to the west and north, was
an interminable waste of mountains, spur crowding spur so closely that level
spaces were lost sight of altogether, some peaks bare and cheerless, some
covered with trees to the summit, some showing deeper canons and steeper
slopes than St. Helena itself. Crowning the view to the west was the ocean
covered with fog to the north, which no human eye could penetrate, and the
outlines fading off in the distance until sky and water seemed to join. To
the left of Santa Rosa in the south we caught a glimpse of Point Reyes,
while farther to the right we knew were the Farallones. Separated to the
east from this central valley at its Petaluma end was Sonoma Valley, ex-
tending in an unbroken line south-westerly from the main chain, fronting on
the bay and narrowing perceptibly upwards, and with an array of vineyards
scarcely equaled elsewhere in the State. Further east we could see Napa Val-
ley, thirty-five miles long and five miles wide at its widest part, its mountain
lines covered with a magnificent foliage, including the oak, madrone, cedar,
fir and pine ; its mountain streams fringed with the willow, ash, gigantic
brakes, flowering manzanita and California laurel ; its river following the
line of foothills on the east and narrowing into a thread in the distance ;
with every available spot of territory covered with wheat fields, orchards
vineyards, and with beautiful homes secured to their possessors by years of
unremitting toil, perseverance and self-denial. In the center of this valley,
as in the center of Russian River Valley, a railway stretched from the bay
to the upper end, and the smoke from a passing train rolled oft* in a great
streamer to the horizon.
" Beyond the bay, whose waters were a ' sparkling sheet of tremulous
brightness,' we saw Diablo, its huge outlines appearing against the morning
sky like some giant sentinel on the landscape, and still beyond, the ridge
back of Redwood City formed a pleasing background to the view in that
direction. To the right of Diablo, Mount Hamilton came plainly in our
view, and yet farther in the distance were the mountains beyond Monterey.
The city of San Francisco, situated upon more hills than those of which
Rome itself boasts, loomed up to the eastward of the points just described,
and over a part hung a fog, which rolled in from the sea in fleecy clouds. To
the east of the city was still another immense waste of mountain peaks and
spurs, and from our distant height Pope, Berryessa and other smaller valleys
appeared like single fields of ordinary extent. This chain, extending from
the hills beyond Monterey to Clear Lake, shut out in a measure the great
central depression from the view, but through Putah Creek Canon the
General History and Settlement. 101
sight stretched across the San Joaquin. It was a magnificent spectacle
which met our gaze as we turned directly to the east. In front of us was
an opening in the spur extending to the north, beyond which hung a huge
fog bank like that over the San Joaquin, and overtopping which were the
Sierras, like icebergs in the midst of a frozen ocean. This fog was not
stationary, and as it was now and then dispelled, passing glimpses of the
world underneath were obtained. The Lassen Buttes, with their one
hundred square miles and more of volcanic grandeur, towered above the
lower range in front, and still further to the left was Loconomo'Valley, with
the village of Middleton in the center. The distance from the point where
the Sierras met our view on the south to the point where they were lost on
the north was fully four hundred miles, and over this immense territory
peaks followed each other in almost endless succession.
" ' The longer I stayed among the Alps.' says Ruskin, ' and the more
closely I examined them, the more I was struck by the one broad fact of
their being a vast Alpine plateau, or mass of elevated land, upon which
nearly all the highest peaks stood like children set upon a table, removed
in most cases far back from the edge of the plateau, as if for fear of their
falling ; while the most majestic scenes in the Alps are produced, not so
much by any violation of this law, as by one of the great peaks apparently
having walked to the edge of the table to look over, and thus showing itself
suddenly above the valley in its full height.' Looking from St. Helena, the
same characteristic was true of the Sierras.
" The mighty range was before us in all its wild and majestic grandeur,
and upon the edge of this elevated plateau stood great snow-capped masses,
which rivaled in height the loftiest peaks of the Alps. These were sur-
rounded by comparatively level fields of mountains, and overhanging the
whole were clouds tinted with all the gorgeousness of sunrise splendor.
See that huge snowbank over there to the left of Lassen Buttes ! That is
Shasta. It is distant probably two hundred miles. It is fourteen thousand
four hundred and forty feet high. It is covered with snow the year round
a vertical mile from its summit. Even as we looked in the direction
indicated the clouds gathered about the top of the great white mountain,
like an eagle swooping down on its prey, and a shadowy white mass was
soon all that remained.
" The sky became darker and the air grew colder before we left the top
of St. Helena. A rainbow formed in the north-west, one end bathing the
mountains back of Russian River with a flood of variegated light, the
other end fading off in the clouds like a veil of gossamer. The wind began
to blow, and soon the sun disappeared. From the bay and from the ocean
the fog began to move towards the summit whereon we wei'e stationed.
Onward it came like some attacking phalanx of the elements, now across
102 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the mountains to the west and south, now over the central valleys of
Sonoma and Napa, now up the slope and beyond, and immediately our
view was at an end."
THE FUTURE.— The future of Napa County is destined to be a grand
one. Her varied resources will always bring into her coffers almost untold
wealth. Her wine industry is yet in its infancy ; mines are yet in an un-
developed state, but promise great things for the future ; her agricultural
products are almost boundless, and her fine pleasure resorts and grand
climate will always attract a host of tourists into her boundaries.
THE PIONEERS.— We are now about to bring this chapter to a close,
referring the reader to the chapters on township or special history for
further information, where we think will be found treated eveiy matter of
historical interest that can be found in the county. We have preferred to
make this chapter rather meagre in some respects that we might the more
fully write up the townships. In closing this chapter it is but proper that
we should pay a tribute to the brave old pioneers who led the van and
sacrificed their comforts and often their lives that we might have the great
blessings we now enjoy.
Ah, those hardy old pioneers ! What a life was theirs, and how much
of life was often crowded into a year, or sometimes even into a day of their
existence. Now that the roads are all made and the dim trail has been
supplanted by well-beaten and much-traveled highways, how complacently
we talk and write and read of their deeds and exploits. The writer of fifty
years hence will be the man who will have the license to color up the heroic
deeds of valor, and set forth in fitting words a proper tribute to the valor
and prowess of the generation that is just now passing from our midst. We
of to-day cannot, dare not, say it as it should be said, for there are living
witnesses who would say it was too highly colored, too romantic, too fan-
ciful. Heroic deeds do not seem so to the enactors of the drama of
Pioneerism. It has been theirs to subdue the wilderness and change it into
smiling fields of bright growing grain. Toil and privations, such as we can
little appreciate now, was their lot for many years. Poor houses, and even
no houses at all, but a simple tent or even an Indian wickeup, sheltered them
from the rigors of the storm and the inclemency of the weather. The wild
beasts of the woods were their night visitors, prowling about and making-
night hideous with their unearthly noises, and working the nerves of
women, and often, perhaps, of men, up to a tension that precluded the pos-
sibility of sleep and rest. Neighbors lived many miles away, and visits
were rare and highly appreciated by the good old pioneer women. Law
and order prevailed almost exclusively, and locks and bars to doors were
then unknown, and the only thing to fear in human shape were the petty
General History and Settlement. 103
depredations by Indians. For food they had the fruit of the chase, which
afforded them ample meat, but bread was sometimes a rarity, and appre-
ciated when had as only those things are which tend most to our comfort,
and which we are able to enjoy the least amount of. But they were happy
in that life of freedom from the environments of society and social usage.
They breathed the pure, fresh air, untainted by any odor of civilzation ;
they ate the first fruits of the virgin soil, and grew strong and free on its
strength and freedom. They spent their leisure hours under the wide-
spreading branches of the giant forest monarchs, and their music was trilled
forth upon the silver air by the feathered choristers of " God's first temples."
But changed are all things now ! Where was then the wilderness, are
now the fields of shining grain. The rude cluster of huts has developed
into a handsome village, with its church spires pointing like finger-boards
the way the worshipers at its shrine are wont to travel, from the church
militant below to the church triumphant above. At every mile-post almost
along the road are reared the bulwarks of our religious liberty, social free-
dom and of our vaunted civilization — the public school -houses — in which the
youth of the land receive instruction in all that goes to make the free
American citizens. The arts and trades thrive, and on every hand the
marks of prosperity are visible. And, above all, standing out in bold relief,
are the happy homes of the people who now live where the pioneers en-
dured such hardships, and, best of all, is the fact that many of the good
old pioneer fathers and mothers still remain with us, in the full vigor of
their manhood and womanhood, to enjoy these hard-bought privileges and
pleasures. Others still are with us, but in the waning, mellow glow of Life's
setting sun, looking back upon the life they have led, with a remembrance
mingled with joy and sorrow, shaded and lighted by their varied experi-
ences ; looking out upon the results of their labor with feelings of exultant
pride, knowing and feeling that the generations yet to come will rise up
and call them blessed ; looking forward with glowing hearts, full of hope,
trust and loving faith to the joyful time when they shall hear the Master's
voice bidding them come up higher, and enter into his joy ; when the glad-
some welcome " well done " shall thrill their hearts with a pleasure that
shall never die. Othei-s have gone on before to that reward already, and
their places are occupied by their children and even their children's children,
and a strange people who knew them not will soon fill the land. So, hei-e
on history's page, let us render a fitting tribute to their revered memory.
" No more for them shall be
Earthly noon or night,
Morn or evening light ;
But Death's unfathomed mystery
Has settled like a pall
Overall."
104 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The final close of this chapter cannot be made more appropriately than
to quote the following beautiful lines, penned by M. S. Beers, and entitled
"NAPA VALLEY."
I spied a beautiful valley,
All nestled cosily down
In the laps of some grand old mountains,
That were flecked in green and brown.
It was like a wondrous vision,
Which comes in on purest hours,
Of the garden made in Eden,
All filled with fruits and flowers,
And trees that were green forever,
With a river rippling through,
That waters the beautiful valley
And its blossoms of every hue.
'Twas a land enriched with vintage,
And flowing with hone}' and wine ;
A valley, like that of Hermon,
With its dews and golden sunshine.
Legislative History of Napa County. 105
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF NAPA COUNTY.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.— The first organization of
counties in the United States originated in Virginia, her early settlers
becoming proprietoi-s of vast amounts of land, living apart in patrician
splendor, imperious in demeanor, aristocratic in feeling, and being in a
measure dictators to the laboring portion of the population. It will thus
be remarked that the materials for the creation of towns were not at hand,
voters being but sparsely distributed over a great area. The county organ-
ization was, moreover, in perfect accord with the traditions and memories
of the judicial and social dignities of Great Britain, in descent from whom
they felt so much glory. In 1634 eight counties were established in
Virginia, a lead which was followed by the Southern and several of the
Northern States, save in those of South Carolina and Louisiana, where
districts were outlined in the former, and parishes, after the manner of the
French, in the latter.
In New England, towns were formed before counties, while counties
were organized before States. Originally, the towns, or townships, exercised
all the powers of government swayed by a State. The powers afterward
assumed by the State government were from surrender or delegation on the
part of towns. Counties were created to define the jurisdiction of courts of
justice. The formation of States was a union of towns, wherein arose the
representative system, each town being represented in the State Legislature,
or General Court, by delegates chosen by the freemen of the towns at their
stated meetings. The first town meeting of which we can find any direct
evidence, was held by the congregation of the Plymouth Colony, on Mai'ch
23, 1621, for the purpose of perfecting military arrangements. At that
meeting a Governor was elected for the ensuing year, and it is noticed as a
coincidence, whether from that source or otherwise, that the annual town
meetings in New England, and nearly all the other States, have ever since
been held in the spring of the year. It was not, however, until 1635 that
the township system was adopted as a quasi corporation in Massachusetts.
The first legal enactment concerning this system provided that whereas:
" Particular towns have many things which concern only themselves, and
the ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of business in their own
towns ; therefore, the freemen of every town, or the major part of them,
106 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
shall only have power to dispose of their own lands and woods, with all the
appurtenances of said towns ; to grant lots and to make such orders as niay
concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws
and orders established by the General Court. They might also impose tines
of not more than rwenty shillings, and choose their own particular officers,
as constables, surveyors for the highways, and the like." Evidently this
enactment relieved the General Court of a mass of municipal details, with-
out any danger to the powers of that body in controlling general measures
of public policy. Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns
was felt for the control of their own home concerns.
The New England colonies were first governed by a "" General Court. " or
Legislature, composed of a Governor and small council, which court con-
f the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and exercised both
legislative and judicial powers, which were limited only by the wisdom of
the holders. They made laws, ordered their execution, elected their own
officers, tried and decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of
municipal regulations, and, in fact, transacted all the business of the colony.
This svstem, which was found to be eminently successful, became general
as territorv was added to the Republic, and States formed. Smaller divisions
were in turn inaugurated and placed under the jurisdiction of special
officers, whose numbers were increased as time developed a demand, until
-tem of township organization in the United States is a matter of
just pride to her people.
Let us now consider this topic in regard to the especial subject under
review : —
On the acquisition of California by the Government of the United States.
under a treatv of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement with the Mexican
Republic, dated Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2 1>4> the boundaries of
State were defined. This treaty was ratified by the President of the
Unit-r: 9ta1 March 16, 1S48; exchanged at Qneretaro May 30th. and
finally promulgated July 4th, of the same year, by President Polk, and
I bv Secretary of State, James Buchanan. In 1849 a Constitutional
Convention was assembled in Monterey, and at the close of the session, on
October 12th. a proclamation calling upon the people to form a government
-ued " to designate such officers as they desire to make and -xeeute
the laws: that their choice may be wisely made, and that the govern:
oaed mav secure the permanent welfare and happiness of the people
of the n-w State, is the sincere and earnest wish of the present executive,
who, if the Constitution be ratified, will with pleasure surrender his powers
to whomsoever the people may designate as his successor/' This historical
document bore the signatures of " B. Riley. Bvt. Brig General U. S. A. and
r of California : and official H. W. Halleck. Bvt Capt. and Secre-
tary of 9
Legislative History of Napa County. 107
Prior to the first partition of the State into counties, the section now
known as Napa had been included in the district of Sonoma, a division
which had originated with the Mexican authorities during their power, and
that included all the counties now lying west of the Sacramento River,
between the Bay of San Francisco and the Oregon line ; it had not been
interfered with on the accession of American rule, but retained the official
designation given to it by the Spaniards.
April 11, 1850, an Act of the Legislature was passed organizing a Court
of Sessions, which defined its composition as follows : —
The Court consisted of the County Judge, who should preside at its ses-
sions, assisted by two Justices of the Peace of the county as Associate
Justices, they being chosen by their brother Justices from out of the whole
number elected for the county. The duties imposed upon this organization
were multifarious. They made such orders respecting the property of the
county as they deemed expedient, in conformity with any law of the State,
and in them wer-e vested the care and preservation of said property. They
examined, settled, and allowed all accounts chargeable against the county ;
directed the raising of such sums for the defraying of all expenses and
charges against the county, by means of taxation on property, real and per-
sonal, such not to exceed, however, the one-half of the tax levied by the
State on such property ; to examine and audit the accounts of all officers
having the care, management, collection and disbursement of any money
belonging to the county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use
and benefit. In them was the power of control and management of public
roads, turnpikes, fences, canals, roads and bridges within the county, where
the law did not prohibit such jurisdiction, and make such orders as should
be requisite and necessary to carry such control and management into effect;
to divide the county into townships, and to create new townships, and change
the division of the same as the convenience of the county should require.
They established and changed election precincts ; controlled and managed
the property, real and personal, belonging to the county, and purchased and
received donations of property for the use of the county, with this proviso :
that they should not have the power to purchase any real or personal prop-
erty, except such as should be absolutely necessary for the use of the county :
to sell and cause to be conveyed, any real estate, goods, or chattels belonging
to the county, appropriating the fund; of such sale to the use of the same :
to cause to be erected and furnished, a Court-house, jail, and other buildings,
and to see that the same are kept in repair, and otherwise to perform all
such other duties as should be necessary to the full discharge of the powers
conferred on such court. Terms were ordered to be held on the second
Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December, with
quarterly sessions on the third Monday of February, May. August and
November of each year.
108 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
In accordance with section fourteen of Article XII of the Constitution,
it was provided that the State be divided into counties and Senatorial and
Assembly Districts, and at the first session of the Legislature, which opened
at San Jose- December 15, 1849, there was passed, and approved February
8, 1850, " An Act subdividing the State into counties and establishing the
seats of justice therein," which directed that the boundary lines of Napa
County should be as follows :
Commencing in the Napa River at the mouth of the Soscol Creek, and
running up said creek to the point of said creek nearest to the range of
mountains dividing Napa Valley from Suisun Valley ; thence in a direct
line to the nearest point of said range ; thence along the summit of said
range north-westerly to its northern extremity ; thence due north to the for-
tieth parallel of north latitude ; thence due west twenty miles ; thence
south-westerly to the nearest point t>f the range of mountains dividing Napa
Valley from Sonoma Valley ; thence south-westerly along said range of
mountains to its termination in Carnero Mountain ; thence in a direct line
to the nearest point of Carnero Creek ; thence down said creek to its junc-
tion with the Napa River ; thence to the place of beginning. The seat of
justice shall be Napa City.
It will be seen by the above that the territory embraced in the above
boundaries included all of what is now known as Lake County. There were
no changes in these lines until April 16, 1852, when an Act of the Legisla-
ture denned the boundaries of Napa County as follows :
Commencing in Napa River at the mouth of Soscol Creek, and running
up said creek to the point of said creek nearest to the range of mountains
dividing Napa Valley from Suisun Valley ; thence in a direct line to the
nearest point of said range ; thence in a northerly direction to the east side
of Chimiles, or Corral Valley ; thence in a direct line to the east side of
Berryessa Valley, to the northern end of said valley ; thence in a north-
westerly direction to the outlet of Clear Lake ; thence up the middle of said
lake to its head ; thence in a westerly direction to the north-east corner of
Sonoma County ; thence south along the easterly line of said county to the
place of beginning.
The boundary lines of the county were destined to not remain the same
for any great length of time, for on the fourth day of April, 1S55, we find
that there was an Act passed by the Legislature to amend the above Act so
as to make it read as follows :
Commencing at a point on the Guichica Creek where the said creek
empties into San Pablo Bay ; thence running in a direct line due east to the
top of the ridge of mountains dividing Napa Valley from Suisun Valley ;
thence in a northerly direction along the top of said mountains to a point
parallel with the southern boundary line of the ranch known as the Chimiles
Legislative History of Napa County. 109
Rancho ; thence easterly along said line to the top of the mountains known
as the Vaca Mountains, which divide the Vaca Valley from the Chimiles
Rancho ; thence northerly along the top of the main ridge of said Vaca
Mountains to the Putah Creek ; thence northerly across said creek to the
top of the mountains dividing Berryessa Valley from Sacramento Valley ;
thence northerly along the top of said ridge to the outlet of Clear Lake ;
thence easterly to the top of the mountains dividing Clear Lake Vallejr
from Sacramento Valley ; thence northerly along the top of said mountains
to the head of Clear Lake ; thence westerly to the top of the mountains
that divide Clear Lake Valley from the Russian River Valley ; thence
southerly along the top of said mountains to a point on the top of said
mountains one mile east of the eastern boundary line of the rancho known
as Fitch's Rancho, on the Russian River.; thence in a direct line southerly
to the westerly branch of the head waters of the Guichica Creek ; thence
westerly to the top of the main ridge that divides Guichica Valley from
Sonoma Valley ; thence in a southerly direction along the said dividing
ridge to the tule bordering on San Pablo Bay ; thence southerly to the
center of Guichica Creek ; thence following the center of said, creek to its
mouth, the place of beginning. The county seat shall be Napa City.
The boundary lines of Napa County remained as above described for
some time, but there was some considerable effort made on the part of the
Solano County people to have the lines between Napa and Solano so
changed that Solano would get the best of the change. Some trouble grew
out of the fact that the people had been assessed and the taxes collected in
Napa County, when Solano people claimed that they were residents of
that county. These parties who had thus paid their taxes into Napa
County evidently were more desirous of living in Napa than Solano County.
At the session of the Legislature of 1856 a bill was introduced by the rep-
resentative from Solano County, establishing the dividing line between the
two counties, so that it would run only four miles south of Napa City. To
this, of course, the whole of Napa County was opposed. The Board of
Supervisors passed a resolution, requesting their representatives in the
Assembly and Senate to oppose to the utmost any such change. They did
so, and nothing more came of the matter at that time.
At the next session of the Legislature the matter again came up for dis-
cussion and settlement. Again the people of Solano County felt aggrieved,
from the fact that the taxes which rightfully, as they thought, belonged to
Solano County had been collected by the Napa officials. Mr. A. Stevenson
was then in the Assembly from Solano County, and he introduced several
measures, all of which looked to the settling of the question much to the
advantage of his own county, and as often the people of Napa would re-
monstrate, and the measure would fall dead. Finally, the excitement got so
110 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
high that members of the Legislature saw that something had to be done to
quiet the feelings of animosity that were being fostered between the sister
counties. Accordingly, a Commission was appointed to arbitrate in the
matter, and settle all differences as amicably as possible. Judge Warm-
castle, of Contra Costa County, Hon. William S. Wells, of Solano County,
and Judge J. B. Horrell, of Napa County, composed this Commission of
Arbitrators. They had full power and authority to act in the matter.
When they came to investigate the subject they found that the disputed
territory rightfully belonged to Solano County, but that the citizens living
in it were unanimous in their desire to become attached to Napa County, as
they traded in Napa City, and the county seat was much more accessible to
them in this county than in Solano. Taking all this into consideration,
they awarded to Solano County the amount of taxes which had been col-
lected by Napa County, also the costs of the Commission. The first amount
was Si 175, and the costs were between $300 and $400, making a total of
about $1500 which Napa County had to pay to Solano. The Commission
then awarded to Napa County the disputed territory, which included about
twenty thousand acres, making a very cheap purchase of some very valu-
able land for Napa County.
As stated above, the boundaries of Napa County originally included all
of the territory now known as Lake County. In 1861 the County of Lake
was organized, and its boundary lines established as follows :
Commencing at the south-eastern corner of Mendocino County ; thence
running in an easterly direction along the dividing ridge between Russian
River and Knights Valleys on the west, and Clear Lake and Coyote Valleys
on the east, to the highest point on Mount St. Helena ; thence easterly in a
direct line to the point where the second standard line north (United States
Survey) crosses the line dividing Yolo and Napa Counties ; thence along the
line of Yolo County to the Mendocino County line ; thence along the Men-
docino County line to the place of beginning.
The boundary lines of Napa County were destined to other changes in
the near future, for we find that on the 29th of February, 1S64, the bound-
ary lines of Lake County were changed so as to affect Napa County as
follows :
Commencing at the south-east corner of Mendocino County ; thence run-
ning in an easterly direction along the dividing ridge between Russian River
and Knights Valleys on the west, and Clear Lake and Loconoma Valleys on
the east, to the highest point of Mount St. Helena ; thence eastwardly to
the most northern point of Las Putas Ranch, commonly known as the Ber-
ryessa Ranch ; thence easterly in a direct line to a point where the second
.standard line (United States Survey) crosses the line dividing Yolo and Napa
Counties ; thence northerly along the highest ridge of mountains dividing
Legislative History of Napa County. Ill
the waters of the Sacramento on the east, and Berryessa on the west, until
it intersects the line dividing Yolo and Colusa Counties ; thence along the
main ridge of mountains dividing the waters of Long Valley on the east
and Clear Lake on the west ; thence up said ridge to the summit of the
Coast Range ; thence along the summit of Hulls Mountain ; thence west, in
a direct line, to Mount St. Hedson ; thence southerly on the ridge dividing
the Russian River on the west and Clear Lake on the east, to the place of
beginning.
The boundary lines of Napa County remained as thus described until
1868, when, March 24th, the following boundary lines were established,
which of course affected Napa County :
Beginning at the south-east corner of Mendocino County ; thence east-
erly along the summit of the ridge dividing the waters flowing into Russian
River and Knights Valley on the west, and Clear Lake and Loconoma Valley
on the east to the highest peak of Mount St. Helena ; thence easterly along
the heretofore established line to the Butts Canon road ; thence easterly in
a right line to the northern point of the Las Putas Ranch (commonly
known as the Berryessa Ranch); thence easterly along the northern line of
said ranch to the north-east corner thereof ; thence east to the line between
Yolo and Napa Counties ; thence northerly along the summit of the range
of mountains dividing the waters of the Sacramento River from those flow-
ing into or through Berryessa and Morgan Valleys on the west, to Cache
Creek ; thence east to the summit of the spur of the Coast Range which
divides the waters flowing east into Bear Creek and Stony Creek, and those
flowing west into the north fork of Cache Creek ; thence n<Jrtherly along
the said dividing ridge, following the divide of said waters to the summit
of the Coast Range of mountains ; thence northerly along the said summit to
the highest point of Hulls Mountain ; thence westerly in a right line to the
highest point of Mount St. Hedson ; thence southerly, following the summit
of the mountains which divide the waters flowing west into Russian River,
and those flowing east into Clear Lake, to the beginning.
Matters remained statu quo with Napa County for another four years,
when a change occurred in the line between Napa and Lake Counties, which
was very much to the advantage of the former. March 8, 1872, an Act of
the Legislature was approved which established the dividing line as follows :
The northern boundary line of Napa County and the south-eastern
boundary line of Lake County shall commence at the highest point of the
Mount St. Helena ; thence running in an easterly direction along the pres-
ent boundary line between said counties to the Butts Canon road ; thence
north-easterly, in a direct line to the junction of Jericho and Putah Creeks;
thence up Jericho Creek to the junction of Hunting Creek, to a large pile
of rocks on the south-east side of the county road, at the lower and most
112 History of Napa a?id Lake Counties — Napa.
easterly end of Hunting Valley ; thence in a straight line in the direction
of the intersection of Bear and Cache Creeks to the county line of Yolo
County ; thence along the line of Yolo County in a south-easterly direction,
to the present county line dividing Yolo and Napa Counties.
This Act of the Legislature further provided, that the Board of Super-
visors of Napa County should order paid the claim of Lake County for the
sum of $3500, and that the Auditor of said County of Napa should draw
a warrant for the sum on the Treasurer of said county, payable from the
general fund, and that the Treasurer of Napa County should pay the same.
It will thus be seen that for the paltry sum of S3500, Napa County had a
whole township, including the village of Knoxville and the Redington and
other valuable mines added to her territory. There is a large amount of
tine farming and grazing land also included in the section ceded. Surely it
was a good bargain for Napa to make.
But the good luck of Napa County did not end here, for in the month
of May of the same year, 1872, it was discovered that the dividing line,
between Napa and Sonoma Counties, had not been properly located in many
respects, and that Napa County was entitled to the taxes on a large portion
of property hitherto assessed in Sonoma County, including a large share of
the Buena Vista Vineyard, amounting in all in value to $25,000 or more.
So when all the additions and just dues were finally summed up and added
to the assessment roll of Napa County, it was found to be very materially
increased. No further changes have occurred in the boundary lines.
The Court of Sessions has already been mentioned and their executive
functions give*n, and we will now give their judicial powers : The Court
was composed of the County Judge and two Associates, who were chosen
by the duly elected and qualified Justices of the Peace in the county, from
their number. The judicial jurisdiction of the Court of Sessions extended
to cases of assault, assault and battery, breaking of the peace, riot, affray,
and petit larceny, and over all misdemeaners punishable by fine not to
exceed $500, or imprisonment not to exceed three months, or both such fine
and imprisonment.
We now pass to a consideration of the Board of Supervisors as a body
and to the legislative enactments which have any reference to them, and
also certain acts of the Board which may properly be placed under this
head.
From the period of the organization of the county until the year 1852,
its affairs were controlled by the Court of Sessions, above mentioned, and a
In the last named year a change had come over the governmental dream, and
an Act passed May 2d of the above year, entitled "An Act to create a Board
of Supervisors in the counties in this State, and to define their duties and
powers." For better reference the ninth section of the above Act is quoted
Legislative History of Napa County. 113
in full : " The Board of Supervisors shall have power and jurisdiction in
their respective counties : First, To make orders respecting the property of
the county, in conformity with any law of this State, and to take care of
and preserve such property. Second, To examine, settle, and allow all
accounts legally chargeable against the county, and to levy for the purposes
prescribed by law, such amount of taxes on the assessed value of real and
personal property in the county, as may be authorized by law : provided,
the salary of the County Judge need not be audited by the Board ; but the
County Auditor shall, on the first judicial day of each month, draw his
warrant on the County Treasurer in favor of the County Judge for the
amount due such Judge as salary, for the month preceding. Third, To
examine and audit the accounts of all officers having the care, management,
collection or disbursement of any money belonging to the county, or appro-
priated by law, or otherwise, for its use and benefit. Fourth, To lay out,
control and manage public roads, turnpikes, ferries, and bridges within the
county, in all cases where the law does not prohibit such jurisdiction, and
to make such orders as may be requisite and necessary to carry its control
and management into effect. Fifth, To take care of and provide for the
indigent sick of the county. Sixth, To divide the county into townships,
and to change the divisions of the same, and to create new townships, as
the convenience of the county may require. Seventh, To establish and
change election precincts, and to appoint inspectors and judges of elections.
Eighth, To control and manage the property, real and personal, belonging
to the county, and to receive by donation any property for the use and
benefit of the county. Ninth, To lease or to purchase any real or personal
property necessary for the use of the county; provided, no purchase of real
property shall be made unless the value of the same be previously estimated
by three disinterested persons, to be appointed for that purpose by the
County Judge. Tenth, To sell at public auction, at the Court-house of the
county, after at least thirty clays' previous public notice, and cause to be
conveyed, any property belonging to the county, appropriating the pro-
ceeds of such sale to the use of the same. Eleventh, To cause to be erected
and furnished, a Court-house, jail, and such other public buildings as may
be necessary, and to keep the same in repair ; provided, that the contract
for building the Court-house, jail, and such other public buildings, be let
out at least after thirty days' previous public notice, in each case, of a
readiness to receive proposals therefor, to the lowest bidder, who will give
good and sufficient security for the completion of any contract which he
may make respecting the same ; but no bid shall be accepted which the
Board may deem too high. Twelfth, To control the prosecution and defense
of all suits to which the county is a party. Thirteenth, To do any and per-
8
114 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
form all such other acts and things as may be strictly necessary to the full
discharge of the powers and j urisdiction conferred on the Board.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act organizing a Board of
Supervisors, the Court of Sessions established the following townships in
Napa County, with the boundaries as herein set forth, on the 6th day of
October, 1852 :
Number 1, Napa Township. — To comprise all that portion of Napa
County lying south of a line commencing at a point on the western bound-
ary of said county, directly west of the most westerly portion of Dry
Creek in said county ; thence running due east to said creek ; thence down
the middle of said creek to its mouth ; and thence due east to the eastern
boundary of said county.
Number 2, Yount Toivnship. — To comprise all that portion of Napa
County between the northern boundary line of Napa Township and a line
running due east and west across said county so as to pass through the
center of Hudson's Sulphur Springs in Napa Valley.
Number 3, Hot Sjjrings Township. — To comprise and include all that
portion of said county not included in either of the foregoing townships as
described.
The election precincts of Napa County were established at this time by
the Court of Sessions, as follows :
The townships of Napa and Yount shall each constitute one electoral
precihet, and the township of Hot Springs shall constitute two electoral
precincts, one of said precincts to comprise Pope Valley, Coyote Valley and
Clear Lake Valley, and to be called West Precinct ; and the other precinct
to comprise all the rest of the township and to be called East Precinct.
November 6, 1855, Clear Lake Township was established with the fol-
lowing boundaries :
Commencing at Mount St. Helena and running on the divide between
Napa, Lupe-yomi and Callaomi Valleys ; thence across to the eastern line of
Napa County in a direction so as to include Lupe-yomi, Callaomi, Clear
Lake, Cobbs and Scotts Valleys, and to include all the Clear Lake Valleys.
During the session of 1861-2 the Legislature passed a law for the
organization of townships, regulating the powers and duties of officers, and
provided that the same should be submitted to the vote of the people. This
law made each township a corporate body, the powers of which were vested
in three trustees, with the same or similar powers as those had by the Board
of Supervisors. A similar set of officers were to be elected for each town-
ship, to perform the duties thereof, under this law, as were elected for the
whole county, with the exception of a County Judge, District Attorney and
J2
t^UT2<
Legislative History of Napa County. 115
Sheriff. Each township became in all important affairs a county, with
county powers, county officers, and county expenses. In the place of one
tax collector and one assessor, by this arrangement the county would have
these officers for each of the townships, and the expenses of the county be
increased eight-fold.
The Act mentioned above provided that there should be one supervisor
elected from Napa Township, who should hold his office for the term of
three years ; one from Hot Springs Township, who should hold for two years,
and one from Yount, who should hold for one year. To show how strongly
the people of Napa County disapproved of the measures of this Act, and
how emphatically they expressed their disfavor, we append the vote on this
question given when it was submitted to them. It stood — for township
organization, 7 ; against township organization, 1207 ! That was the end
of that proposition in Napa County, and the people certainly acted very
wisely in voting as they did, thus saving to themselves a great and needless
expense.
The township boundaries remained as above described until the segrega-
tion of Lake County, when a large portion of Hot Springs ^township was
absorbed by that county, and the northern boundary line of the county
became the same line for that township. Of course this line was changed
from time to time to suit the changes made in the county line, which have
been noted above. At length when the final change was made in 1872, by
which a whole township was added to the domain of Napa County, the
boundary lines of this new township, which was known as Knox Township,
were described as follows :
That portion of the territory recently added to Napa County and taken
from the County of Lake, lying east of Putah Creek, shall constitute and be
known as Knox Township, and that portion of said territory lying west of
Putah Creek shall be added to Hot Springs Township.
An entirely new set of boundaries were established, which appear in the
records of the Board of Supervisors, as follows :
Napa Township. — Beginning at a point on the Sonoma County line due
west of the source of a small creek on which was situated Fisk's saw-mill ;
thence due east to the source of said creek ; thence down said creek to its
mouth ; thence down Dry Creek to its mouth in Trubody's Slough ; thence
south-easterly, passing one hundred yards north of the residence of G. W.
Crowey to the top of the ridge west of Soda Canon ; thence northerly along-
said ridge to the top of a sharp point on the south side of Rector Canon ;
thence north-easterly in a direct line, to a point on Tebipa or Capelle Creek,
one-half mile below the house of George Clark ; thence east to the top of
the mountain north of Capelle Valley ; thence south-easterly along the top of
the ridge to the south end of said ridge near the head of Rag Canon ; thence
116 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
due east to the line between Napa and Solano Counties ; thence southerly
and westerly along said line, to the line of Sonoma County ; thence north-
erly along said line to the place of beginning.
Yount Township. — Beginning at a point on the Sonoma County line
described as the beginning point of Napa Township : thence northerly along
said line to a point due west from the head of Dry Creek ; thence in a
straight line to the middle of the bridge on the road across the slough, known
as the Bale Slough, near the residence of Thomas Chopson ; thence in a direct
line to the middle of Conn Creek, in front of William Dinning s house ;
thence up said creek to Chiles Creek, and up Chiles Creek to Moore's Creek,
to the line of La Jota Rancho ; thence along said line northerly to the line
of Chiles Rancho ; thence along the western and northern line of said rancho
to corner number one of said rancho ; thence northerly along the ridge west
of Berryessa Valley, to the old line between Lake and Napa Counties ; thence
easterly along said line to the east boundary of Napa County ; thence south-
erly along said line to the north-east corner of Napa Township ; thence along
the northern line of said township, to the place of beginning.
Hot Springs Township. — Beginning at a point on the western boundary
line of Napa County, due west from the head of Dry Creek ; thence along
the line of Yount Township, north-easterly and northerly to the old line
between Napa and Lake Counties ; thence westerly along said line to the
middle of Putah Creek ; thence up said creek to the present line between
Napa and Lake Counties ; thence along said line southerly and westerly to
the north-west corner of Napa County ; thence so*uth-easterly along the line
between Napa and Sonoma Counties to the place of beginning.
Knox Township. — Beginning at a point in the center of Putah Creek,
where the old boundary line between Napa and Lake Counties crossed said
creek ; thence up Putah Creek to the mouth of Jericho Creek ; thence up
Jericho Creek to the mouth of Hunting Creek, to a large pile of rocks on
the south-eastern side of the county road, at the lower and south-eastern
end of Hunting Valley ; thence in a straight line in the direction of the in-
tersection of Bear and Cache Creeks to the county line of Yolo County ;
thence south-easterly on the line of Yolo County to the north-eastern
corner of Yount Township ; thence westerly on the former line of Napa and
Lake Counties to the place of beginning.
Matters remained thus until March 3, 1875, when the Board of Super-
visors established the following as the boundaries of
Knox Township. — Beginning on the line between Napa and Lake
Counties, at a point about two miles in an easterly direction from the
Legislative History of Napa County. 117
Mountain Mill House, and on the divide between Pope and Localliomi
Valleys ; thence southerly on said divide to the main divide between Pope
and Napa Valleys ; thence along said divide south to Yount Township line ;
thence along said line south-easterly to the intersection of Knox Township
line ; thence along said line to Yolo County line ; thence along said line
northerly to Lake County line ; thence westerly along the dividing line of
Napa and Lake Counties to the point of beginning.
The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Napa County was held
December 6, 1852. The following-named gentlemen comprised the Board
at that time : John M. Hamilton, Florentine E. Kellogg and Jesse W. Whit-
ton. Mr. Hamilton was chosen Chairman of the Board. Presley Thompson
presented the first claim to the Board, being a bill for the construction of a
bridge across Napa Creek, and the amount was $1190.
August 9, 1855, the Board of Supervisors divided the county into three
supervisorial districts, as follows : Number One shall include Napa voting
precinct; Number Two shall include Yount and Berryessa voting precincts ;
Number Three shall include Upper and Lower Lake, Hot Springs and Pope
voting precincts.
The Supervisors districts were changed October 7, 1856, as follows :
Number One shall include Napa, Carneros and Soscol voting precincts ;
Number Two shall include Yount and Berryessa voting precincts ; and
Number Three shall include Hot Springs, St. Helena, Pope, Upper and
Lower Lake voting precincts. In 1858, Big Valley precinct was added to
the third supervisorial district.
April 4, 1864, an Act of the Legislature was approved, which provided
that the Supervisors should be elected by the electors of the whole county,
but that each Supervisor should be a resident of the district which he was
elected to represent.
One of the most peculiar things that ever happened in the history of
Napa County transpired in connection with the Board of Supervisors, in
1874. At that time the Board consisted of three members, but in accord-
ance with an Act of the Legislature, which was approved February 25th of
that year, providing for the election of five Supervisors for Napa County,
and dividing the same in four Supervisors' districts, the Board divided it
as follows:
The township of Napa shall constitute District Number One and shall
be entitled to two Supervisors.
Yount Township shall constitute District Number Two and be entitled
to one Supervisor.
Hot Springs and Knox Townships shall constitute two Supervisors'
districts, and shall be bounded and described as follows: The present
boundaries of said townships shall be the boundaries of the Supervisors'
118 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
districts, except the line dividing said townships north and south, and the
line dividing said Supervisors' districts north and south shall be the summit
of the ridge dividing the watei's that flow into Chiles Valley, Pope Valley
and the creek known as the north-west tributary of Putah Creek, to the
northern boundary of Napa County.
That portion of the above that includes and embraces the upper end of
Napa Valley shall constitute District Number Three, and be entitled to one
Supervisor.
That portion included in the above and embracing Pope Valley and
Knoxville shall be and constitute District Number Four, and be entitled to
one Supervisor.
We now come to the interesting part of this programme. There is
nothing sti-ange or curious in what has gone before. In accordance with
the above Act, a special election was held April 11, 1874, for the purpose of
choosing Supervisors to serve as the Board under the new regime. This
call specified that two Supervisors should be elected from District Number
One, one from District Number Two, one from District Number Three, and
one from District Number Four, making a total of five members on the
Board. It was also provided in the Act of the Legislature under which
this election was called, that at the general election in 1875 and every two
years thereafter, on the day of the general election, there should be elected
one Supervisor from the First District and one Supervisor from each of the
two other districts, to be determined by lot. Also, that at the general
election in 1876, and every two years thereafter, the alternates should be
elected.
The result of this election was as follows : First district, E. G. Young
and B. James ; second district, A. F. Goodwin ; third district, A. Safely ; and
fourth district, T. H. Ink. The Board in office at the time of this election,
and who had promulgated the order for it, consisted of the following gentle-
men : Robert Brownlee, F. W. Ellis and Joseph Mecklinburg. After the
election was decided, this Board granted to the newly-elected Supervisors cer-
tificates of election, but, to the great surprise of the new Board, they refused
to give up their office, holding that the law under which they were elected
was post facti. The matter looked serious for awhile, as both Boards were
duly elected and qualified according to the laws of the State to serve at the
same time and in the same capacity. The matter was formally submitted
to the Legislature, and a special Act was passed March 10, 1874, authorizing
both Boards to act jointly and as one Board. Napa County was then blest
(or otherwise) with the largest Board of Supervisors in the State of Cali-
fornia, except the City of San Francisco, and perhaps Sacramento. The
meetings of that "double-header" Board of Supervisors were marvels of
astuteness, so contemporaries state. They agreed to disagree from the start
Legislative History of Napa County. 119
and held firmly to their "joint resolution." The Clerk of the Board, Mr.
C. B. Seeley, contributed largely to the literature of the day by writing a
series of pen pictures of the members. They were written in his well-
known caustic manner, and cut deep into the sensibilities of some of the
members. If it were not for that fact we should reproduce them in this
connection, for they are worthy of it.
An Act of the Legislature, approved May 18, 1853, provided that the
District Court of the Seventh Judicial District should hold terms of Court
in Napa County on the first Mondays of February, May and November.
The terms for holding the different Courts in and for Napa County
were established by .the Legislature in 1855, the Act being approved Feb-
ruary 14th of that year. Its provisions were as follows :
The District Court (Seventh Judicial District) shall be held on the third
Tuesday of February, May and August, and on the second Tuesday of
November.
The terms of the County Court shall be the second Monday in August,
December and April.
The terms of the Court of Sessions shall be the first Mondays in August,
December and April.
The terms of the Probate Court shall be on the third Monday of
August, December and April.
An Act of the Legislature, approved April 20, 1858, provided that the
terms of Court should be as follows :
Court of Sessions, first Monday in April, August and December of each
year.
County Court, second Monday of March and July, and the first Monday
in November.
An Act of the Legislature, approved April 15, 1859, provided that the
terms of Court should be as follows :
Court of Sessions, first Monday in April, September and December of
each year.
County Court, second Monday in March and July, and the first Monday
in November.
An Act of the Legislature, approved April 27, 1863, provided that the
terms of the Court of Sessions should be held on the third Monday of May,
and the first Monday of September and December. This was only for the
year 1863, as the Court of Sessions was discontinued January 1, 1864, and
the County Court was given the judicial functions of that Court, while its
political functions were relegated to the Board of Supervisors.
An Act of the Legislature, approved April 1, 1804, provided that the
terms of the County Court should be held on the first Monday of Decern-
120 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ber and March, the third Monday of June, and the first Monday of Sep-
tember.
In the olden days, before there were any newspapers in Napa County,
it became necessary for the Legislature to declare what paper should be the
official organ of the county. May 3, 1853, an Act was approved designat-
ing the Sonoma Bulletin as the paper in which all legal advertisements
should be inserted.
May 17, 1853, the Legislature fixed the salary of the County Judge of
Napa County at $2000 per year, and the salary of Associate Justices at
$8.00 per day of service each. February 7, 1857, the salary of the Judge
was reduced to $1000 per year.
April 17, 1863, the office of Recorder was made separate from the
County Clerk, who had been hitherto ex-officio Recorder.
February 29, 1864, the Treasurer was made ex-officio Tax Collector, in
lieu of the Sheriff, who had held the position before that. March 28, 1868,
the business of collecting the taxes reverted to the Sheriff.
Political History of Napa County. 121
POLITICAL HISTORY OF NAPA COUNTY.
Prior to the acquisition of California by the Government of the United
States, the large District of Sonoma, which included all the territory between
the Sacramento River and the ocean on the one hand, and Oregon and the
Bay of San Francisco on the other, was under the rule of the Mexican Gov-
ernment, and divided into Prefectures, amenable to a Grand Council at
Sonoma, the holders of office being designated by the Spanish name of
Alcalde. It will be seen that the present territory of Napa County was
comprised in these boundaries. Between the years 1846 and 1849 the
country remained under the control of the military. Let us see what was
the state of the political horizon during that time. According to Tuthill —
as to civil law, the country was utterly at sea. It had a Governor in the
person of the commandant of the military district it belonged to, but no
government. While the war lasted, California, as a conquered province,
expected to be governed by military officers, who, by virtue of their com-
mand of the department, bore sway over all the territory that their
department embraced. But after peace had come and the succession of
military Governors was not abated, a people who had been in the habit of
governing themselves, under the same flag and the same constitution, chafed
that a simple change of longitude should deprive them of their inalienable
rights.
The first civil officer in Sonoma was John Nash, who was commissioned
by General Kearney as Alcalde of the district. This man, so legendary
report states, had a most wonderfully exalted idea of the dignity of his
office, and assumed ministerial as well as judicial powers. He had a very
curious way of signing himself " Chief Justice of California." At length
he was removed by the military Governor, but he refused to acknowledge
the authority of that arm of our Government over the judicial branch,
especially the exalted position held by him, hence he sought to retain the
office. Lieutenant — now General William T. Sherman — -was sent in quest
of him, and finally succeeded in capturing him and bringing him before
Governor Mason at Monterey, who reprimanded and released him. This
first civil officer of the District of Sonoma — " Chief Justice Nash " as he
called himself, and " 'Squire Nash " as he was generally called — was a good-
natured man, illiterate, but honest. When the rumors of gold reached
122 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Sonoma, Squire Nash was employed by a number of persons to go to the gold
mines and spy out the land, and if there were the " millions in it," which
rumor said there was, to return and report to them. This was in 1848,
and he returned with gold dust to the value of eight hundred and thirty-
seven dollars. He then went to Mormon Island with a party of Sonoma
miners, and died there that winter. He was succeeded in office by Lilburn
W. Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, a man eminently capable of performing
the functions of the position, as the records of his office still extant in the
County Clerk's office in Santa Rosa will fully establish.
General Persifer F. Smith, who assumed command on arriving by the
"California," the first steamship that reached San Francisco (February 28,
1849), and General Riley, who succeeded him (April 13, 1849), would have
been acceptable Governors enough, if the people could have discovered any-
where in the Constitution that the President had power to govern a territory
by a simple order to the commandant of a military department. The power
was obvious in time of war, but in peace it was unprecedented. Left
entirely to themselves, the people could have organized a " squatter sover-
eignty," as Oregon had done, and the way into the sisterhood of States was
clear.
They felt that they had cause for complaint, but in truth they were too
busy to nurse their grievance and make much of it. To some extent they
formed local governments, and had unimportant collisions with the military.
But, busy as they were, and expecting to return home soon, they humored
their contempt for politics, and left public matters to be shaped at Washing-
ton. Nor was this so unwise a course under the circumstances; for the thing
that had hindered Congress from giving them a legitimate and constitutional
government was the ever-present snag in the current of American political
history, the author of most of our woes, the great mother of mischief on
the western continent — slavery.
When it was found that Congress had adjourned without doing anything
for California, Brigadier-General Riley, by the advice, he said, of the Presi-
dent and Secretaries of State and of War, issued a proclamation, which was
at once a call for a Convention, and an official exposition of the Adminis-
tration's theory of the anomalous relations of California and the Union.
He strove to rectify the impression that California was governed by the
military arm of the service ; that had ceased with the termination of hos-
tilities. What remained was the civil government, recognized by the existing
law< of California. These were vested in a Governor, who received his ap-
pointment from the Supreme Government, or in default of such appointment,
the office was vested in the commanding military officer of the department,
a Secretary, a Departmental or Territorial Legislature, a Superior Court
with four Judges, a Prefect and sub-Prefect and a Judge of the First
Political History of Napa County. 123
Instance for each district, Alcaldes, local Justices of the Peace, uyunta-
mientos, or Town Councils. He moreover recommended the election, at the
same time, of delegates to a Convention to adopt either a State or Terri-
torial Constitution, which, if acquiesced in by the people, would be submitted
to Congress for approval.
In June, 1849, a proclamation was issued announcing an election to be
held on the 1st of August, to appoint delegates to a general Convention to
form a State Constitution, and for rilling the offices of Judge of the Superior
Court, Prefects, sub-Prefects, and First Alcalde or Judge of the First
Instance ; such appointments to be made by General Riley after being voted
for. The delegates elected to the Convention from the District of Sonoma
were General Vallejo, Joel Walker, R. Semple. L. W. Boggs was elected,
but did not attend.
The manifesto calling the Constitutional Convention divided the electoral
divisions of the State into ten districts ; each male inhabitant of the
county of twenty-one years of age, could vote in the district of his resi-
dence, and the delegates so elected were called upon to meet at Monterey ,
on September 1, 1849. The number of delegates was fixed at thirty -seven,
five of whom were appointed to San Francisco.
As was resolved, the Convention met at Monterey on the date above
named, Robert Semple of Benicia, one of the delegates from the District of
Sonoma, being chosen President. The session lasted "six weeks; and, not-
withstanding an awkward scarcity of books of reference and other necessary
aids, much labor was performed, while the delegates exhibited a marked
degree of ability. In framing the original Constitution of California
slavery was forever prohibited within the jurisdiction of the State ; the
boundary question betweenMexico and the United States was set at rest ;
provision for the morals and education of the people was made ; a seal of
State was adopted with the motto Eureka, and many other matters dis-
cussed.
In August, General Riley issued commissions to Stephen Cooper, appoint-
ing him Judge of the First District, and C P. Wilkins, Prefect of the Dis-
trict of Sonoma, while one of General Riley's last appointments before the
adoption of the Constitution was that of Richard A. Maupin, well remem-
bered among the district's old residents, to be Judge of the Superior Tribunal,
in place of Lewis Dent, resigned. Another well-known pioneer who was at
the Convention from Sacramento County, was Major Jacob R. Snyder, a res-
ident of Sonoma till his death.
We find that the " Superior Tribunal of California " existed at Monterey
in 1849 ; for, in September of that year a " Tariff of fees for Judicial Offi-
cers " was published, with the following order of the Court : " That the
several officers mentioned in this order shall be entitled to receive for their
124 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
services, in addition to their regular salaries, if any, the following fees, and
none others, until the further order of this Court." Here is added a list of
the fees to he appropriated hy Judges of the First Instance, Alcaldes, and
Justices of the Peace, Clerks of the several courts, Sheriff or Comisario,
District Attorney, and Notaries Public.
We have already said that Stephen Cooper was appointed Judge of First
Instance for the District of Sonoma. He commenced his labors in that office
in October, 1849, as appears in the early record of the proceedings of that
Court extant in the office of the County Clerk of Solano County. The
record of one of the cases tried before Judge Cooper is reproduced as an
instance of the quick justice that obtained in 1849 :
The People of California Territory vs. George Palmer. And now comes
the said people by right of their attorney, and the said defendant by Semple
and O'Melveny, and the prisoner having been arraigned on the indictment
in this cause, plead not guilty. Thereupon a jury was chosen, selected and
sworn, when, after hearing the evidence and arguments of counsel, returned
into Court the following verdict, to wit :
" The jury, in the case of Palmer, defendant, and the Territory of Cali-
fornia, plaintiff, have found a verdict of guilty on both counts of the in-
dictment, and sentenced him to receive the following punishment, to wit :
" On Saturday, the 24th day of November, to be conducted by the Sheriff
to some public place, and there receive on his bare back .seventy-five lashes,
with such a weapon as the Sheriff may deem fit, on each count respectively,
and to be banished from the District of Sonoma within twelve hours after
whipping, under the penalty of receiving the same number of lashes for
each and every day he remains in the district after the first whipping.
" (Signed) Alexander Riddell, Foreman.
" It is therefore ordered by the Court, in accordance with the above ver-
dict, that the foregoing sentence be carried into effect."
The Constitution was duly framed, submitted to the people, and at the
election held on the thirtieth of November, ratified by them, and adopted by
a vote of twelve thousand and sixty-four for it, and eleven against it ; there
being, besides, over twelve hundred ballots that were treated as blanks, be-
cause of an informality in the printing.
Political History of Napa County.
125
We here reproduce two of the tickets which were voted at the time, and
were distributed in and around Sacramento and the upper portion of the
State :
people's ticket.
for the constitution.
for governor,
Peter H. Burnett.
FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
John McDougal.
FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS,
Edward Gilbert,
George W. Wright.
FOR STATE SENATORS,
John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento,
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City,
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City,
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.
FOR ASSEMBLY,
H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City,
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City,
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City,
H. S. Lord, Upper Sacramento,
Madison Waltham, Coloma,
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba.
James Queen, South Fork,
Arba K. Berry, Weaverville.
PEOPLES TICKET.
FOR THE CONSTITUTION.
FOR GOVERNOR,
John A. Sutter.
FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
John McDougal.
FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS,
William E. Shannon,
Pet. Halsted.
FOR STATE SENATORS,
John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento,
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City,
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City,
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.
FOR ASSEMBLY,
H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City,
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City,
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City,
J. Sherwood,
Elisha W. McKinstry,
Madison Waltham, Coloma,
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba,
James Queen, South Fork,
W. L. Jenkin, Weaverville.
The result of the election was : Peter H. Burnett, Governor ; John Mc-
Dougal, Lieutenant-Governor ; and Edward Gilbert and George W. Wright
sent to Congress. The District of Sonoma polled at this election but five
hundred and fifty-two votes, four hundred and twenty-four of which were
for Burnett. Of the representatives sent from Sonoma, General Vallejo
went to the Senate, and J. S. Bradford and J. E. Brackett to the Assembly.
Some difficulty would appear to have risen at this election, for Mr. R. A.
Thompson says : " General Vallejo's seat was first given to James Spect,
but on the twenty-second of December, the committee reported that the
official return from Larkin's Ranch gave Spect but two votes instead of
twenty-eight, a total of but one hundred and eighty-one votes against Gen-
126 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
eral Vallejo's one hundred and ninety-nine." Mr. Spect then gave up his
seat to General Vallejo.
We now produce the following interesting account of some of those who
formed the first California Legislature, not because it bears specially on our
subject, but as a matter of curiosity, interest and reference :
The following is from the Colusa Sun of April 26th :
Hon. John S. Bradford, of Springfield, Illinois, who was a member of the
first California Legislature, procured from some of his colleagues a short
biographical sketch. Thinking it might be a matter of interest to the
people of California at the present time, he sends it to us. We have the
original document, with the sketches in the handwriting of each member.
Most of these gentlemen have figured conspicuously in the history of the
State since, but we believe there are but few now living. Three of the
sketches — Jose M. Covarrubias, M. G. Vallejo and Pablo de la Guerra — are
written in Spanish, but we have had them translated.
SENATORS.
David F. Douglass — Born in Sumner County, Tennessee, the 8th of
January, 1S21. Went to Arkansas with Fulton in 1836. On the 17th of
March, 1839, had a fight with Dr. Win Howell, in which H. was killed;
imprisoned fourteen months ; returned home in 1842 ; immigrated to Mis-
sissippi ; engaged in the Choctaw speculation ; moved with the Choctaws
west as a clerk ; left there for Texas in the winter of 1845-6. War broke
out ; joined Hay's regiment ; from Mexico immigrated to California, and
arrived here as a wagoner in December, 1848.
M. G. Vallejo — Born in Monterey, Upper California, July 7, 1807. On
the 1st of January, 1825, he commenced his military career in the capacity
of cadet. He served successively in the capacity of Lieutenant, Captain of
cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel, and General Commandant of Upper California.
In 1S35 he went to Sonoma County and founded the town of Sonoma,
giving land for the same. He was a member of the Convention in 1849 and
Senator in 1850.
Elcan Heydenfeldt — Born in Charleston, South Carolina, September 15,
1821 ; immigrated to Alabama in 1841 ; from thence to Louisiana in 1844 ;
to California in 1849. Lawyer by profession.
Pablo de la Guerra — Born in Santa Baibara, Upper California, Novem-
ber 29, 1819. At the age of nineteen he entered the public service. He
was appointed Administrator-General "cfe la rentas," which position he held
when California was taken by the American forces. From that time he
lived a private life until he was named a member of the Convention which
framed the Constitution of the State. Represents the district of Santa
Barbara and San Luis Obispo in the Senate.
W flffev
fe€L ^^
*//*
Political History of Napa County. 127
S. E. Woodworth — Born in the city of New York November 15, 1815.
Commenced career as a sailor A. D. 1832. Sailed from New York March 9,
1834. Entered the navy of the United States June 14, 1838. Immigrated
to California, via Rocky Mountains and Oregon, April 1, 1846. Resignation
accepted by Navy Department October 29, 1849. Elected to represent the
district of Monterey in the first Senate of the first Legislature of California
for the term of two years.
Thos. L. Vermeule — Born in New Jersey on the 11th of June, 1814.
Immigrated to California November 12. 1846. Did represent San Joaquin
district in the Senate. Resigned.
W. D. Fair — Senator from the San Joaquin district, California. Native
of Virginia. Immigrated to California from Mississippi in February, 1849,
as " President of the Mississippi Rangers." Settled in Stockton, San
Joaquin district, as an attorney-at-law.
Elisha O. Crosby — Senator from Sacramento District. Native of New
York State. Immigrated from New York December 25, 1848. Aged thirty-
four.
D. C. Broderick — Senator from San Francisco. Born in Washington,
City, D. O, February 4, 1818. Immigrated from Washington to New York
City March, 1824. Left New York for California April 17, 1849.
E. Kirby Chamberlin, M. D. — President pro tern, of the Senate, from the
district of San Diego. Born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, April 24,
1805. Immigrated from Connecticut to Onondago County, New York, in
1815 ; thence to Beaver, Pennsylvania, in 1829 ; thence to Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1842 ; served as surgeon in the United States army during the war with
Mexico ; appointed surgeon to the Boundary Line Commission February 10,
1840 ; embarked from Cincinnati, Ohio, February 15 ; arrived in San Diego
June 1, 1849, and in San Jose" December 12, 1849.
J. Bidwell — Born in Chautauqua County, New York, 5th of August,
1819. Immigrated to Pennsylvania ; thence to Ohio ; thence to Missouri ;
thence in 1841 to California. Term in Senate one year.
H. C. Robinson, Senator from Sacramento; elected November 15, 1849.
Born in the State of Connecticut. Immigrated at an early age to Louisiana.
Educated as a lawyer, but engaged in commercial pursuits. Arrived at San
Francisco February, 1849, per steamer " California," the first that ever
entered said port.
Benjamin S. Lippincott, Senator from San Joaquin — Born in New York.
Immigrated February, 1846, from New Jersey. By pursuit a merchant.
Elected for two years.
ASSEMBLYMEN.
Elam Brown — Born in the State of New York in 1797. Immigrated
from Massachusetts in 1805 ; to Illinois in 1818 ; to Missouri 1837, and from
Platte County, in Missouri, 1846, to California.
128 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
J. S. K. Ogier — Bom in Charleston, South Carolina. Immigrated to
New Orleans, 1845, and from there to California December 18, 1848.
E. B. Bateman, M. D. — Immigrated from Missouri April, 1847. Resi-
dence, Stockton, Alta California.
Edmund Randolph — Born in Richmond, Virginia. Immigrated to New
Orleans, 1843 ; thence to California, 1849. Residence, San Francisco.
E. P. Baldwin — Born in Alabama. Immigrated from thence in January,
1849. Arrived in California May 1, 1850. Represents San Joaquin district.
Resides in Sonora, Tuolumne County.
A. P. Crittenden — Born in Lexington, Kentucky. Educated in Ohio,
Alabama, New York and Pennsylvania. Settled in Texas in 1839. Came
to California in 1849. Represents the County of Los Angeles.
Alfred Wheeler— Born in the City of New York the 30th day of April,
1820. Resided in New York City until the 21st of May, 1849, when he
left for California. Citizen and resident of San Francisco, which district
he represents.
James A. Gray, Philadelphia — Monterey, California. Immigrated in
1846, in the first New York Regiment of Volunteers.
Joseph Aram — Native of State of New York. Immigrated to California
1840. Present residence, San Jose, Santa Clara County.
Joseph C. Morehead — Born in Kentucky. Immigrated to California in
1 846. Resides at present in the county of Calaveras, San Joaquin district.
Benjamin Cory, M. D. — Born November 12, 1822. Immigrated to the
Golden State in 1847. Residence in the valley of San Jose".
Thomas J. Henley — Born in Indiana. Family now resides in Charles-
town, in that State. Immigrated to California in 1849, through the South
Pass. Residence at Sacramento.
Jose" M. Covarrubias — Native of France. Came to California in 1834.
Residence in Santa Barbara, and representative for that district.
Elisha W. McKinstry — Born in Detroit, Michigan. Immigrated to Cali-
fornia in March, 1849. Residence in Sacramento district, city of Sutter.
George B. Tingley — Bom August 15, 1815, Clermont County, Ohio.
Immigrated to Rushville, Indiana, November 4, 1834. Started to California
April 4, 1849. Reached there October 16th. Was elected to the Assembly
November 13th, from Sacramento district, and is now in Pueblo de San
Jose\
Mr. Bradford himself represents our (Sonoma) district in the Assembly.
On Saturday, December 15, 1849, the first State Legislature met at San
Jose", E. Kirby Chamberlin being elected President pro tern, of the Senate,
and Thomas J. White, Speaker of the Assembly.
In the year 1850, Senator M. G. Vallejo became convinced that the
capital of California should be established at a place which he desired to
Political History of Napa County. 129
name Eureka, but which his colleagues, out of compliment to himself, sug-
gested should be named Vallejo. To this end the General addressed a
memorial to the Senate, dated April 3, 1850, wherein he graphically pointed
out the advantages possessed by the proposed site over other places which
claimed the honor. In this remarkable document, remarkable alike for its
generosity of purpose as for its marvellous foresight, he proposed to grant
twenty acres to the State, free of cost, for a State Capitol and grounds, and
one hundred and thirty-six acres more for other State buildings, to be
appoi-tioned in the following manner : Ten acres for the Governer's house
and grounds ; five acres for the offices of Treasurer, Comptroller, Secretary
of State, Surveyor-General, and Attorney-General, should the Commissioners
determine that their offices should not be in the capitol building ; one acre
to State Library and Translator's office, should it be determined to separate
them from the State-house building ; twenty acres for an Orphan Asylum ;
ten acres for a Male Charity Hospital ; ten acres for a Female Charity
Hospital ; four acres for an Asylum for the Blind ; four acres for a Deaf
and Dumb Asylum; twenty acres for a Lunatic Asylum; eight acres for
four Common Schools ; twenty acres for a State University ; four acres for
a State Botanical Garden ; and twenty acres for a State Penitentiary.
But with a munificence casting this already long list of grants into the
shade, he further proposed to donate and pay over to the State, within two
years after the acceptance of these propositions, the gigantic sum of $370,000,
to be apportioned in the following manner : For the building of a State
Capitol, $125,000; for furnishing the same, $10,000; for building of the
Governor's house, $10,000 ; for furnishing the same, $5000 ; for the building
of State Library and Translator's office, $5000; for a State Library, $5000;
for the building of the offices of the Secretary of State, Comptroller,
Attorney-General, Surveyor-General and Treasurer, should the Commis-
sioners deem it proper to separate them from the State House, $20,000 ; for
the building of an Orphan Asylum, $20,000 ; for the building of a Female
Charity Hospital, $20,000 ; for the biulding of a Male Charity Hospital,
$20,000 ; for the building of an Asylum for the Blind, $20,000 ; for the
building of a Deaf and Dumb Asylum, $20,000 ; for the building of a State
University, $20,000 ; for University Library, $5000 ; for scientific apparatus
therefor, $5000; for chemical laboratory therefor, $3000; for a mineral
cabinet therefor, $3000 ; for the building of four common school edifices,
$10,000; for purchasing books for same, $1000; for the building of a
Lunatic Asylum, $20,000; for a State Penitentiary, $20,000; for a State
botanical collection, $3000.
In his memorial, the General states with much lucidity his reasons for
claiming the proud position for the place suggested as the proper site for
130 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the State Capital. Mark the singleness of purpose with which he bases
these claims : —
" Your memoralist, with this simple proposition (namely, that in the
event of the Government declining to accept his terms it should be put to
the popular vote at the general election held in November of that year —
1850), might stop here, did he not believe that his duty as a citizen of Cali-
fornia required him to say thus much in addition — that he believes the
location indicated is the most suitable for a permanent seat of government
for the great State of California, for the following reasons : That it is the
true center of the State, the true center of commerce, the true center of pop-
ulation, and the true center of travel ; that, while the Bay of San Francisco
is acknowledged to be the first on the earth, in point of extent and naviga-
ble capacities, already, throughout the length and breath of the wide world,
it is acknowledged to be the very center between Asiatic and European
commerce. The largest ship that sails upon the broad sea can, within three
hours, anchor at the wharves of the place which your memorialist proposes
as your permanent seat of government. From this point, by steam naviga-
tion, there is a greater aggregate of mineral wealth within eight hours'
steaming, than exists in the Union ; besides, from this point the great north
and south rivers — San Joaquin and Sacramento — cut the State longitudi-
nally through • the center, fringing the immense gold deposits on the one
hand and untold mercury and other mineral resources on the other ; from
this point steam navigation extends along the Pacific Coast south to San
Diego and north to the Oregon line, affording the quickest possible facilities
for our sea-coast population to reach the State Capital in the fewest number
of hours. This age, as it has been truly remarked, has merged distance into
time. In the operations of commerce and the intercourse of mankind, to
measure miles by the rod is a piece of vandalism of a by -gone age ; and
that point which can be approached from all parts of the State in the fewest
number of hours, and at the cheapest cost, is the truest center.
The location which your memorialist proposes as the permanent seat of
government is certainly that point.
Your memorialist most respectfully submits to your honorable body,
whether there is not a ground of even still higher nationality ? It is this :
that at present, throughout the wide extent of our sister Atlantic States, but
one sentiment seems to possess the entire people, and that is, to build in the
shortest possible time, a railroad from the Mississippi to the Bay of San
Francisco, where its western terminus may meet a three weeks' steamer
from China. Indeed, such is the overwhelming sentiment of the American
people upon this subject, that there is but little doubt to apprehend its early
completion. Shall it be said then, while the world is coveting our possession
of what all acknowledge to be the half-way house of the earth's commerce
Political History of Napa County. 131
— the great Bay of San Francisco — that the people of the rich possessions
are so unmindful of its value as not to ornament her magnificent shores
witL a capital worthy of a great State ? "
Upon receipt of General Vallejo's memorial by the Senate, a committee
composed of members who possessed a thorough knowledge of the country
comprised in the above-quoted document, both geographical and topographi-
cal, were directed to report for the information of the President, upon the
advantages claimed for the location of the capital at the spot suggested in
preference to others. The report in which the following words occur, was
presented to the Senate on April 2, 1850 : — " Your committee cannot dwell
with too much warmth upon the magnificent propositions contained in the
memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe throughout the spirit of an
enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor, for which he deserves the
thanks of his countrymen and the admiration of the world. Such a propo-
sition looks more like the legacy of a mighty Emperor to his people than
the free donation of a private planter to a great State, yet poor in public
finance, but soon to be among the first of the earth."
The report which was presented by Senator D. C. Broderick of San
Francisco, goes on to point out the necessities which should govern the
choice of a site for California's capital, recapitulates the advantages pointed
out in the memorial, and finally recommends the acceptance of General
Vallejo's offer. This acceptance did not pass the Senate without some
opposition and considerable delay ; however, on Tuesday, February 4, 1851,
a message was received from Governor Burnett, by his Private Secretary,
Mr. Ohr, informing the Senate that he did this day sign an Act originating
in the Senate entitled " An Act to provide for the permanent location of the
seat of government." In the meantime General Vallejo's bond had been
accepted ; his solvency was approved by a committee appointed by the Sen-
ate to inquire into that circumstance ; the report of the commissioners sent
to mark and lay out the tracts of land proposed to be donated was adopted,
and on May 1, 1851, the last session of the Legislature at San Jose" was
completed ; but the archives were not moved to the new seat of government
at Vallejo then, the want of which was the cause of much dissatisfaction
among the members.
The Legislature first sat at Vallejo on January 5, 1852, but there was
wanting the attraction of society which would appear to be necessary to the
seat of every central government. With these Sacramento abounded, from
her proximity to the mines. The Assembly therefore, with a unanimity
bordering on the marvelous, passed a bill to remove the session to that city,
ball tickets and theater tickets being tendered to the members in reckless
profusion. The bill was transferred to the Senate and bitterly fought by
the Hons. Paul K. Hubbs and Phil. A. Roach. The removal was rejected by
132 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
one vote. This was on a Saturday, but never was the proverb of we " know
not what the morrow may bring forth," more fully brought to bear upon
any consideration. Senator Anderson, it is said, passed a sleepless night
through the presence of unpleasant insects in his couch ; on the Monday
morning he moved a reconsideration of the bill ; the alarm was sounded on
every hand, and at 2 p. m. on January 12, 1852, the Government and Legis-
lature were finding its way to Sacramento by way of the Carquinez Straits.
On March 7, 1852, a devastating flood overwhelmed Sacramento, and where
they had before feared contamination, they now feared drowning. The
Legislature adjourned at Sacramento May 4, 1852, the next session to be
held at Vallejo. On January 3, 1853, the peripatetic government met again
at Vallejo, whither had been moved in May the archives and State offices.
Once more the spirit of jealousy was rampant ; Sacramento could not with
any grace ask for its removal thither again ; but she, working with Benicia,
the capital was once more on wheels and literally carted oft" to the latter
town for the remaining portion of the session, when a bill was passed to
fix the capital of the State at Sacramento, and thereafter clinched by large
appropriations for building the present magnificent capitol there. The last
sitting of the Legislature was held on February 4, 1853, when it was re-
solved to meet at Benicia on the 11th of the month, the vote then taken
bein^ as follows: Ayes — Messrs. Baird, Denver, Estill, Hager, Hubbs,
Hudspeth, Keene, Lind, Lott, Lyons, McKibben, Roach. Smith, Snyder,
Sprague, Wade, Wombough— 17. Nays— Crabb, Cofforth, Foster, Gruwell.
Ralston, Walkup— 6.
But to return to our particular subject. During the first session at San
Jose, but little was done beyond dividing the State into counties and organ-
izing their governments. At this time Robert Hopkins was elected District
Judge and Assemblyman, J. E. Brackett Major-General of the Second Divi-
sion of Militia. Mr. Hopkins, who, with the Hon. George Pearce, had been
appointed a committee to visit the capital in order to prevent, if possible,
the establishment of a boundary line which would include the Sonoma
Valley in Napa County, was a resident lawyer of Sonoma. On arrival at
Sail Jose", the question of appointing a Judge for the Sonoma district was
attracting attention, and the only candidate was W. R. Turner, who, though
a gentleman of capabilities, did not reside there, and probably had never
visited the spot. Pearce proposed to Hopkins to run for the office ; he
allowed himself to be put in nomination, and beat Turner, who knew not
of opposition, just as he was putting forth his hand to seize the prize. The
vote was unanimous for Hopkins, and Turner received some other district.
Pearce went to San Jose- for one purpose and accomplished another, while
Hopkins came back a full-fledged Judge of a most important district.
The State of California was admitted into the Union September 9,
Political History of Napa County. 133
1850, and January 6, 1851, the second Legislature met at San Jose-. Mar-
tin E. Cook at this session represented the Eleventh Senatorial District,
which was composed of the Counties of Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Marin,
Colusa, Yolo and Trinity — in short, all that territory west of the Sacra-
mento River, while in the Lower House Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano
was represented by John A. Bradford and A. Stearns.
September 3, 1851, the first Gubernatorial election was held under
the new order of things. In this contest, John Bigler, who received twenty-
three thousand seven hundred and seventy-four votes in the State, against
twenty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-three got by P. B. Redding,
his Whig opponent, had the assistance of that new'power which had com-
menced to creep into the State in the shape of the squatting element. He
was democratic in his manners, being " hale-fellow " with all. Not so his
opponent, who was a gentleman of more genteel bearing than the kind-
hearted, unambitious, landless Governor, who was always mindful of his
friends. Bigler, in all his messages, urged economy, but found it difficult
to prevent an office being made for a friend. Tuthill remarks : " It was his
pet project to unite the Southern and Western men of his party, and let the
free-soilers shift for themselves ; but it is not in that direction that party
cleavage runs. The Southerners scorned the alliance. They were ' high-
toned,' and looked down upon a Missourian as little better than a man from
Massachusetts. The Governor's project would not work. He carried water
on both shoulders, and spilt very little on either side."
Passing now to the special subject in hand, we find that by the Act of
March 11, 1851, Napa, Solano, Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties
were organized into the Seventh Judicial District. At this same session of
the Legislature, Napa, Solano, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Yolo, Colusa and
Trinity were set apart as comprising the Eleventh Senatorial District. At
the next session of the Legislature, May 18, 1853, a change was made in
the Senatorial Districts, and the Counties of Napa, Solano and Yolo was
organized into the Tenth District. The Act of April 1, 1864, placed Napa
and Lake Counties in the Third Congressional District. Upon the organi-
zation of Lake County, it was so arranged that Napa and Lake should elect
an Assemblyman jointly, and both counties be represented by the Assem-
blyman so elected. At this time the counties of Lake, Napa and Mendo-
cino were organized into the Eighteenth Senatorial District. Matters re-
mained thus until 1874, when a change was made which placed Napa, Lake
and Sonoma Counties into a Senatorial District, which was designated as
the Twentieth, and at the same time it was provided that Napa and Lake
should each elect and be represented by an Assemblyman in each county,
and that provision remains in force to the present time.
Mention has alreadv been made of the Court of Sessions, and we find
134 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
that the first Court was composed as follows : J. S. Stark, Judge, and
Johnston Horrell and M. D. Ritchie, Associates.
The first general election in and for Napa County, was held April 1,
1850, with the following result: John S. Stark, County Judge; H. H.
Lawrence, County Clerk ; N. McKimmey, Sheriff; R. L. Kilburn, Treasurer;
J. P. Walker, Assessor; J. E. Brown, Surveyor; and B. F. E. Kellogg,
Coroner. Of these J. P. Walker, filed his official bond first, and his was,
hence, the first official bond on record.
At the general election in 1855, the question of the prohibition of liquor
was submitted to the people, and the result in Napa County was; Prohibition
— yes, 198 ; Prohibition — no, 205. It was seen from this that the temper-
ance sentiment of the people even at that early day was not so far behind
what it is now. In fact, it is doubtful if the vote would be so close if it
were submitted to the people to-day.
The vote for Governor at the election of 1855 was as follows : For Gov.
J. Bigler, 261 ; for J. Neeley Johnson, 519 ; making a total vote of 780 in
Napa County.
At the election held in 1863, the soldier vote was nineteen. It would
thus seem that that number of the citizens of Napa County were in the
service.
The political phases of the county were without interest, except in a
general way, until the question of a new organic law for the State began
to be agitated. That the old Constitution was defective in many respects
was granted by all, and some favored a new instrument, while others
thought that the old one could be so amended as to cover the ground and
save much expense. That they were right on the last proposition is doubt-
less true, but as to whether or not the former was feasible was a mooted
question. The question was submitted to the people from time to time, but
no definite result was obtained until the general election of 1877, at which
time a large majority was given in favor of calling a convention, for the
purpose of framing a new instrument.
During the next session of the Legislature, a bill was framed and passed,
providing for the election of delegates to this convention, which was
approved March 30, 1878. Thirty-two delegates were to be elected from
the State at large, not more than eight of whom should reside in any one
congressional district. In accordance with a proclamation issued by the
Governor, an election for the purpose of choosing delegates to the convention
was held June 19, 1878. Hon. Robert Crouch was elected at this time to
represent Napa County in this convention. The delegates convened at
Sacramento City, September 28th of that year, and continued in session one
hundred and seventy-five days. When their labors had been completed the
new instrument was submitted to the people for their rejection or approval,
#;fiy§^
^ z&r
Political History of Napa County. 135
and the day set for the vote was May 7, 1879. There was a very strong
and, in many instances, bitter fight made against its adoption, while its
advocates were as energetic in their efforts to cause its adoption.
Majority Majority
For. Against.
Below we present the vote of Napa County in tabular form :
Precincts. For. Against
Soscol 27 22 5
Napa 573 539 34
Yountville 82 106 24
Rutherford 10 27 17
Chiles Valley 20 14 6
Monticello 28 43 15
St. Helena 203 133 70
Calistoga 126 86 40
Pope Valley 32 38 6
Knoxville 22 32 10
Totals 1123 1040 155 72
Total Majority For 83
We will close this chapter by calling the attention of our readers to the
political table herewith appended. In it will be found a full list of all the
officers who have served in the county, from State Senator to constable, and
the date of their election. Also notes showing all appointments made by
the Court of Sessions and the Board of Supervisors between each general
election. This table is as complete as it is possible to make it, and all
records of the county have been thoroughly searched for the purpose of
making it perfectly correct and reliable ; and it is with no little degree of
pride that we present our readers with the result of our labors, feeling
well assured that it will be fully appreciated by all who have occasion
to refer to it.
136
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
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History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
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Homicides of Napa County. 143
HOMICIDES OF NAPA COUNTY.
There is no subject which the faithful historian finds so hard to treat as
that of the homicides of a county. It is difficult to learn of all that have
occurred, as in many cases the perpetrators are never apprehended, or if
they are, but little or no evidence is left on record of the fact. Again, there
is much difficulty experienced in getting at the full and exact truth of the
matter. Newspaper accounts are not always to be trusted, still they are the
most reliable source of information accessible except the testimony given
in Court. Of this, but little generally remains on record. Stenographers
are paid large sums of money for reporting these cases, and yet practically it
avails nothing to the State, for of what benefit is a book of short-hand
notes to the majority of the people ? It should be so provided that each
county should have a regular stenographer at a given salary per annum,
who should be an officer of the Court, be present at all times, and his notes
should be written out in full in a book of record prepai-ed for that purpose.
The time will come when such will be the case. We will now proceed with
the Homicides of Napa County, and will premise by saying that no undue
prominence has been given to one case above another except so far as the
facts have been attainable. The most of the facts have been gleaned from
newspaper reports of the affair which were published at the time, and on
the most reliable information that is now to be had, except in a few cases
where the testimony is on record.
Murder of S. H. Sellers. — Sometime during the year 1850 George C.
Yount and Isaac Howell had a lawsuit which grew out of some trouble con-
cerning their stock. This man Sellers was a Justice of the Peace and ren-
dered a decision in favor of the Howell side of the case. A man by the
name of Hugh McCaully, who was a relative of Yount 's, met Sellers some
time after the trial, in a store, and began to upbraid him for the way he had
decided in the case mentioned above. Sellers was sitting on a barrel and
was answering McCaully in a very sarcastic manner. Finally the latter be-
came enraged, and whipped out a large knife with which he cut Sellers
through the back, killing him almost instantly. McCaully was arrested,
tried, and found guilty of murder in the first degree, and was sentenced
to be hanged. His friends then set about to obtain a pardon for him, which
they prevailed upon Governor McDougal to grant. Some Napa people
144 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
chanced to be at the State Capital (Benicia) that day and learned what had
been done. Captain T. G. Baxter chanced to be at Benicia with his little
steamer, and these parties chartered him to bring them to Napa with all
possible speed. . He crowded his little engine to her utmost and reached the
destination ahead of the party who was bringing the pardon, who came
overland. The news was spread and the people determined to make short
and quick work of the matter, but decided to wait if possible till nightfall
to do it. The ferry was disabled so that when the officer came from the
Governor bringing the pardon he could not be ferried over. Nobody would
give him any assistance, and left him to get over the stream as best he
could. He proceeded by way of the Trancas, but when he arrived in town
everything was as still as death. He jjroceeded to hunt up the man for
whom he had the pardon, ^nd found him hanging by the neck, dead and
almost cold. The building in which he was hanged stood on the south-east
corner of Main and Second streets, and was shipped around the Horn, all
ready to put together when it arrived here.
Murder of Prieto. — This occurred in July, 1859, in that part of
Napa City known as Spanishtown. There was a general row going on
among the Spaniards and Prieto was stabbed several times, any one of
seven of them being severe enough to have proved fatal. One Geralda
Feliz was held for the commission of the deed by the Grand Jury, but there
is nothing further on record concerning the case.
Murder of George Ettenbrough. — This occurred in Berryessa Valley,
July 28, i860, and the deed, which was said to have been a very cold-blooded
one, was perpetrated by Thomas Lofton. The difficulty grew out of a dispute
about a tract of land, and Lofton had a navy revolver with which he shot
his victim. He had, besides this revolver, a rifle, and the citizens and
officers were unable to arrest him, hence he made good his escape.
Killing of James Cummings. — Berryessa Valley was also the scene of
this homicide, and, while the trouble grew out of land matters, as had the
last one, the circumstances were much different. John See, the man who
did the shooting, had a claim on a piece of land in the valley. He also had
charge of a band of sheep, which belonged to another party. It became
necessary for him to take the band of sheep to the lower end of the valley
and to remain absent from his claim for some length of time. He left his place
in charge of a younger brother and a man named Wood. The man, Cum-
mings, who got killed, had the name of being a bad man, and as soon as
See was gone set about making preparations to "jump" his claim. The
first thing he did was to bribe Wood with forty dollars to leave the place.
Ho7)iicides of Napa County. 145
He then went to the house and, with threats and a show of firearms,
frightened the younger See off the place also. He then proceeded to take
possession by throwing See's things out of doors and installing himself as
master of the domain. A few days later the older See came to the place in
a wagon with a party of hunters, and, seeing his things cast out of doors,
proceeded to the house to see how matters looked. Just then Cummings
put in an appearance with a cocked revolver and ordered See to quit the
premises. See went to the wagon and procured a gun, with which he shot
and almost instantly killed Cummings. This occurred on the 24th day of
November, 1860. See was arrested, or gave himself up to the officers, and
was acquitted by the Justice of the Peace.
Murder of Thomas Wilson. — Wilson lived in a small cabin by himself
in Wild Horse Valley, some five or six miles east of Napa City. On the
10th day of October, 1861, he was found in his house with a black silk
cravat (handkerchief) tied around his neck, and it was evident that he had
been strangled to death. No clue was ever found to the perpetrator of the
deed.
Mwrder of Joseph Warren Osborne. — He was killed by Charles Brit-
tian April 18, 1863, on his own premises, now known as the Woodward
estate, near Oak Knoll station, under the following circumstances : Brittian
had worked for Osborne on his farm as a laborer, and for said services
he received a check on a bank in San Francisco for the sum of two hundred
and sixty -five dollars. " On presenting his check payment was refused on
it. He then went to see Osborne, who promised to settle the matter within
a few days. Brittian then returned to San Francisco, and after a few days
procured a revolver at a store, and started for Osborne's place. On his way
up to Napa on the steamer he stated that he was going to have his money
or that he would kill Osborne. Arriving at Oak Knoll he proceeded to the
house of his victim and inquired for him, and was told that he could be
found in the orchard. Thither he went on his ghastly errand, and began a
conversation with him. No one was present to hear the language used by
either party, but parties at a distance soon saw by the motions being made
that there was some trouble between them, and saw some aggressive
motions made by Brittian. Osborne then picked up a rock, and at once
Brittian shot him, and he died in a few moments. Brittian was arrested
and lodged in jail, and indicted May 18, 1863, and the trial was called June
1st of that year, when the prisoner plead not guilty. The jury in the case
was composed of the following gentlemen: Robert Greenlaw, Charles
Drew, Charles Thompson, J. H. Gooch, L. H. Murray, C. Musgrave, D.
10
116 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Manuel, R. T. Lane, G. N. Cornwell, H. M. Allen, A. S. Knapp, and William
Greenleaf. A verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree was rendered
by the jury. A motion for a new trial was made and overruled, and on
the 12th clay of June, 1863, the Judge passed the sentence of death by
hanging upon him. On the 7th day of August, 1863, he expiated his crime
upon the gallows, being the first man ever hanged in Napa County under the
sentence of the law. When the day of execution came he marched boldly
upon the gallows, refusing all counsel or consolation from friend or priest,
and faced his death with a fortitude worthy a nobler cause.
Murder of Patrick O'Brien. — This foul murder has some elements of
horrid hellishness about it which are not to be exceeded in the annals of
crime. An old and peaceable man was living with his daughter, a young
girl of some seventeen summers, on a small farm in Wild Horse Valley. A
young man, not yet thirty years of age, came into the neighborhood, and
seeing the circumstance, at once begins to plan his fiendish plot. He
conceived the idea that if he would kill the father he could step in and
befriend the girl in her affliction, marry her, and thus secure the property.
Accordingly, on the 20th day of January, 1864, he set about to consummate
his hellish design. On that morning the father, little dreaming that his
davs were numbered, went to work as usual in his field. The murderer, J.
Gilbert Jenkins by name, went to the house of a neighbor, Mrs. Sanders,
and borrowed a rifle, stating that he wished to kill a deer. In two or three
hours he returned the rifle. This was on Wednesday. Time passed and
the father did not return, and the daughter became alarmed. The neigh-
bors were aroused and a thorough search was instituted, but without avail.
Queries began to be rife as to the cause of his disappearance. Suddenly
Mrs. Sanders remembered the incident of loaning the gun to Jenkins on
the morning of the disappearance of O'Brien. This fact she communicated
to the people, and on the strength of it Jenkins was arrested. But he
understood the loops of the law too well to remain long in custody, and
was released on habeas corpus, there being nothing to prove his guilt or
connection with the affair except the incidental borrowing of the rifle.
And so matters continued until the Tuesday following the disappearance
of the murdered man, when the search for him was rewarded in finding his
grave, which was located about three hundred yards from his house. It
was about two feet deep, and was covered with leaves, so that it eluded dis-
covery until that time. Jenkins was again arrested. It appeared that
when shot, O'Brien was in a stooping position, and the ball entered near the
back bone, between the fifth and sixth ribs, ranged upward, passing through
the left lung and windpipe, and lodged in the butt of the jaw. The Coro-
ner's jury returned the following verdict: "The deceased was about forty-
Homicides of Napa County. 147
six years old, and came to his death by a gunshot wound ; and that said
killing was the act of J. Gilbert Jenkins."
February 6, 1864, Jenkins was arraigned for the commission of the
deed. The following named gentlemen composed the jury : Wells Kilburn,
M. N. Haile, P. Hunt, H. T. Barker, B. F. E. Kellogg, Wm. Edgington, Ed-
ward Evey, E. A. Mount, A. J. Stark, F. Western, B. H. Gordon and J. D.
White. When the matter was submitted to them they retired, and in just
fifteen minutes brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree. The
Judge passed sentence upon him, setting March 18th following as the day
of execution. The prisoner took the matter very coolly indeed, proving
how hardened a wretch he was by saying, " I wish it was to-morrow ; I
don't want to wait so d d long." The day of execution came, and found
him cool and collected ; and he ascended the gallows with a firm tread,
meeting his fate with a nonchalance that any Indian might well envy. At
seven minutes past three o'clock P. M. the trap was sprung, and his soul,
which, according to his own confession, was steeped in the blood of eight
victims, was launched into the presence of the Great Judge of the Uni-
verse. " And he went to his own place." His confession states that, beside
imbruing his hands in the blood of eight men, he had committed innumer-
able robberies in almost half of the States of the Union. He was a native
of North Carolina, and was only twenty-nine years of age at the time of
his execution.
Killing of Turner G. Letton. — This occurred in Napa City, Monday
evening, January 23, 1865, at the American House, under the following cir-
cumstances, as brought out in the testimony: Letton had, until within a
few weeks previous to the homicide, been in the employ of T. Frank Raney
as barkeeper, but Raney had discharged him. He afterwards heard that
Raney had stated that the ground for his discharge was dishonesty. On
this day he became intoxicated, and was going about town using threaten-
ing language against Raney, and went to the American House twice during
the day, becoming very much excited, and using violent language to
Raney on both occasions. The latter succeeded in pacifying him without
serious trouble both times, and he went away. In the evening he came
into the bar-room of the hotel again, accompanied by three other men :
Robert Boley, Elias Hamlin and A. A. Edgar. Boley was also a discharged
barkeeper, and the man who had told Letton that Raney charged him with
dishonesty. The other men were only casual acquaintances. Both Letton
and Boley were intoxicated. They first called for something to drink, but
did not take it. They then began to talk to Raney, and to walk violently
up and down the room, becoming more and more excited. At last Boley
took off his coat and threw it down, and Letton advanced to the passage
148 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
leading out from behind the bar, thus hemming Raney up in the space be-
tween the counter and the shelving of the bar. Raney then drew a re-
volver, and ordered Letton three several times to leave the house, and upon
his failure to obey him Raney fired, or attempted to. The cap exploded,
but the revolver did not shoot. Letton then seized a tumbler from the
counter and threw it violently at Raney, but missed him. Raney then fired
three shots at Letton, and finally struck him over the head with the
weapon. The first ball entered Letton's breast, the second struck him in
the jaw, while the third passed through his cheek into his mouth, knocking
out a tooth. Letton did not speak after the first shot, but in a few
seconds fell dead behind the bar. It appeared in evidence that the
deceased when sober was a peaceable man, but when under the influence of
liquor inclined to be violent. He came to California from Lexington,
Missouri, in 1860, and was about twenty-six years of age. Raney was
arrested and examined before Justice Hunnewell, J. E. Pond and W. W.
Pendegast appearing for the People, and Henry Edgington for the defense.
March 9, 1865, a bill was found against Raney for manslaughter by the
Grand Jury. In June of that year he was tried, and the jury found for the
defendant.
Killing of a Chinaman, — May 13, 1865, James Keeley killed a China-
man, name unknown, under the following circumstances : He owed the
Chinaman a wash-bill, which he had failed to liquidate. The Chinaman
became enraged finally, and, in company with some of his countrymen,
undertook to collect the bill by force, or, at least, to frighten Keeley into
the payment of the amount due. Keeley grasped an axe handle, and, using
it for a bludgeon, struck and killed the first one that came within reach of
him. He was arrested and discharged.
The Jonathan Davis Murder and Suicide. — On Saturday evening,
August 5, 1865,' a most tragic affair occurred near the western limits of
Napa County, and almost due west from Napa City. A man by the name
of Jonathan Davis lived with his wife on a farm in this locality. Both of
them were addicted to the vice of drunkenness, and when under the influ-
ence of liquor they were very quarrelsome. On the night in question Davis
returned home from Napa City at a very late hour, and began at once to
quarrel with his wife, who, it is stated, had also been drinking. The noise
awakened a servant girl and two men who were sleeping in the house, but
nothing was thought to occur of a serious nature, as it seemed to be the old
story over again of a rabid war of words. The noise increased, however,
and it became evident that a struggle between them was in progress. At
length the woman screamed for help, which so frightened the servant girl
Homicides of Napa County. 149
that she escaped from her room through an open window. Davis then went
to the barn and awakened a young man, and told him to go to the neigh-
bors and tell them that he had killed his wife, and would himself be dead
within five minutes. On his way from the barn he discharged a revolver
twice, one ball passing through his hand, and another entering his head. It
was found that he had thrown the woman upon the floor, and stamped upon
her breast with his heavy boot, crushing in her whole chest, breaking seven
of her ribs, the fragments of which entered her heart and lungs, and caused
instant death. He lingered along for a few days and finally died. He left
a note, stating that he had killed his wife, but asked his neighbors and
friends to lay it to the charge of liquor. They were both natives of Wales,
and had been married for some years.
Killing of John Clark — This homicide occurred in Capelle Valley, about
twelve miles east of Napa City, October 23, 1865. The particulars of it are
as follows : Oscar and John Clark, two brothers, owned a place in Capelle
Valley, and had rented it to Fred. Coombs. On the day of the killing the
two Clarks went to the premises occupied by Coombs, when an altercation
occurred, culminating in the killing of John Clark by Coombs. The latter
came to Napa City and gave himself up, and a Coroner's inquest was held
the next day. At that Mrs. Coombs testified that her husband was sitting
in the house occupied by them on a chair, when the Clark brothers came in
and attacked him, asserting that they would dispossess him of the property
by forcible ejectment, and that her husband fired the shots in self-defense.
Oscar Clark was thereupon arrested, and, waiving examination, was held in
the sum of $2000. No further action was taken in the matter.
Killing of Patrick Goochvin. — Goodwin had some harness in the
American livery stable in Napa City, of which C. H. H. Manuel was the
proprietor. On the 7th of September, 1866, Goodwin went to the stable to
see about it, when an altercation arose between the men. Finally Manuel
grasped a shovel and struck Goodwin over the head with it, inflicting an
injury, from the effects of which he died the following Monday. Manuel
was arrested and bailed for the trifling sum of $500, and of course left for
parts unknown.
Killing of Daniel English. — On the evening of March 14, 1868, a party
of Americans, consisting of Daniel and Charles English, two brothers, Albert
Haines, J. C Jones, R. Coddington, B. B. Durbin and W. D. Treanor, went
to the house of Dolores Coronado, in Spanishtown, (East Napa,) where
a dance was in progress. In a short time some difficulty sprang up between
the Americans and Spaniards, and Coronado attacked Dan English with a
150 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
revolver. His brother Charles came to his rescue with a pistol in his hand,
when a Spaniard by the name of Anastacia grabbed it from him and began
firing at him. Both of the English boys were severely wounded, and Dan
died soon after, but Charley recovered. The following is the verdict of the
Coroner's jury : "We, the Coroner's jury, convened to examine into the case,
on investigation do find that the name of the deceased was Daniel English, a
native of the United States, and resident of Solano County, California, aged
thirty-four years, and that he came to his death by a pistol-shot, which
pistol was in the hands of Dolores Coronado, and was fired on the evening
of the 14th of March, in the county of Napa, State of California, at the
house of Dolores Coronado." This made the fifth brother who had died a
violent death. It does not seem that the Spaniard was held, for in a few
days afterwards he came to a hotel in Merced County, kept by Dr. Griffiths,
with whom he quarreled, and who shot and killed him.
Killing of Katie Ennis (Indian). — Alonzo Davis, a boy only about
thirteen years of age, shot and killed an Indian girl by the name of Katie
Ennis, at the house of M. D. Markley, in Putah Canon, August 20, 1871,
under the following circumstances, as brought out in the testimony : The
Indian girl was living at Markley 's as his housekeeper. Markley was away
from home a great deal of the time during the day, and was often away for
days at a time. It would seem that the girl got the idea into her head that
the boy wished to destroy Markley's property during his absence, and she
threatened to shoot him should he pass by the premises again. There were
two roads leading by the place ; one just in front of the door, and one up
the hill a short distance. One day he passed along the lower road in com-
pany with another boy, and he states, being corroborated by his companion,
that she fired at them with a rifle, after they had got past the house some
distance. The next day he got a small pistol, and having an errand that
way, took occasion to go along the lower road, as usual. When the girl saw
him she said : " I will shoot you, you s — of a b ! " and started into the
house. Just as she crossed the threshold, the boy fired, and the bullet en-
tered the girl's brain. The body was found some time afterwards in a
mutilated condition, rats and coons doing the work. The boy was arrested,
and Justice R. C. Gillaspie of Yount Township, committed him to jail to
await the action of the Grand Jury, on the 26th of August. That body
found a true bill against him, September Gth, and he was tried October 5th.
The jury in the case comprised the following named gentlemen : David
Edwards, James Dunhig, S. Winters, Asa Chapman, David Yount, W. H.
Beagles, W. A. Haskins, J. G. Francis, E. K. Wood, Wm. Locker, J. B. Chiles
and T. G. Rodgers. Their verdict was : " We, the jury, find the defendant
not guilty."
Homicides of Napa County. 151
The Fred. Coombs Murder and Suicide. — One of the most appalling
affairs that ever happened in Napa County, occurred in Napa City, Feb-
ruary 20, 1871, under the following circumstances : During the previous
term of the District Court, proceedings in divorce had been begun between
Fred. Coombs and his wife, who had been living previously on Howell
Mountain. The matter was referred to the Court Commissioner, Mr. F. E.
Johnson, who had been taking testimony on the day of the fatal affair, in
the office of Messrs. Pendegast & Stoney. Between five and six o'clock in
the afternoon, he adjourned the session, and all parties were preparing to
leave the room. Coombs asked his wife to accompany him. She replied that
the time for a reconciliation was past. Coombs thereupon drew a revolver
and fired twice at her, the first ball passing through her arm, while the
other penetrated the center of the breast-bone. He then turned his pistol
on himself and fired, the ball taking effect in the right temple and lodging
under the scalp, killing him instantly. Mrs. Coombs was taken to the office
of Dr. M. B. Pond, but she was beyond the reach of medical aid, and died
within twenty minutes. Coombs left a letter stating what disposition to
make of their children and property. It was thought that he was laboring
under a fit of temporary insanity.
Killing of Peter Guadalupe (Indian). — He was shot and killed by
Jesse Walters in Pope Valley, May 21, 1871. Walters was Arrested and
brought before Justice L. N. Duvall for preliminary examination, when the
following testimony was adduced : — James Ingels, sworn : " Have heard
threats ; the Indian told me about three or four months ago that Jesse
Walters had to leave the country or he would kill him ; also told me about
four weeks ago that he intended to kill him, and showed me the pistol that
he was going to do it with ; Pete, the Indian, said that he would kill him on
sight." William Clark Boston, sworn : " I was present and saw a part of
the shooting ; there were three shots fired ; at the time the first shot was
fired the Indian was running from Jesse ; at the second he was still run-
ning ; at the third the Indian was on his knees, when he fell and shortly
after expired ; * * * about two weeks ago the same Indian came down
to the store and wanted to fight Jesse, who did not want to have anything
to do with him ; the Indian was then armed with two pistols and Jesse had
none." A true bill was found against Walters by the Grand Jury, June 21,
1871, and the case came up for trial October 4th of that year. The follow-
ing named gentlemen were on the trial jury: J. A. Johnson, D. O. Hunt,
Wm. Owsley, N. E. Stewart, A. Stafford, D. C. Squibb, E. True, J. N.
Bennett, S. W. Jacks, Alex. Korns, S. Winter and J. McCoombs. They
returned a verdict of not guilty.
152 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Killing of John B. See. — On Wednesday, May 1, 1872, at 4 p. M., at
Monticello, Berryessa Valley, John B. See was killed under the following
circumstances : The See brothers, three in number, were standing in the
street at Monticello, when Le Grande Thompson passed by. Some hard
words passed between them, growing out of an old feud, when they agreed
to fight it out there and then. Thompson and John B. See clinched, and
after scuffling for awhile Thompson drew a dirk knife and cut See twice
with it. Just then Granville Thompson, a brother of the one in the fight,
rushed up and drew a pistol and shot, the ball taking effect in See's breast.
See only lived a short time.
Killing of John Thomas. — He was killed by Edward Day, at the
Meyers Hotel in Napa City, November 15, 1873, under the following cir-
cumstances : The two men were engaged in a game of cards in the bar-
room of the hotel, when Day took seven cards when he dealt, instead of six.
Thomas accused him of cheating and they began to wrangle over it and
Day called Thomas some very hard names. They finally quieted down and
went and drank together. Day then went across the street to Clifford's
livery stable and began afresh to abuse Thomas and to use vile epithets.
Thomas then went across the street and asked him to desist, when Day
attacked him with a knife. Thomas retreated, but when about midway
across the street Day overtook him and cut him across the abdomen, from
the effects of which Thomas soon after died. The Grand Jury found a true
bill against Day December 1, 1S73. The trial was deferred until June,
1875, when the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree, and
he was sentenced to the State Prison for life.
Killing of Major Harry Larkyns. — This occurred at the Yellow Jacket
Mine, about seven miles from Calistoga, October 18, 1874. Neither party
was a resident of Napa County, but as the shooting occurred within its
limits the matter came up for trial in its Courts. Muybridge was an artist
or photographer in San Francisco ; Larkyns was an adventurer, of English
birth and Australian education. He came to San Francisco and there met
with the usual ups and downs of men of his ilk, but in some unlucky hour
formed the accpiaintance of Mrs. Muybridge. He was dashing, suave and
captivating, and formed quite a contrast with her steady going, industrious,
business-like husband, and she soon became infatuated with the gallant
Major. As a result of this Muybridge sent his wife to Portland, Oregon, to
her mother, thinking that thus he could break the spell of the charmer.
In this he was mistaken, for she soon began to write to an intimate friend
in the city inclosing letters to Larkyns. These were shown to Muybridge
by the lady. Larkyns had conceived the idea, or was perhaps employed to
Homicides of Napa County. 153
make a map of the Calistoga Mining District, and was engaged upon this
work at this time. When Muybridge saw the letter from his wife to
Larkyns, he became very much enraged ; and, after brooding over the matter
for a couple of weeks, another letter arrived from her through the same
channel. This was too much for him. He took the train for Calistoga and
there got a team and was driven out to the Yellow Jacket Mine, arriving
after dark. He proceeded to the hotel and called for Larkyns, remaining
just outside the door. Larkyns came into the hallway and advanced
towards the front door, and when within a few feet of it Muybridge stepped
into the full light and said, " I have brought a message from my wife, take
it," and at the same time fired. The wounds proved fatal almost instantly.
Muybridge was arrested and lodged in jail, and December 8, 1874, the
Grand Jury found a true bill against him. His case came up for hearing
February 5, 1875, and the jury, after being out thirteen hours, returned a
verdict of not guilty.
Killing of Alexander McDonald. — Silverado, the scene of this homi-
cide, was the name of the silver mine on St. Helena Mountain. Franklin
Headley, of that place, missed a bottle of whiskey, and suspected that
McDonald, commonly known as " Scotty," had stolen it. On the morning
of November 11, 1874, quite early, he went to the house where " Scotty"
lived and called him out to shake hands with him. As they clasped hands
Headley dealt him a furious blow on the head with a heavy instrument
which he held concealed in his left hand, from the effects of which the man
soon expired. Headley was arrested subsequently at the Mountain Mill
House.
Murder of Mollie Williams, alias Swartz. — This murder took place in
Spanish town, Napa City, May 9, 1875. The woman had been in a house
of prostitution, but had become enamoured with a man named Henry
Pearce, and had become engaged to be married to him. She thereupon went
to live with his sister. On the day of the murder Pearce got drunk and
was going along the street in Spanishtown when the woman came to him
and tried to induce him to go home. This he promised to do, but made
some excuse for going further up the street, and they separated. She turned
after proceeding a short distance and came up with him again, and began
her importunings, going so far as to put her arms around his neck, thus to
persuade him to accompany her home. At this he out with a knife and
stabbed her two or three times. She did not scream, but sprang over a
fence and started across a lot, but fell in the middle of it. Parties who saw
her went to her, but found that she was dead. The Coroner's jury charged
Pearce with her murder, and his trial came up October 9, 1875. The jury
Sow mf -Kflpc «■* l^ir i-a-mer— ■ ■ ^
Homicides of Napa County.
October 2, 1S77, and Mateo was found guilty of mirier in the
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be was at all implicated in the matter. Mateo was then tried for the
murder of Guadalupe, and the jury, after being out three horns, brought
in a verdict of murder in the first degree, and affixed the death penalty.
October 8th he was sentenced by Judge Wflbam CL Wallace to be hanged
November 30, 1877. At three minutes before 1 o'doek p. a. of that
iiv -:- '-::' —--~ -- : "^.- izi :ir zt.-z.-~ :- i ■ ;: :.:_ :-: i- 1 ti
twenty minates he was dead. His neck was not broken,
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had been used in hanging Charles Brittian in 1863, and
Jenkins in 1864, making the third and last man ever hanged in lb
County by a legal process. Mateo's parents wer^ : He T::
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sprang up. Carter was in Oregon at the time, and they proceeded with the
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156 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
undoing what had been done. At the end of three months he prevailed
upon the girl to return home and leave her husband. Hawkins became en-
raged at this and threatened to take the lives of both if she did not return
to him, going so far as to tell one man that Carter had just two more days
to live. On the day before the homicide Hawkins left a note at Carter's
gate addressed to his wife, asking her to meet him at the gate the next
morning. On the morning of May 7, 1878, (the one designated in his note)
he rode up to the gate. Carter was secreted behind a bush, and as Haw-
kins stopped he rose, and drawing a bead upon him said, " defend yourself,"
and at the same time fired at him, the charge taking effect in Hawkin's head
and side. He fell from his horse with the exclamation, " Oh ! " breaking his
arm in the fall, and died almost intantly. Carter went to St. Helena and
gave himself up and was tried before a Justice and acquitted. The Coro-
ner's jury charged him with murder, and he was again arrested and brought
to Napa. His case came up again for preliminary hearing before Justice
Henning, by whom he was a second time acquitted. It was stated by Car-
ter on this trial that Hawkins had tried to kill him once with a revolver.
It was evidently a case of war to the knife, and he who drew first blood was
the victor.
Killing of Charles R. Rice. — Rice was a blacksmith at the Redington
Quicksilver Mine, and worked in a shop at Knoxville. On the day of the
shooting, June 3, 1879, Jacob Fuquar came into the shop with a mule which
he desired shod. After the work was done he refused to paj^ for it, where-
upon Rice said that the mule should not leave the shop until the work was
paid for. Fuquar then became abusive, and Rice drove him from the shop.
He went to a house near by and procured a revolver, and going back to the
shop, shot Rice through the heart.
Killing of August Ruesch. — This occurred in the " William Tell " hotel,
in Napa City, October 25, 1879. It appeared from the testimony adduced,
that G. W. Crowey, and his sons John and William, were in the hotel on
the night of the homicide, and got into an altercation with Ruesch, and
finally a general melee ensued, in which the latter got pretty badly pun-
ished. He then went out into the yard, and was followed by John Crowey,
who had a billiard cue in his hand. Here the fight was renewed, when
Crowey struck him over the head with the cue, from the effects of which he
died. All three of the Croweys were arrested, but the father and William
were subsequently acquitted. The Grand Jury found a true bill against
John at its session of December 4, 1879, and his case came up for trial May
3, 1880. The jury comprised the following named gentlemen: H. J.
Lewelling, J. T. Cooper, S. R. Dickey, D. F. Whitlatch, R. F. Montgomery,
Homicides of Napa County. 157
S. A. Garnett, C. Cutler, J. Forrester, W. J. Baker, Asa Spear, S. Newcomer,
and G. W. Haynes. Their verdict was returned May 14, and was as follows :
"We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of murder in the second degree,
and recommend him to the mercy of the Court."
His attorneys moved for a new trial on the following grounds : First,
the Court erred in refusing to grant the defendant's challenge to the panel.
Second, the Court misdirected the jury in matters of law. Third, the Court
erred in the decisions of questions of law arising during the course of the
trial. Fourth, the verdict is contrary to law, and also to the evidence. The
Judge passed sentence on him June 1, 1880, which was confinement in the
State Prison for ten years, and on appeal it was taken to the Supreme
Court, and the remittitur was issued September 28, 1880, for a new trial in
the lower Court. The new trial came on October 19, 1880, with the follow-
ing jury in the box : G. Hulse, C. i P. Smith, H. Flynn, H. C. Neil, C.
Walsh, A. H. Marsh, L. W. Speilman, J. Patterson, J. Hale, J. B. Bloss, T.
B. Curtis and H. Koland. This jury disagreed, standing nine for conviction
and three for acquittal. The case is still pending in the Courts.
Killing of Isaac Wilson. — Quite late in the evening of September 19,
1880, three men, J. Hartshorn, and John and Ward Adams came to the
house of deceased, at the northern end of Berryessa Valley. Hartshorn
rode up to the house and engaged in conversation with Wilson and his
family. Shortly afterwards, a noise was heard in the brush, and it was
evident that some one was coming on horseback. Wilson took a gun and
advanced to meet the horsemen, who proved to be the Adams's, and called to
them : " Stop ! go back ! who are you ? go back, or I will drop that horse
from under you ! " At this, one of the horsemen fired the charge taking-
effect in Wilson's leg. A rifle was then discharged by the other horseman
which did not take effect. Then a second charge of buckshot was sent
crashing through Wilson's abdomen by the first horseman. They then rode
off and Wilson fired twice after them with a revolver. He died in a little
over an hour. The Adams's were tried in Napa in February, 1881, and
acquitted.
158 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
MINES AND MINING.
That there is precious metal within the limits of Napa County there
can be no question now, for the matter has been too well attested. Gold,
silver, quicksilver, iron and coal are all found in greater or less quantities in
various sections of the county. Of gold there has not so very much as yet
been discovered, except in connection with silver ore. We believe that
there has been no quartz found yet that contained free or native gold,
though we were recently shown a piece which the possessor claimed con-
tained it, and also stated that it was the first that had been found in Napa
County. Of silver there is quite a considerable to be found in the Calistoga
section and it has been mined very successfully there in years gone by, and
there are many fine prospects there now, and doubtless some fine mines will
be developed there in years to come. Of quicksilver there is quite an
abundance in several localities, and mines have been developed in this
county second only to the New Almaden. Of iron there are large bodies
of ore, but they have not been worked any as yet, though a company has
been recently organized and a claim laid, and wTork will probably soon begin.
Of coal there are good indications in several places, but it is probable that
there is no true coal vein in the county, or it is so broken up that it cannot
be followed.
The first mining excitement broke out in this county in the winter of
1858-9, and is thus graphically portrayed by Robert T. Montgomery in
Menefee's " Sketch Book : " " In the winter of 1858-9 there arose an
excitement really worthy of the ' good times ' in the mineral districts. All
at once, nobody could very well tell why, a great silver excitement arose,
which permeated the whole community. It was found by various parties
that the mountains on the east side of the valley were full of the ores of
silver of untold, because unknown, richness. Simultaneous with this good
discovery, every unemployed man from Soscol to Calistoga turned prospector.
Blankets and bacon, beans and hard^bread rose to a premium, and the hills
were lighted up at night with hundreds of camp-fires. Hammers and picks
were in great demand, and there is ocular evidence even to this day that
not a boulder or projecting rock escaped the notice' of the prospectors.
There was silver in Washoe, why not in Napa ? It was a question of
probabilities which was bound soon to harden into certainties. Indeed it
Mines and Mining. 159
was only a short time before silver prospects were possessed of a defined
value. Claims were opened, companies formed and stock issued on a most
liberal scale. Everything wore the couleur de rose. As usual, upon similar
occasions, there was great strife about claims. Some were 'jumped ' on the
ground of some informality twice in twenty-four hours. Heavy prices
were paid for ' choice ' ground, and it is quite safe to say that our mountain
sides and summits have never since borne such enormous valuation. It
seemed as if the whole country had been bitten by the mining tarantula.
" One man, whose name we withhold, in his perambulations in the pro-
found canons of Mount St. Helena, in company with his son, discovered a
ledge of solid silver. As neither had brought either blankets or grub, the
old gentleman concluded to stand guard over the precious discovery during
the night, armed with a shot-gun, while the son went down into the valley
for those indispensable supplies. When the morning broke the old man was
still at his post, shot-gun in hand, but tired, sleepy and hungry. The son
laden with food and other inner comforts, ' toiled up the sloping steep' with
the de quoi manger strapped to his back, and both father and son sat down
in the gray of the morning by a hastily lighted fire, to discuss their rude
breakfast and the limitless wealth before them. It would not do to leave
such an enormous property unguarded. It would be 'jumped' in ten
minutes, so the shot-gun was transferred to the son, while the father, with
an old pair of saddle-bags, stuffed to repletion with ' silver,' descended the
mountain. His mule soon brought him to Napa, the denizens of which
town he was shortly to astonish with his great discovery. He walked into
the Reporter office, saddle-bags in hand, opened the fastenings with an
excellent smile but a trembling hand, when out fell some brilliant specimens
of iron pyrites. Alas, that it should be told, but such was the scope and
extent of his great silver discovery.
" But the opinions of the unskilled were of no value. A regular assayer
would of course tell a different story. And, we suppose on the principle
that the ' supply always equals the demand,' there were discovered in San
Francisco large numbers of ' assay offices,' at which for the moderate price
of $15, a certificate of quantitative analysis of anything from a brick-bat to
a lump of obsidian could be had, showing silver anywhere between $20 and
$500 per ton. We were shown numbers of those certificates, and probably
gave them all the credence to which they were entitled. There were a few
individuals here who had understood from the beginning the character of
the whole excitement. One of these G. N. C. (presumably George N. Corn-
well) was the recipient of a sample of a very dark pulverized ore of some-
thing, and being fond of a joke, dissolved a two-bit piece in nitric acid, and
added the resultant to the powered ore. When the assayers certificate got
back there was an enormous excitement. The specimen forwarded had
160 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
yielded $428 to the ton. Of course when the joke had been duly enjoyed,
the secret was revealed to the great disgust of the lucky proprietors.
" Judge S. (John S. Stark), formerly Sheriff of the county, had been up
the valley on business in the muddiest part^of winter, and on his way back
met a chap on his way to the ' mines.' ' Have you been to the mines ? '
said the fellow. ' Yes,' answered the Sheriff, ' but everything is pretty
nearly taken up — at least, all the best claims.' ' But d — n it,' said the
would-be proprietor, ' isn't there anything left ? ' 'Oh yes,' returned the
Sheriff, ' you might, perhaps, get in on some outside claim.' Without wait-
ing to make any reply, the fellow clapped spurs to his Kosinante, headed up
the valley, and, as the Sheriff declared, ' in less than two minutes you
couldn't see him for the mud he raised.'
" The excitement lasted for several weeks and grew better and better.
Scores of men, laden with specimens, thronged the hotels and saloons, and
nothing was talked of but ' big strikes ' and ' astounding developments.' A
local assay office was started, for the miners could not wait the slow process
of sending to San Francisco. It is probable that this local assayer, Mr.
Frank McMahon (since engaged about the Knoxville mines), did more than
any one man towards pricking the great bubbles of the time. His assays
were far less favorable than the imported article, and it came to pass that
his customers were dissatisfied with the results of his experiments. Finally,
as these threw a shadow of doubt over the value of the argentiferous dis-
coveries, some of the heavy operators concluded to consult some of the most
skillful and well-known assayers of the city — men whose decisions were
beyond the reach of suspicion, and whose reputations were above cavil or
doubt. Several specimens, considered to be of the highest value, were for-
warded.
" The general disgust of claim-owners may be conceived when the formal
certificates of assay were returned. Most specimens contained no silver at
all, and the very best only ' a trace.' Nothing of value had been discovered.
Thereupon ensued a sudden hegira of prospectors to the valley. The mil-
lionaires of a day left their rude camps in the mountains, and, with ragged
breeches and boots out at the toes, subsided at once into despondency and
less exciting employments. The hotel and saloon-keepers, saying nothing
of the editors, proceeded to disencumber their premises of accumulated tons
of specimens of all kinds of ' shiny rocks ' to be found within an area of
thirty miles square, making quite a contribution to the paving material of
the streets of Napa City. Thus subsided the great mining excitement. The
result was that a few were a little poorer, but many hundreds a great deal
wiser than they hoped to be."
Passing now to a consideration of the mines which have been developed
and worked in Napa County, we hnd that quicksilver was first discovered
Mines and Mining. 161
in the Mayacamas system of mountains by A. J. Bailey and J. Cyrus, in
January, 1860. This discovery was made to the north-west of Calistoga,
and near the Geyser Springs. When the rocks were broken here the native
metal appeared. It is stated that eight hundred men rushed into the new
Eldorado at once and staked off claims. In the May following Edward
Evey and J. N. Bennet discovered a ledge of cinnabar in Knights Valley.
Both of these discoveries were outside of the limits of Napa County, but
were, however, in the same general system of mountains, and were, as it
were, tributary to Mount St. Helena. The first quicksilver mining com-
pany which was organized in this county was the
Phoenix Mining Company. — The certificate of organization of this com-
pany was filed November 15, 1861 ; term of existence fifty years. The
original trustees were C. B. Sharp, A. H. Botts, John Waterson, John New-
man and J. A. Butler. The capital stock was $19,200, which was divided
into one hundred and ninety -two shares, valued at $100 each. The original
locators were John Newman, R. P.Tucker, F. B. Gilmore, J. A. Butler, J. H.
Waterson, J. W. Tucker, William H. James, James Left'erts, W. J. Church,
G. W. Morris, A. H. Butts, S. A. Moms, G. W. Amesbury, C. B. Sharp, Jacob
Ellsbury, C. H. Holmes and E. Bouhofsky. January 13, 1868, the capital
stock was increased to $955,000. At present, John Lawley and parties in
Napa City own almost the entire stock of the company. The following
particulars concerning the Phcenix Mine wei'e furnished for the " Sketch
Book " by George Fellows, Esq., who was at that time superintendent of the
mine. His communication was dated December, 1872, and is as follows :
" The Phcenix Mine is situated on the side of a steep mountain, sloping
to the north-east. It is twelve hundred feet in breadth, and includes the
main portion of a well-defined mineral belt, commencing at an altitude of
four hundred feet above the valley, and extending back four thousand
feet to the top of the mountain. The ore is in true fissure veins, running
diagonally through the belt, and crossing the mountain in a south-east and
north-west direction.
" The first discovery of cinnabar was made in September, 1861, by John
Newman. A company was organized soon after, and some prospecting
done, when a considerable quantity of ore was found scattered over the
surface of the ground at the extreme lower end of the claim, having
apparently broken off and rolled down from the numerous ledges above.
"Some time in the winter of 1862 the mine was leased to James Ham-
ilton, who worked it for about one year, but failed to make it pay (as
tradition has it), through bad management and inexperience in mining.
After the Hamilton Company suspended operations there was no more
11
162 History of Napa and Lake Comities — Napa.
work done at the mines for three years, and most of the owners disposed
of their interests at a low price. In the summer of 1867 work was again
resumed, and in the spring of 1868 a new bench of retorts was put up,
the work being carried on under the management of Daniel Patten, but
again without meeting with financial success, and during the succeeding
winter work was wholly suspended. In the spring of 1870, having been
appointed superintendent of the mine, I commenced work on the 12th of
April with six men. In the May following three of the old retorts were
fixed up and we began the reduction of ore, working altogether in
the mine and on the retorts only sixteen men during April, May and June,
and producing sufficient quicksilver (sold at the market price) to put
$10,000 in the treasury of the company over all expenses.
" In August a new bench of six retorts was put up, together with a
crushing mill for breaking the ore, and a circular saw for cutting the wood.
A steam boiler was put up at the mouth of the tunnel, a steam pump put
into the mine, and a steam engine attached to the boiler on the outside for
driving the crushing mill at the retorts. Commenced reducing ore again
the first of September; run until January, 1871, and closed down for the
winter, having produced during the season nine hundred and sixty flasks or
seventy-three thousand four hundred and forty pounds of quicksilver,
which amounted to $50,673.
" Continued to work eight men in the mine during the winter, and
commenced reducing ore again the first of April, 1871, and run until the
last of October, when we stopped and commenced building furnace.
Worked twenty-five men during the summer, and produced seven hundred
and sixty-four flasks of quicksilver, or fifty-eight thousand four hundred
and forty-six pounds, which amounted to $40,326. Commenced erecting
furnace October, 1871, and completed it January, 1872, but did not get it
to working right until the first of July. Have kept forty men employed
this summer (1872), and have produced up to the present time, October 1st,
six hundred and seventy flasks, or fifty-one thousand two hundred and
fifty-five pounds. We are now working sixty flasks a week. Since April,
1870, there has been a double shaft put down one hundred and fifty feet,
and two thousand two hundred feet of tunneling done, besides taking out
the ore that has supplied the reduction works. The richest ore worked
this season has been taken from the lower level, and there is now a sufficient
quantity cut to keep the furnace running for two years.
" The improvements consist of one furnace of the Knox & Osborn
patent, capable of reducing six hundred tons of ore a month, costing with
fixtures some $30,000; * * * * one twenty-five horse-power boiler set in
stone masonry, with a Blake pump for feeding ; one twelve horse-power
hoisting engine at the top of the shaft at main tunnel ; one No. 8 steam-
Mines and Mining. 163
pump at shaft, capable of throwing thirty thousand gallons of water in an
hour ; also No. 6 steam-pump in shop to use in sinking air shaft ; one
twelve horse-power engine, set in brick masonry, for driving blower and
soot fan at the furnace. There are some thirty buildings which give the
place the appearance of quite a town."
The mine was worked until 187S with good success, when the price of
quicksilver got so low that it was decided to suspend work for awhile.
There is said to be a fine body of ore there yet, and it is considered to
be a very valuable piece of property. The machinery is now rusting and
the buildings going to rack, and altogether the place presents a very dilapi-
dated appearance. Unfortunately we have no means of knowing the total
yield of the mine, but know that it continued as good as it began.
Redington Quicksilver Mine. — This was originally known as the X. L.
C. R. Mining Company, and is located in Sulphur Canon, north of Berryessa
Valley. The certificate of incorporation was filed December 16, 1861, and
the capital stock amounted to $420,000, divided in four hundred and twenty
shares of $1000 each. The original trustees were George N. Cornwell, R.
T. Montgomery and George E. Goodman. The locators of the mine were
George N. Cornwell, R. T. Montgomery, A. Y. Easterby, James Lefferts, P.
Hunsinger, John B. Phippin, Seth Dunham, Isaac Day, W. H. H. Holderman,
Francis A. Sage, W. W. Stillwagon, George E. Goodman, M. G. Ritchie, L.
D. Jones and J. S. Stark. This company leased their mine in 1862 to
Messrs. Knox & Osborn, the inventors of the well and favorably known
furnace which beai-s their name. These gentlemen worked the mine for a
year or two, and found it to be one of the richest on the Pacific Coast,
second only to the New Almaden. Most of the stock had been bought up
in the meantime by Messrs. Redington & Co., of San Francisco, who still
remain the principal owners. George N. Cornwell of Napa City, however,
still retains a large interest in the mine. Of the discovery of this mine
Robert T. Montgomery gives the following account in the " Sketch Book :"
" The writer, having been one of the original locators, is familiar with
the circumstance [of its discovery]. In 1860 a company of twelve was
formed in Napa City for the purpose of prospecting for mines and minerals,
and two old pioneer prospectors, Seth Dunham and L. D. Jones, were sent
out to examine Napa and adjacent counties. What might be found was a
matter of doubt, but the company informally organized concluded to pay a
small assessment of $250 per month each, in order to find out what might
be the resources of the land. The prospectors were wont to bring in, about
once a month, the results of their labors. The prevalent idea- then was that
silver abounded in the mountains of the county, and accordingly all eyes
were directed to the discovery of the ores of that metal, The company
164 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
individually, and the prospectors as well, were well-nigh equally ignorant of
mineralogy, and the ' specimens ' brought in ranged from iron pyrites to
bituminous shale, all of which were supposed to contain silver. Every
newspaper office and hotel bar were replete with these samples of the wealth
and value of the mineral resources of the county, all of which, economically
considered, were only inferior specimens of macadamizing stone — glistening,
but valueless.
" At last Messrs. Jones and Dunham, in their perambulations among the
hills, struck a new road, then recently built between Berryessa Valley and
Lower Lake, and, on ascending a hill at the head of Sulphur Canon, just
above the Elk Horn Ranch, where the soil and rock had been removed to
permit the passage of teams, discovered, on the upper side of the road, at
the turning point, that the rocky point, partly removed by the road-makers,
was of a peculiar color and texture. Fragments broken off were very heavy
and of a liver color. They were brought to town, and by the experts of those
times pronounced cinnabar. And such they proved. The first discovery
led to the rich mine of which it was but the indication. The ignorant
workmen who had constructed the road had rolled down into the canon
below many tons of cinnabar, which would have yielded from fifty to sixty
per cent, of metal."
Mr. C. A. Livermore, the superintendent of the mine, has kindly fur-
nished us with the following resume of the history and workings of the
mine:
" The Redington Quicksilver Mine is located in the north-eastern portion
of Napa County, about eighteen miles from Clear Lake. The mine was
discovered some twenty years ago, and has been worked more or less suc-
cessfully ever since. Some three hundred men, with their families, forming
quite a little town known as Knoxville, owned by the company, are usually
clustered around this mine, thus making, with the farmers around, a com-
munity of some five hundred people. Owing to the present low prices of
quicksilver, the number of men employed now, and during the past year, is
very small, being a total of about fifty, all of which are white men, there
never having been a Chinaman employed about the premises by the present
superintendent. The policy of the company is, at present, to employ barely
enough men to pay the expense of keeping up the mine, without exhaust-
ing the ore bodies at so trifling a profit as can be realized at the present
ruling prices of quicksilver. Should the price advance, the number of men
would, of course, be augmented, and the former large production of the
mine would soon again be attained. The product of this mine for the past
twelve years is as follow* :
Mines and Mining. 165
Year. Flaska. Pounds.
1869 4,683 358,244
1870 4,619 353,353
1871 2,055 157,077
1872 3,206 245,259
1873 3,369 257,728
1874 7,200 550,800
1875 8,080 618,120
1876 8,702 665,703
1877 9,447 723,695
1878 6,812 521,118
1879 4,516 345,474
1880 2,114 161,739
Total 61,808 4,958,315
" This mine is worked both by shafts and tunnels, and is what is known
as a contact vein, having a hanging-wall of sandstone, and a foot-wall of
serpentine. The course of the vein is south-east and north-west, with a dip
to the eastward of about forty-five degrees. The mine has been opened to
a depth of six hundred feet, but the ore body has not been worked to any
great extent below the 500-foot level. The working of the mine has de-
veloped ore bodies over a thousand feet in length, the ledge being in many
places over two hundred feet in width, with seams of ore of more or less
richness and magnitude all through the whole.
" The first operations of the mine were with retorts. Afterwards two
large Idria furnaces were put up, and these were followed by four Knox &
Osborn furnaces, and finally two Livermore fine-ore furnaces were erected,
and the two Idria furnaces were converted into Livermore fine-ore furnaces.
There are in all eight furnaces on the premises, but at present only two are
in use — the Livermore fine-ore. The machinery of the mine consists of a
hoisting engine, with link motion, and a 12x24-inch cylinder. The cable is
a flat wire one with six strands, and has a breaking sti-ain of ten tons. The
cage is supplied with safety hooks, and all modern improvements are applied
to the shaft. There is a pumping engine with a 12x24-inch cylinder, driving
an eight-inch pump, which raises water from the 600-foot level with three
lifts. There is an engine which drives the crusher, as all the ores at this
mine are now crushed so as to pass through the fine-ore furnaces. This is
found to be the cheapest method of handling and reducing the ore. There
is a blower at the shaft for the purposes of ventilation, but the mine has since
been made self -ventilating. The Knox & Osborn furnaces are furnished
with an engine to drive exhaust fans to create the necessary draft, the fine-
ore furnaces running with a natural draft.
166 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
" The mine is well timbered, and the method of conducting all the oper-
ations connected with it are systematic. In the shaft the following levels
have been established : At forty-seven feet, ninety feet, one hundred and
fifty feet, two hundred and ten feet, two hundred and seventy feet, three
hundred and thirty feet, four hundred feet, five hundred feet, and six hun-
dred feet. A tunnel extends to the eastward of the shaft to the distance
of six hundred feet on ore of these levels, while on another level a tunnel
extends to the westward a like distance. From these main tunnels drifts
and cross-cuts have been driven into the ore-body in various directions, and
in almost countless numbers. Stubs have been carried up through the ore-
body from one level to another, through which a winze and chute have been
kept open, the former for the purpose of ingress and egress and ventilation,
and the latter is used to conduct the ore to the level below, whence it is
taken to the shaft in cars.
" At the shaft it is placed in the cage and hoisted to the surface. There
the ore is dumped into the crusher, and thence it is taken to the furnaces, a
distance of perhaps three hundred yards, in horse cars. Here the method
of reduction is simple and perfect, and the quicksilver, as it runs from the
condensers, is conveyed to iron kettles. It is then bottled in iron flasks,
each containing seventy-six and a half pounds, which are properly labeled,
and then sent to San Francisco, there to be distributed through the markets,
to the various countries of the world where it is used.
" The town of Knoxville is the property of the company, and they also
own some four or five thousand acres of pasture and woodland adjoining
the mine. They have large bands of cattle and supply the table for their
employees. There is also a store at which the employees and the adjacent
country is supplied with merchandise. In the town of Knoxville there is
a Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office, a post-office, a public hotel, a school -house and
a church. It is located about fifty miles from Napa City, whither all freight
from the mine is drawn by heavy teams.
" This property has brought into the county of Napa a large amount of
money, and has paid a large percentage of the taxes. At present, the
business is under a cloud, owing to the low price of quicksilver, but the
owners of the mine expect that the price will soon advance to a remunera-
tive figure, when it is their intention to work the mine to its fullest ca-
pacity.
" Mr. G. N. Cornwell of Napa City, and Mr. John H. Redington of San
Francisco, are the chief owners. The officers of the company are at present
as follows : President, Jno. H. Redington ; Treasurer, H. P. Livermore ;
Superintendent, C. A. Livermore ; Secretary, in San Francisco, Geo. Red-
ington ; Bookkeeper, at mine, A. McWilliam. The office of the company
in San Francisco is at 531 Market street."
Mines and Mining. 167
The product of this mine has brought as high as one dollar and sixty-
five cents per pound, but the ruling prices range from thirty to fifty
cents at the present time; hence, it can be easily seen that quicksilver
mining does not pay as it did in days of old. Quicksilver volatalizes at
700 degrees Fahrenheit, and hence, it is neCessary to raise the temperature
of the furnace up to that degree to effect a separation of the metal from
the slag. There are several kinds of furnaces in use in the reduction of
cinnabar, but the principal ones are the Knox & Osbom, Livermore, Litch-
field, and Idria. For a description of the Knox & Osbom furnace, the reader is
referred to the history of the Sulphur Bank Mine, in Lake County, and for a
description of the Litchfield, see history of the Great Western Mine, also in
Lake County.
Mr. Livermore claims for his furnace many advantages over all others,
while others claim that it has its weak points. It certainly has two merits :
simplicity and cheapness. It consists only of a series of trenches placed
at an angle of about forty-five degrees, in which there are riffles placed to
retard in a measure the motion of the ore as it passes downward. There is
a channel just above the ore which gives ample draft, so that there is no
need of a blower or exhaust fan. The fire passes with the draft over the
face of the ore in the channels, and thus nearly the entire body is equally
heated all the time, and the movement of the ore is gradual and continual.
It is not necessary to superheat the ore next to the fire to get the portions
further away from the fire heated enough. The cost of these furnaces are
about one-half of the amount which it requires to construct others, and the
capacity is unlimited, as firing places may be opened in front of the furnace.
The fumes pass into a large brick receiver, and from that into a series of
iron chambers, about four by six feet in size, so constructed as to form
square elbows, on which a stream of water plays continually. Here the
quicksilver is condensed, and the soot is precipitated. Finally, the residue of
fumes pass off through long flumes and find egress from a tall chimney.
Much more might be written concerning the minute details of this furnace,
but sufficient has been said to give the reader a general idea of its plan
and work.
The Washington Mine. — This mine is located in Pope Valley and
adjoining the Phoenix Mine. The certificate of incorporation was filed
December 2, 1862, with the following as original trustees: C.B.Sharp,
D. D. Wickliff R. F. Miles, J. M. Hamilton and W. W. Stillwagon. The
locators of the mine were J. M. Hamilton W. W. Stillwagon, Wm. Brigham,
D. D. Wickliff, C. 0. Billings, R. F. Miles, Jacob Elsbury and Joseph Clayes.
The capital stock was originally $50,000, but it was subsequently increased
to $500,000 with fifty thousand shares held at $10 each. The stock was sub-
168 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
sequently mostly owned by Napa parties, Dr. W. W. Stillwagon holding a
controlling interest. The mine was prospected to some extent in 1865-6,
but nothing of importance was found. In 1870-1 Messrs. Stillwagon and
Patten leased it and erected reduction works, and the surface ore was found
rich enough to yield $1000 per month with the labor of six men. Of this
mine the " Sketch Book " says :
" A recent discovery has been made of a mass or ledge of good ore (some
of which is of the highest grade) which extends nearly horizontally into
the hill a distance of two hundred feet and of unknown depth. It is suffi-
cient, even as far as already developed, to supply a 10-ton furnace for two
years. This ledge will yield probably five per cent, of quicksilver on an
average, although some portions will yield as high as sixty per cent. Work
on this ledge is still in progress and no signs of it giving out are yet seen.
On the contrary the ore improves with every foot of progress. It seems now
beyond question that the Washington will prove highly valuable property.
The company have a United States patent for their mine and for one hun-
dred and sixty acres adjoining, making altogether two hundred and seventy-
four acres."
When the crash in the prices of quicksilver came this mine met the fate
of all the other smaller ones, and suspended operations. The place has
been so long deserted now that it looks in a very dilapidated condition.
TJie Valley Mine. — This mine was located in Pope Valley, and where
the now celebrated iEtna Springs are. The certificate of incorporation
was filed May 16, 1867. The capital stock was put at $30,000, and
the shares were held at $50 each. The original trustees were John
Newman, Ezra Carpenter, R. T. Montgomery, H. F. Swarts, Joseph L.
Duchay, and Jesse Barnett. The capital stock was increased April 21,
1871, to $300,000, held in sixty thousand shares, at $5.00 per share. Soon
after its organization it was leased to Col. J. W. Colt, and he erected
reduction works of his own invention. These, however, proved a complete
failure, and his lease was abandoned, the mine reverting to its original
owners. Extensive works were afterward erected, and the mine at one
time yielded as high as fifty flasks a month, but eventually the whole
matter was given up, and but few vestiges now remain to show where the
Valley Mine was located.
The Summit Mine. — This mine was originally located by the Whitton
family, of Yountville, and patiently prospected by them for years. It was
situated three miles from Rutherford, upon the very summit of the Mayaca-
mas range of mountains dividing Sonoma and Napa Counties. The
reduction works were situated a mile to the eastward. About 1872, J.
Mines and Mining. 169
Pershbaker purchased the property, paying therefor $35,000. The claim
was very extensive, and there were attached to it one hundred and sixty
acres of timber land. The surface ore was found on the west side of the
mountain for a distance of over one thousand feet. A great amount of tun-
neling, drifting, and cross-cutting was done, the mine being worked upon
two levels. There was a railroad track along the main tunnel, and winzes
from the upper to the lower level. Of this mine the " Sketch Book " says :
" Work upon this mine upon a large scale was commenced in August
last (1872). The former proprietors, Messrs. Whitton Bros., up to that
time transported the ore upon the backs of mules to their furnace, which
was a small affair of one and a half tons capacity, and situated upon the
site of the present reduction works. The profits of the mine worked
even upon that scale, were very great, considering the capital invested.
After the purchase by Mr. Pershbaker, a fine mountain road was con-
structed from the mine to the reduction works, which were greatly enlarged.
The capacity of the present furnace is twenty -four tons per day. New
buildings have been erected, very complete and convenient for ore sheds,
boarding houses and other purposes. The furnace is of a new and improved
construction, and can be fed and discharged hourly, thus capable of being
kept in constant motion. The chimney is some eighty yards from the
furnace."
The Oahville Quicksilver Mine. — This mine is located on the west
side. of Napa Valley, above Oakville. The certificate of incorporation
was filed January 22, 1868, and the capital stock was put at $300,000,
held in three thousand shares at $100 each. The original trustees
were E. N. Boynton, S. Hutchinson, and O. P. Southwell. The
locators of the mine were W. W. Stillwagon, E. N. Boynton, S.
Hutchinson and O. P. Southwell. In the course of a few years
the original stockholders disposed of their interest in the mine for
the sum of $30,000, to San Francisco parties. The new company began
at once to work in a vigorous manner, making extensive explorations
and erecting works on quite an extensive scale. The first furnace erected
had a capacity of ten tons per twenty-four hours, and the yield was
from seventy-five to one hundred flasks per month. In December, 1872, a
furnace of fifteen tons capacity was completed, making the reducing capacity
of the works equal to twenty -five tons of ore per day. The ore was found
in quite large quantities on the surface, and consisted of rich carmine-col-
ored cinnabar, mixed with clay. This was made into rude adobes or sun-
dried brick, and then passed through the furnace, the yield of this ore being
about one per cent. This San Francisco company disposed of their property
in 1873, to the Napa Mining Company, but, in company with the majority
170 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
of the mines in the county, it was suspended some years since ; its ma-
chinery is rusting out, its works going to decay, and the mine caving in.
The Manhattan Mine. — This mine is located two miles north of the
Redington, and is on the same lode. It is the property of Messrs. Knox &
Osborn, and they opened it in the fall of 1869. There is one Knox & Os-
born furnace at the mine. There is a shaft two hundred feet deep, but the
most of the work has been done in tunnels, of which there is upwards of
two thousand feet. They suspended work in 1877, and have not since re-
sumed. There is said to be a very fine body of ore here.
Napa Consolidated Quicksilver Mine. — This mine is commonly known
as the Oat Hill, and is situated at the head of Pope Canon, and about three
miles north of JEtna, Springs and two miles north of the Phcenix and Wash-
ington mines. It is, however, in no wise connected with either of these
mines, the lead of both of these ending at the summit of the range on the
south side of the canon, over a mile from the Oat Hill. In February, 1872,
a party of four men, W. P. Cook, Geo. Porter, Henry D. Vivian and Ed.
Welch, all working at the time for the Phoenix Mine, were out hunting on
the ridge back of the present site of the mine. A flock of grouse flew up in
front of Mr. Cook and whirred away down a canon just north of the present
shaft about one hundred yards. He followed them, and being a miner and
on the qui vive for " prospects," discovered some sandstone with a reddish-
brown substance in it. The color of the metal was all right, but to find it
in sandstone was what excited his distrust as to its being cinnabar. He put
a few " chunks " of the rock in his pocket, took it home, and after due tests
decided that it was cinnabar. He then took into his confidence the parties
who were with him on the hunting expedition and proceeded to prospect
the country for the ledge whence had come the fragments found on the hill-
side. They soon found where they thought it should be, and began to run
a tunnel, going on with it at odd times until it was thirty -two feet in length.
They did not come to the ledge as they had expected and they became dis-
satisfied and began casting about for a purchaser of their claim. Then came
Joseph, Elias and David Roberts and M. V. Owens, who purchased it for a
trifling sum compared with the untold wealth which lay hidden beneath the
surface. This new company prospected for about a year and a half, but did
no real work in the way of developing the mine. They then sold out their
claim to J. E. English, J. B. McGee and A. Hawkins & Co., which transac-
tion occurred in the fall of 1876. These parties remained proprietors until
January 1, 1881, when a Boston company purchased it.
This mine is in many respects quite an anomaly. First, the cinnabar is
freqently found incorporated in the coarse sandstone which forms all the
Mines and Mining. 171
rock in the vicinity, and which belongs to the Tertiary geological period.
The ledge, however, is a decomposed serpentine formation, and is called by
the miners, for convenience, talc. It is very soft, and is, in fact, nearer a
clay than anything else. Whence it came is a great query. It seems that
these beds of sandstone, which are very deep here, were rifted by some vol-
canic forces in the ages long agone, and that the seams have filled up with
this talcose substance, in which the mineral seemed to be incorporated.
Whence it came no one knows, for, like all precious metals, its source is a
mystery. Pressure, or the natural volatility of the metal, may account for
the incorporation of it with the sandstone walls of the crevice or dike.
What the miners call " horses " are often found in this mine. A " horse " is
a body of barren substance found in the trend of the vein, and it may be
either a portion of the vein rock, or of any other foreign rock. It is usually,
however, a portion of the side-walls which extends across the lead. There
is no telling how deep this crevice extends into the earth, and it is fair to
presume that it reaches the bottom of the sandstone formation, and as that
can be traced to the bottom of the canon to the south of the mine, which
is at a much greater depth than the present shaft, it may be supposed that
they are not near the bottom yet.
Another peculiarity of the mine is the fact that when the ore is
being reduced in the furnace, great quantities of ammonia are evolved.
This is something that is not to be found at any other quicksilver
mine in Napa or Lake Counties. Generally, there is a rank odor of sul-
phur, almost unbearable, but here it is different. But little sulphur fumes
are generated — so little, in fact, that they are not noticed at all, while the
ammoniacal fumes are virulent, and an operator is not able to endure them
but a short time. The question, whence comes this ammonia ? is often
asked, but is not so easily answered. We have examined into the subject
to some extent, and give the following as our solution of it : Sal-ammoniac
is a volcanic product, and is found in all sections where there has been
volcanic action in greater or less amounts. This is in close proximity to St.
Helena, which has evidently been, in days long since gone by, an active
volcano, and this sal-ammoniac doubtless came to the surface through that
channel. It was then washed down the mountain sides, and leeched out of
the lava, and eventually found its way in large quantities into these dikes
where the quicksilver is now found. It must be borne in mind that sal-
ammoniac is a salt and not volatile, as we usually see ammonia on the
druggists' shelves. These salts are passed along with the ores and undergo
all the processes, the same as the quicksilver, being driven off by the heat
of the furnace and precipitated in the condensers. When the soot is drawn
from the condensing chamber, quicklime is applied to it to liberate the
globules of metal, and behold, that is the very substance that is used to
172 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
liberate volatile ammonia from the sal-ammoniac salts, and as a resultant we
find that the air is laden with the fumes of ammonia. There is no doubt
but this is the true source of the ammonia found in this soot. The fumes
of ammonia are readily driven off by heat, and their presence is dis-
covered about the furnaces as well as at the soot-pan ; but quicklime is a
better re-agent than heat, hence they are the rankest during the process of
treating the soot.
There are two distinct mines here so closely connected that they may,
for all practical purposes of working, be considered as one. They are
known as the " Manzanita," and the " Mercury." One shaft reaches them
both, going out on different levels. The dip of both is the same, being
about thirty-five or forty degrees to the north-east. There is a tunnel
which taps the ore-body at about the 90-foot level, which opens on the side
of the hill ; and in the shaft there are three levels : the 200-foot, 400-foot,
and the 500-foot. The next level will be 650-foot. From the 400-foot level
there is a tunnel or drift of seven hundred feet. Leading from the shaft
are main tunnels, which are very large and roomy. The mine is kept well
timbered, and only one man has been killed in the mine, and that was from
his own carelessness. The ventilation of the mine is excellent, and the
temperature never gets excessively warm, and is often below what it is at
the surface in the summer season. The 200-foot level is warmer than the
500-foot. There is so little water in the mine that no pump is necessary at
all. Railroad tracks are laid in the main tunnels, and stoops are carried up
through the ore body from one level to another, and winzes and chutes are
carried up with them the same as in other mines. To a stranger, the spec-
tacle presented in the deep recesses of a mine is wierd. The dim and flick-
ering light of the miner's candle throws an indistinct glimmer upon every-
thing ; and the hollow ringing sounds caused by the miner's pick as it
cleaves the rocks sounds like the echoes from another world in regions far
more subterranean than where we are. Clambering . over debris along the
stoops, or up the long and narrow winzes, and gliding through the low pas-
sages in a stooping position, makes one feel that truly it is a precarious
place to be in ; but the miners say not, and that they would not exchange
their work underground for any vocation on the surface. To us the novelty
was pleasant, and we enjoyed the prowling around in the very bowels of
the earth.
The furnace is some distance from the shaft, and the ore is taken thence
in horse -cars. It being of the soft and friable nature which we have de-
scribed, it cannot be burned as ordinary ore is, but has to be passed through
a mill similar to that used in grinding clay for brick-making purposes.
Adobe or sun-dried brick are then formed, and these are passed into the
furnace. There is only one furnace at this mine, but it is an excellent one,
Mines and Mining. 173
being a " Stack," a combination of the Knox k Osborn and the Green, and
having the good qualities of both incorporated in it. Its capacity is twenty-
four to twenty-eight tons a day, and the slag is drawn every one and a half
hours. The yield of metal at this mine for 1879 was 1.98 per cent., and
for 1880 it was 2.01 per cent. The yield of the mine since 1876 has been
kindly furnished us by Mr. M. G. Rhodes, the superintendent, and is as
follows:
Year. Flasks. Pounds.
1876 963 73,669
1877 1,348 103,122
1878 2,872 219,788
1879 3,784 289,476
1880 3,837 293,530
1881 (first seven months) \ . . 3,248 248,472
Total 16,052 1,227,978
About fifty men are employed, and the average weekly product is one
hundred and fifteen flasks. Mr. Rhodes has tried an experiment, in putting
glass sides to a couple of his condensers, and he finds that it works well.
The condensers of the large chamber pattern comprise three made of brick
and two of glass, to which is added two small iron ones. The workings of
the condensers are as perfect as it is possible, and close experiments reveal
the fact that only a trace of mercury escape through the chimney.
Hitherto the freighting has been done via Middletown to Calistoga, but
the Company is now constructing a road from the mine to the Mountain
Mill House at the north-eastern base of St. Helena Mountain, lessening the
distance many miles.
Mr. M. G. Rhodes is the superintendent and is a very proficient man.
The underground affairs are in charge of Mr. W. P. Cook, the gentleman
who first discovered the mine. It is ever thus — locators seldom reap the
harvest which the mines they have discovered yields, but others get the
golden benefit of their " finds."
The Ivanhoe Mine. — This mine is located about one mile north-east of
the Phoenix Mine, but over the ridge from it and hence not in the same
lead. It is in the same kind of formation as the Oat Hill, viz.: sandstone,
and in the same body of it, although on the opposite side of the canon. It
has been but recently opened and work in the way of further opening is
being now pushed ahead. Mr. M. G. Rhodes, superintendent of the Oat
Hill, and some San Francisco parties are the owners.
174 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Other Quicksilver Mines. — There have been from time to time several
other companies formed for the prosecution of quicksilver mining, hut none
of them have been very successful. Of these we find the following on
record :
Hamilton Quicksilver Mine. — Mention has already been made of the
fact that J. M. Hamilton leased the Phcenix Mine in 1862. This company
was formed to work that mine under that lease, and the certificate of incor-
poration was filed June 30th of that year. The capital stock was $28S,000
held in one hundred and forty-four shares of §200 each. The original
Trustees were J. M. Hamilton, I. N. Larimer, T. B. McClure, H. H. Coster
and W. P. Hammond. These names also comprise the locators of the mine.
Insufficient works and a lack of experience brought the affairs of this
Company to a termination within a year after its organization.
New Burlington Quicksilver Mine. — This mine was located near Oak-
ville, and the certificate of incorporation was filed May 17, 1871. The
capital stock was $300,000, held in three thousand shares of $100 each.
The original trustees were David Dank, Win. Baldridge, Wm. A. Lewis,
Henry H. Harris and John Stecker. The locators were John Philpot, H.
H. Harris, John White, Wm. A. Lewis, Wm. Baldridge, B. F. White, David
Dank and John Stecker. No work was ever done on this mine to amount
to anything.
The Red Hill Quicksilver Mine. — This mine was located in Pope
Valley, and the certificate of incorporation was filed March 2, 1871. The
capital stock was $480,000, held in four thousand eight hundred shares at
$100 each. The original trustees were W. W. Stillwagon, A. Y. Esterby,
Daniel Patten, J. H. Howland and R. Burnell. The same parties were also
locators. Nothing was ever done at this mine.
The Silver Bow Mine. — The claim of this company was also located
in Pope Valley. The certificate of incorporation was filed October 2,
1871. The capital stock was $180,000, held in one thousand eight hun-
dred shares of $100 each. The original trustees were J. H. Kester, P. Van
Bever, A. W. Norton, Joseph N. Reynolds and C. E. Comstock. The locators
were Jesse Barnett, Henry Mygatt, J. N. Reynolds, J. Israelsky, P. E. Perl,
A. W. Norton, P. Van Bever, D. B. Parks, J. H. Kester and C. E. Comstock.
A considerable work was done on this mine, and its ores were reduced at one
time at the works of the Valley Mine. It is all a thing of the past now,
however.
Mines and Mining. 175
The Overland Quicksilver Mine. — The location of this mine was in
the Summit Mining District, and adjacent to the Summit Mine, and
probably on the same lead. The certificate of incorporation was filed Octo-
ber 6, 1871. The capital stock was $300,000, held in three thousand shares
of $100 each. The original trustees were George N. Cornwell, E. J. Smith,
E. N. Boynton, and the locators were E. N. Boynton, W. W. Pendegast,
John T. Smith and H. H. Clark. No work to amount to anything was ever
done on this mine.
The Mutual Quicksilver Mine. — The location of this mine was in
the Napa Mining District and adjoining the Oakville Mine. The certifi-
cate of incorporation was filed March 1, 1872, with a capital stock of
$300,000, held in three thousand shares of $100 each. The original
trustees were R. H. Sterling, T. H. Thompson, Henry Fowler, W. W.
Thompson, and J. F. Lambdin. The locators were R. H. Sterling, Henry
Fowler, W. C. Watson, W. W. Thompson, and J. F. Lambdin.
Mammoth Mining Company. — The certificate of incorporation of this
company was filed September 22, 1871, with the following original trustees:
John Lawley, John Pershbaker, T. P. Stoney, M. B. Pond, and Sylvester E.
Smith. The capital stock was put at $4,000,000, held in forty thousand
shares at $100 each. The object set forth in the certificate of this company
is to own, occupy, and work mines of cinnabar, and to extract quicksilver
and other metals from the ores of said mines, and to carry on the business
of quicksilver mining generally in Napa and Lake Counties.
One cannot help reflecting as he glances over the foregoing pages, how
easy it is to get grand fortunes figured out on paper, and how hard it is to
get them realized. Here we see companies with capital stocks ranging
from a few thousand dollars to the enormous and incomprehensible sum of
four millions, and yet not a dollar of actual value is represented by many
of them. The subject furnishes food for reflection, and having thus called
the reader's attention to it -we will leave it for his cogitation.
Silver Mines. — That there are paying silver mines in Napa County
there can be no doubt, but they need capital to develop them, and just now
capitalists are inclined to be a little shy of mining claims. The amount that
a mine can be sold for is always a matter of more moment than the actual
yield of metal. It is a very safe assertion to say that far more money has
been put into silver mines on the Pacific Coast than has ever been taken out
of them, and then if we include all that has been worse than sunk in stock
speculations, we will have an amount that exceeds their yield perhaps one
hundred per cent. The only silver mine in Napa County that has been
176 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
worked to any extent is the Silverado, which was located in the south-eastern
slope of Mount St. Helena. Work was prosecuted at this place quite exten-
sively in 1874-5. The ledge extended north and south across a spur of the
mountain, and was worked from the surface downwards. The dip of the
ledge was about twenty degrees, and the quartz was very beautiful, being
porous, or full of cavities which were lined with crystals, which sparkled
like diamonds. These crystals were colored frequently with oxide of iron,
and ranged from a dull yellow to a bright carmine. The silver appeared
here in the form of chlorides, and the ore was sometimes quite rich. The
mine was situated just to the left of the toll-road leading over St. Helena,
and was near the toll house. About a mile further down the mountain,
towards Calistoga, a mill was constructed which had eight stamps in it.
The ore was drawn from the mine to the mill with heavy teams. The pro-
cess of gathering the silver here was similar to that practiced at any of the
silver mines, and consisted of large pans, holding several barrels, called
" settlers," into which the crushed and powdered ore passed from the stamp.
In these quicksilver, common salt, etc., were placed, and the whole mass set
to revolving by means of a fan-wheel inside. After being taken up by the
quicksilver, it was roasted, the mercury going over and leaving a residuum
of gold and silver. The mine was abandoned about 1877, and the works
are now fast going to decay.
The Calistoga Quartz Mill. — The people of Calistoga and vicinity have
an abiding faith in the richness of the section about there in mineral wealth,
and from time to time the stillness of the place is ruffled by a breeze of
excitement emanating from some reported good " find." Of these many
claims the Ida Easley seems to be considered the best — at least, it shows
the best prospects. During the fall and winter of 1S80-1 a company was
organized for the purpose of erecting a small custom quartz mill at Calis-
toga, and they proceeded as far as the erection of the building, but since
then nothing has been done, and rumors are rife that nothing further will
be done. As to the relative merits of the various mines, we can state no
estimate, and only time will tell whether or not the fond hopes of the good
people of Calistoga are to be realized. Should paying mines ever be dis-
covered here and successfully worked it would add a new impetus to the
whole business interests of the upper valley, and, indeed, to the whole of
Napa County.
Calistoga Mining District. — The principal mines in this district are
to be found in what is known as Kings Canon. We are sorry indeed that
these mines are not in a more advanced stage of work, for as it is now, for
one to say that there is that or this to be found in these mines in paying
Mines and Mining. 177
quantities is only a matter of conjecture. We have examined ore rock from
various mines in this section, and while there are strong evidences of great
mineral wealth in many of them, yet we do not care to venture the asser-
tion, in a work of this character, that this or that mine is a bonanza, or to
set any approximate figures upon its value or probable yield. We will
name a few of the most prominent of the mines in this district, or at least
such as have been named to us as the most likely to prove successful. Of
course, we understand that every claimant hopes that he has the best pay-
ing thing on the whole ledge, and also that each one thinks he has, hence
we expect some fault to be found with the following :
The Elephant. — This mine is situated on the south side of Kings Canon,
and is the property of Messrs. Getleson, Smith and Brown. When we were
there they had just struck the cap rock of the ledge, hence no definite esti-
mate could be made of the value of the ore. It was sulphuret of silver.
The Hetten. — Owned by Messrs. Gardiner, Smith and Brown, and is
located on the west side of Kings Canon. They have been drifting into
the side of the hill, having gone upwards of forty feet, hoping to strike a
ledge whose outcroppings appear further up the hill.
The Ida Easley. — This mine is the property of Judge Hartwell, of Napa
City, and is located about three miles from the town of Calistoga, on the
west side of Kings Canon. Quite an amount of drifting and tunneling has
been done here, and much ore that assayed veiy well indeed has been gotten
out of it. Indeed, it is considered by all to be one of the best, if not the
best mine in the whole district. Work was suspended here, however, when
the quartz mill at Calistoga was found to be a failure.
There are other mines which deserve mention, but still we must pass
them by, and say, in general terms, that the prospects are good, and there is
good grounds for thinking that the future mining interests of this section
will be something grand and rich.
Coal Mines. — As stated above, there is no probability of there being
any coal measures in Napa County which can be worked to advantage,
although there are here and there outcroppings that look very favorable
indeed. On the strength of these a few coal companies have been formed,
but nothing further than prospecting has been done. A few seams of quite
good coal have been found in Capelle Valley, but they are inconsiderable.
■ Pacific Coal Mining Company. — The certificate of incorporation of
this company was filed May 17, 1871. The objects set forth in their cer-
tificate was " to mine for coal beds or strata." The capital stock, $2,000,000
12
178 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in twenty thousand shares of $100 each. Original corporators and trustees,
E. Huguenin, Henry Mygatt, W. W. Stillwagon, J. H. Kester and W. & S.
Holt.
Napa Goal Company. — The certificate of incorporation was filed by
this company February 1, 1871. The object as set forth in their certificate
was to " purchase and own coal lands in the State of California, and open
coal beds and veins thereon, and remove the coal for the purpose of com-
merce." The capital stock was set at $3,000,000, held in thirty thousand
shares of $100 each. The original trustees and incorporators of this com-
pany were : W. C. S. Smith, George N. Cornwell, W. R. Brown, E. N.
Boyntorj and John Mudgett.
Clark Coal Mining Company. — The certificate of incorporation was
filed by this company March 7, 1871. The object being " to mine coal on
the land owned by George W. Clark in Napa County, and to purchase and
sell coal lands." The capital stock was placed at $2,000,000, held in twenty
thousand shares at $100 per share. The trustees and incorporators were
W. W. Stillwagon, Henry Mygatt, Ralph Ellis, E. Huguenin and Robert
Crouch.
Atlantic Coal Company. — The certificate of incorporation of this com-
pany was filed May 17, 1871. The object being to work coal beds or
shale. The capital stock was $2,000,000, held in twenty thousand shares at
$100 each. The original trustees and incorporators were Henry Mygatt,
John H. Kester, E. Huguenin, W. W. Stillwagon and C. E. Comstock.
There have been other corporations formed for mining in this county,
but as they accomplished nothing, mention of them is omitted here.
The above are inserted to give the reader an idea of the kinds and
extent of mining that has been attempted in times gone by. As to the
future of the mining interests of Napa County, it is hard now to determine
what will be its status, say ten years from now. Should the price of
quicksilver advance to one dollar per pound, which is not improbable,
then would we see the mountains of Napa full of prospectors, and the hum
and whir of machinery would be heard all through them, for there are
many mines in the county which would pay well at that rate. As to sil-
ver, time alone can tell what that will develop into. Let us hope for the
best while the prospecting goes bravely on. As to gold, the indications are
that there is none, and so of coal. There are better fields for capital, to say
the least.
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Viticulture in Napa County. 179
VITICULTURE IN NAPA COUNTY.
From the days that immediately succeeded the flood we have accounts
of vineyards and wine using. In the Book of Genesis ix, 20, we read :
"And Noah began to be a husbandman, and planted a vineyard and drank
of the wine." It is reasonable to suppose that if Noah knew how to manu-
facture wine after the flood, he also knew how to do it before that event
occurred, and so did his fathers before him. To make and drink some kind
of fermented and intoxicating beverage seems to be the common impulse of
humanity, wheresoever dispersed around the globe. No nation was ever yet
so highly civilized that it outgrew that taste, and no tribe is so primitive
but that it has attained it. Almost everything that grows has been brought
into requisition for the manufacture of spirits. Grapes make wine and
brandy ; wheat, barley, rye and maize produce whiskey ; sugar cane, rum ;
apples, cider ; palm trees, atole ; cacti, aguadienta ; barley and hops, beer
and ale ; the leaves and bark of the spruce tree are often brought into
requisition for the same purpose ; and then there is blackberry, raspberry,
elderberry, currant, rhubarb and et id ovine genus kinds of wine. Whether
or not this natural desire for these beverages is one of the taints that came
upon the race through Adam, is not our province here to speculate. In all
things we must deal with mankind as we find it, letting the mooted ques-
tions stand aside for the consideration of others.
It is the abuse of the good things of life that has led the human family
into disaster, and not the use of them. The intemperate use, which is the
vilest of abuse of our greatest blessings, entails the greatest of woes upon
us. Both sacred and profane history is full of references to both the good
and bad results which flow from the use of wine. Babylon, the mighty
city, fell into the hands of the enemy while the king and chief officers were
in a drunken revel. " Wine is a mocker, and whosoever is deceived thereby
is not wise." " Look not upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its
color in the cup ; for at last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an
adder." " Who hath woe ? who hath contentions ? who hath wounds with-
out a cause ? They that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to seek mixed
wine." Such and kindred passages can be found in the Bible ; yet, when
the Divine Master, Jesus, came into the world, his very first miracle was to
make wine at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilea. And Paul, the great
180 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
expounder of Christ's teachings, tells Timothy to take a little wine for his
stomach's sake.
The moral phases which this question of wine-making present, are the
of the greatest importance, and deserve to be considered first of all.
" What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own
soul ?" is a very pertinent question just at this point. Of what avail if the
coffers of the world are emptied into Napa Valley, if the succeeding gen-
erations grow up to be a race of drunkards ? Then comes at once the ques-
tion, " Is there any danger of such being the case ?" To this question we
can give no answer, nor can any one of to-day. Only time can demonstrate
what the ultimate effect will be on the generations yet unborn. For paral-
lels, however, we can go to the wine-producing countries of Europe, where
more than ten generations have passed by since the advent of wine-making
as an industry, and see what the effect has been there. Mr. T. Hart Hyatt,
author of a volume entitled, " Grape Culture," and a man of vast expe-
rience and extended observation, having traveled all over the world almost,
says in the introduction to his able work :
" To the question, ' Does the production and use of wine necessarily tend
to induce or encourage intemperance ? ' we answer most emphatically and
understandingly, No ! In all our experience and observation in the wine
districts of Europe, and among all classes of Europeans where cheap, pure
wines were abundant and the common beverage of the people, we remarked
it then, and have reflected much upon it since, and all these observations
and reflections have left upon our mind the full and clear impression and
belief, that there was far less intemperance among the people of those vine-
growing and wine-making countries than in our own, where all kinds of
foul, poisoned, adulterated stuff, under the name of whiskey, brandy, rum,
gin, etc., is drunk by our people, for the want of a purer, more nourishing
and harmless beverage, like that of the pure juice of the grape, now made
by all honest viniculturalists in our own country. * * * In Spain,
where pure, cheap wines are drunk almost as commonly as water, we do not
recollect to have scarcely ever met with an intoxicated man.
" Pure cheap wines are, in our opinion, better temperance missionaries,
and will do more to expel from our midst the accursed fire-water that has
done so much to demoralize and debase its victims in our land, than can all
the over-zealous crusaders against wine-growing and wine-drinking that are
set forth by our temperance organizations, no doubt from good but mistaken
motives of philanthropy.
" It is contended by some that the taste for -wine produces a taste for
other and stronger kinds of ardent spirits. We do not believe it ; it is
against our own observation and experience. It might as well be said that
the babe should not imbibe the milk from its mother's breast, for fear it
Viticulture in Napa County. 181
would give it a hankering after milk ■punch! For there is quite as much
similarity or affinity between these two beverages as between the pure juice
of the grape that cheers, enlivens, strengthens and makes healthy its re-
cipients, and the vile, drugged, poisoned liquors which make their victims
mad, drunk, and their ' steps to take hold on hell' "
We would state in this connection that the above testimony is corro-
borated by all who have traveled in those countries ; and also another fact
which we have observed in our visits among the citizens of Napa County
who are engaged in the industry of wine-making, namely, the charge of
being a drunkard cannot be laid at the door of one of them. They drink
wine as a beverage in its fullest sense, and it is used in most of their
families, yet not one of them has developed into a confirmed drunkard, nor
do they show any tendencies in that direction. Surely the intelligence,
good sense and due regard for their own and their families' welfare will
keep the citizens of this fair valley from degenerating into drunkards — nor
will their children's children. No fears need to be entertained upon that
score.
In considering the subject of viniculture, it will not be without interest
to our readers to give a cursory glance at the general history and condition
of the industry in the State of California. The first permanent settlers
who came to California from civilized countries were the Jesuit Fathers, or
padres. They came mostly from Spain, a great grape-growing and wine-
making country, and nothing was more natural than for them to bring with
them this favorite fruit, also the source from which came their favorite
beverage, and engraft it into the California soil. Hence the term " Mission,"
as applied to the black common grape found growing in the vineyards of
California when the Americans first came to the country. These old padres
located upon the very cream of the land, selecting the most favored spots,
both as to soil and water for the Missions. Here they planted the grape-
vines they had borne over so many leagues of water and barren waste, and
in a short time the fruit of the vine, both as grapes and wine, became quite
common.
As a matter of interest we will describe the method of grape culture and
wine-making in those primeval days. A choice spot of rich ground was
selected, which could also be easily irrigated, for they had no idea that any-
thing could be produced without the free use of water. The usual method
of plowing of those days were pursued, which was as follows : The imple-
ment called a plow, was as crude as those used by the Egyptians in the days
of Moses, consisting of a forked stick of timber, one prong of which had a
bit of iron fastened to it for a sort of share, while the other prong served as
a beam. To this a yoke of oxen was attached by means of a stick lashed
to their horns. When all was ready the cavalcade moved in the following
182 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
order : An Indian led the van as a guide for the oxen to follow, and also to
be in front of them in case they should undertake to run away. Then came
the oxen, flanked on either side by an Indian, who carried a sharpened stick,
with which they prodded the poor beasts continually, and last of all came
the poor excuse of a plow, guided by another Indian. And so they worked
days and days to accomplish what is now done by a man with a gang plow
in a few hours. But the world moved slowly in those old days.
The glebe being thus upturned, a heavy brush was dragged over it to
serve the purpose of a harrow. The vines were then planted and the
water turned on. They grew rapidly and strongly, and in the course of
about three years began to bear quite thriftily. As in the days of Solomon
so then, they literally trod the wine press. The grapes were put into
troughs made for the purpose, and the Indians then trod upon them with
their bare feet, until the whole mass was a pumace. This was then removed
and placed in cow skins, so suspended that they would retain the greatest
possible amount of it. These were their fermenting tanks, and here the
pumace remained during that process. When this was accomplished a hole
was cut in the skin, and they drew the wine off and put it into casks to
await further processes.
And that is the way they made what they called wine in those days
It was sour, unpalatable and dreggy stuff, yet it answered the purpose, and
was relished by those accustomed to its use from youth to old age. In
these days of advancement, when the soils best adapted to the growth of
the grape is sought out, when the ground is as thoroughly tilled as it is
possible to have it, when the crushing is done by steam power with a
patented machine, when the process of fermentation is conducted in pure,
sweet casks holding hundreds of gallons, when the entire process of wine-
making is conducted in the best light of the age, we who live now look
back upon the primitive wine-makers of our State with feelings almost
akin to pity, thinking how great the opportunity and how meagerly it was
embraced. And again, when we are enjoying a glass of Mr. Krug's sherry,
Mr. Crabb's angelica, Mr. Schram's hock or claret, or in fact the pure,
delicious wines that are produced at any of the cellars in Napa County,
we are constrained to glide our thoughts back to those older days, and to
wonder how men could be induced to imbibe the wretched stuff then called
wine. And above all, the thought of wonderment arises, that those old
Spaniards were content to do as their fathers did through all the ages past,
and not seek for improvements in manufacturing their wine.
When the first Americans came to the country they followed much in
the steps of the Spaniards in regard to wine-making. It was something
entirely new to them, and they had no information on the subject at all.
Rich lands were sought in which to plant the vines, and much water was
Viticulture in Napa County. 183
applied to make them grow. The Mission variety, with its large seeds and
but little juice or pulp, was still in vogue. Finally, in 1856, a new era in
wine-making in California began to dawn. All the old settlers will
remember Col. Agoston Haraszthy, the founder of the Buena Vista vine-
yard in Sonoma County. He was a Hungarian noble, of court lineage, who
was expatriated for taking a prominent part in a political crisis in his
native land. After residing in Wisconsin for a while, he came to California
in 1849, and to Sonoma County in 1856, and from that time on he devoted
his entire attention to the advancement of the wine and vine interests of
his adopted State. Up to that time there were no foreign vines in Cali-
fornia. He founded a horticultural society, and began the importation of
foreign varieties at once. He believed that vines would thrive without
irrigation, and carried out his faith by planting a large vineyard. He
thus at once put himself at the head of the wine industry in California,
and may with propriety be denominated the father of Viniculture in this
State.
It will probably always remain a mooted question as to who brought
the first foreign varieties of vines into California. It is known that a Mr.
Stock, of San Jose-, had several varieties growing on his place as early as
1858 or 1859, which he had received from his father, who resided in
Germany. In 1861 Dr. Crane of St. Helena purchased cuttings from the
Stock vineyard at the rate of forty dollars per thousand. There was one
variety which had no label, and Mr. Stock sold the cuttings at half price,
and they proved to be the now celebrated Riesling, and these cuttings were
the first of that variety ever planted in Napa.
In 1861 Col. Haraszthy was appointed by the Governor of the State as
a Commissioner, to visit the wine-growing countries of Europe, in the
interests of that industiy of California. The result of this visit to the
old countries, was the importation of some three hundred different varieties
of vines, many of which are yet great favorites with the vineyardists of the
State, and from which are made the most valuable wines now produced.
Upon the return of Col. Haraszthy from Europe, in 1862, he was chosen
President of the State Agricultural Society. In 1863 he organized the
Buena Vista Vinicultural Society, to which he conveyed his four hundred
acres of land in Sonoma.
About this time, he wrote a treatise on the culture of the vine and the
manufacture of wine, which was published by the State for gratuitous
distribution. This publication, thus generally circulated, called the attention
not only of the citizens of the State, but the people of the World to Cali-
fornia, as a wine producing country, and gave to that interest its first
impulse. He had now given the matter a thorough test, and had proved
beyond a doubt that wine making could and would be made a success, and
184 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
held demonstrated that he knew more than any other citizen of the county
about the subject, and took more interest in it than anyone.
In 18C8 he went to Nicaragua, where he engaged in other pursuits. July
6, 18G9, he mysterio\isly disappeared, and was never heard from since. On
that day he left his house to go to a saw mill he was having erected. His
foot-steps were traced to the river, which it is supposed he attempted to
cross, but falling into the water was devoured by an alligator.
But to return to the matter in hand : In the winter of 1858, Col-
Haraszthy planted about eighty thousand vines in a high tract of land east
of the town of Sonoma, since known as the Buena Vista Vineyard, and the
growth and progress of this venture, was very closely watched by all inter-
ested in viniculture. The experiment succeeded beyond the most sanguine
expectations of all, and was the beginning of a new epoch in the culture of
grapes in California. About this period the securing of a wine finer in
flavor, by means of the introduction of foreign varieties of grapes, began to
be seriously canvassed. Connoisseurs had given their dictum, that the
native wines had not the excellence of the article produced abroad. Stating
that it wTas either too earthy or too fiery, or too sour or too sweet and
insipid. This was doubtless owing in a great measure to the rich quality
of the soil, and the irrigation of the' vine, to which may be added the lack
of experience of the manufacturers, and the crude manner in which it was
made.
In 1S61, Messrs. Haraszthy, Schell and Col. Warren were appointed a
committee, to inquire and report upon the best means of promoting and
improving the growth of the vine in this State. The former visited Europe,
as has been stated above, the latter reported upon the condition of the
interest in California, while Mr. Schell gave a statement of the culture of
the vine in the South American States. It is a noticeable fact, that the
European varieties, introduced by Col. Haraszthy at that time, all held their
peculiar characteristics after being introduced here, losing nothing in any
particular by the process of transplanting.
Having thus given a cursory history of the rise of this great industry in
the State, we will now append some items of interest concerning it, which
we have gleaned from Mr. T. Hart Hyatt's work, " Grape Culture," and
other sources. Among several inducements set forth by Mr. Hyatt for men
to engage in the industry are the following : California has the best soil and
climate in the United States, if not the world, for the growth of the grape.
The grape crop never fails ; at least has not in the past century. The vines
need no irrigation. It is the most sure, profitable, pleasant and healthful
of all rural employments. There is no danger of over-stocking the wine
market. Vines do not, like most fruit trees, deteriorate by age, but grow
better with added years. Raisins as well as wine can be produced from the
choicest varieties of foreign grapes.
Viticulture in Napa County. 185
Some idea of the immense progress of this industry may be had, when it
is stated that in 1866 the estimated wine product of the whole State was
only two million gallons, while last year, 1880, the product of Napa County
alone was, by actual count, two million, eight hundred and thirty thousand,
seven hundred and fifty gallons. The total vines of the State in 1866 were
estimated at forty millions, while those in Napa County at the present time
are about eleven millions. Of the two million gallons made in 1866, per-
haps not one-half found its way to a foreign (Eastern) market, while now
trains go loaded to New York, Boston and elsewhere. France and the Ger-
man wine districts are said to produce one hundred and seventy-five gallons to
the acre, and Italy, under the best circumstances, about four hundred, while
in California it is double that, and not uncommonly reaches one thousand
gallons to the acre. There are twenty million acres of grape land in Cali-
fornia, which, if producing the maximum amount, would yield annually
twenty billion gallons. That this yield will never be reached is doubtless
true, but it will be very great indeed.
It is a very simple process to start a vineyard, and no great amount of
capital is required. The land once purchased the vines may be planted, and
half of the time for the first three years will suffice to care for them, while
the remainder of the time may be spent on the outside earning current ex-
penses. At the end of three years a small return comes in from the vine-
yard, and at the end of six years the man has a property that is yielding
from $100 to $200 per acre, and worth from $350 to $500 per acre.
The influence of climate is very great on the wine crop, and that climate
which is the most even, dryest during the summer season, and especially
free from frost during the summer months, is the most desirable. The
average rainfall of Napa County is not far from twenty-four inches, while
that of Malaga, Spain, is twenty-three inches. The mean temperature of
Sacramento is about 67 degrees, while that of Malaga is about 68 degrees,
Madeira is 65 degrees, and Bordeaux is 57 degrees. It will thus be seen
that the climate of California is very similar to the best wine-producing
sections of the world.
As stated above, the prevailing idea among the padres was that vines
must be planted in rich soil, and the Americans followed in their footsteps ;
but it has since been demonstrated beyond a peradventure that rich soil
does not produce the quality of wine that lighter grades do. True the
vines are thriftier and the clusters larger and the yield of juice more, and
now, when the wines are not graded very closely, it all sells for about the
same price ; hence it is an object to have the best yield possible. But the
time will come when the line of distinction will be carefully drawn between
mountain and valley productions, the preference being in favor of the
former.
186 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
To give the reader, who may have a desire to test the soil of a place he
is about to purchase, an idea of what it should contain to best adapt it to
the growing of grapes, we append the following analysis of the wild grape
vine, made by Prof. Emmons :
Wood. Bark.
Potash 20.84 1 .77
Soda 2 . 06 0 . 27
Chloride 0.02 0.40
Sulphuric Acid 0.23 Trace.
Phosphate of Lime 15 . 40 5.04
Phosphate of Peroxyd of Iron 1 . 20 5 . 04
Carbonic Acid 34.83 32.22
Lime 16.33 39.32
Magnesia 4 . 40 0 . 80
Silex 2.80 14.00
Soluble Silica 0.00 0.30
Coal and organic matter 2 . 10 1 .70
100.21 100.86
It is, however, not always possible for a man to make a close quantitive
analysis of the soil, hence we append the following simple method of testing
the adaptability of soil to the culture of the wine grape, which is within
the reach of all, and is practiced in Germany. Take about five pounds of
the soil you intend to select for your vineyard, put it into a clean vessel,
pour boiling water over it, stir it with a clean piece of wood and let it
stand covered for two days. Then carefully pour off' the clean water ; and
if, upon tasting it, you do not detect a salty or mouldy taste in it, it will
prove good for a vineyard ; for what would give a bad taste to the water
would effect the wine made from grapes grown in the soil.
On the subject of soils, Col. Haraszthy says : " When the planter re-
solves to plant a vineyard, he should determine whether he is planting to
produce grapes for wine or for the market. If for the former he must look
for soil which is made by volcanic eruptions, containing red clay and soft
rocks, which will decay by exposure to the air.. The more magnesia, lime or
chalk the soil contains the better. This kind of soil never cracks and keeps
the moisture during the summer admirably. Such soil will produce a wine
that will keep good for fifty or one hundred years and improve annually ;
is not liable to get sour or when exposed to the air, after one year old, to
get turbid and change color in the bottle or glass. For marketable table
grapes rich, black, gravelly or sandy loam, exceedingly rich and well
manured is the best."
In choosing a location for a vineyard, attention should be triven to the
Viticulture in Napa County.
187
location and the exposure it will have to the sun. All men of experience
agree that a preference should be given to a southerly — either south-eastern
or south-western. In any locality where the damp, fog-laden trade winds
of the coast blow in, it is preferable to have a south-eastern exposure.
Still, in all the valleys of the interior of California, there is no great amount
of difference to be observed. It is of far more importance that there be
depth of soil, and locations free from frosts must be considered.
The question of close or wide planting enters very largely into the cal-
culation of a man who is just starting a vineyard. The variety of the
vine planted is to be considered ; for heavy bearers, like the Rieslings, should
be planted at least 7x7 feet ; while light bearers, like the Pinot family,
closer planting should be adopted.
To enable the reader to see at a glance how many vines to the acre will
be required for the different modes of planting, the annexed table is given.
There being forty-three thousand five hundred and sixty square feet in an
acre of land, the following will be found as nearly correct as it is practicable
to make the calculations. The land required for roads, borders, etc., will
reduce the quantity of vines somewhat. Planting the vines
3 fee
Plants to
by 3 requires 4,840
4 " 3,630
4 " 2,722
5 " 1,815
7 " 1,556
5 " 1,742
6 " 1,452
6 " 1,210
7 " 1,037
8 " 907
7 " 889
8 " 780
There are four ways of propagating grape-vines : by seeds, by cuttings,
by rooting, and by layers, to which may be added grafting. The first four
refer to planting new vineyards, while the last is practicable, of course, in
changing the varieties in old vineyards, and for the fast propagation of
choice varieties. For planting new vineyards, cuttings are now preferred
above all the other plans. It is cheaper, more practicable, and has the ad-
vantage of having the whole vineyard bearing at the same time. Planting
by layers consists of trenching and rooting vines still attached to the parent
stem.
188 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
For the benefit of our readers who are not practical viniculturalists, yet
who have an interest in the subject, we give below a list of the varieties of
grapes best adapted to wine-making :
Beginning with the Rieslings, there are the Johannisberg, Franken,
Gray or Dishia, Green, and Orleans ; of the Sauvignonne, there are the
Green and White ; of Chasselas, there are the Golden (Gutedel), Fontain-
blau, Purple, and Rose ; the Berger, which makes an excellent light wine ;
Muscatel ; Traminer. The above are all white grapes. Passing to the black
varieties, we find the Zinfandel ; the Pinot family ; Black St. Peter ; Matero,
commonly known as Burgundy ; Black Burgundy ; Greenache ; Charboneau ;
Malbic ; Black Cluster, and Cabronet. From the Sauvignonne grapes are
made the finest flavored white wines. They are trained high, like the
Rieslings.
From the Riesling variety are made those wines so celebrated and well-
known as Johannisberg, Steinberger Cabinet, Raunthaler, Berg, Liebfrau-
milch and Marcobruner. It always commands a high price, and is a great
favorite with the Napa Valley viniculturalists, and their wine made from it
is now standing at the head of light white wines. The bunches of this
grape are of medium size, compact; berries rather small, round; thin skin ;
flesh tender and juicy, with sweet and sprightly pleasant flavor.
The Chasselas de Fontainbleau succeeds well and produces abundantly
in California. Bunches rather small size, very close, the berries pressing
each other almost out of shape, but rarely have any imperfect ones ; long
for their diameter and shouldered lightly; berries of rather small size,
round ; skin thin, clear watery green, with a slight tinge of amber when
to the sun and fully ripe ; flesh juicy, sweet and of a veiy good
; ripens in California from early in July to late in October.
The Red Chasselas resembles the White Chasselas, except that the ber-
ries are slightly colored with red, and sometimes, when over-ripe, they
become a dark red. Bunches loose, not large ; berries medium size, round ;
thin skin, at first pale green, but when exposed to the sun they become red ;
flesh tender, sweet and very good.
The Red Traminer is one of the celebrated table and wine grapes of the
Rhine. Cluster small, compact ; berries small, roundish ; rose-color ; quality
sub-acid, pleasant and excellent.
•The Rose Chasselas is described as a beautiful and good variety, re-
sembling the Royal Muscadine, except in color, which is a bright rose. Its
bunches and berries are scarcely equal in size, but its beauty and flavor
recommend it.
The Black Prince is an excellent variety, highly esteemed, with large
and long bunches, partially shouldered. Berries large, rather thickly set,
oval, black, covered with a thick blue bloom ; rather thick skin ; flavor sweet,
OLJa^-^
Viticulture in Napa County. 189
juicy, excellent. It is popular as a table grape and succeeds well in Cali-
fornia.
Miller's Burgundy is a favorite variety, long known, and cultivated in all
parts of the world, as a hardy grape for wine and table use. It is readily
known by the dense covering of cotton down, which lines both sides of the
leaves, whence the name, Miller's grape. Bunches short, thick, compact.
Berries roundish oval, very closely set together ; skin thin, black, with a
blue bloom ; flesh tender, abounding with a sweet, high-flavored juice. A
valuable wine grape.
The Zinfandel has bunches most generally divided into two long shoul-
ders, making a large cluster. Berries medium, round, very black, covered
with a thick bloom ; slightly acid, becoming good when fully ripe. In Cal-
ifornia it makes a good wine grape, and is one of the favorites in Napa
Valley.
Of California varieties we have the Mission, Los Angeles, and Sonoma.
The Mission grape is generally divided into two classes, though it is doubt-
ful if there is any difference between them. They are known as the Sonoma
and Los Angeles. They are supposed to have been introduced into Califor-
nia over a century ago by the Jesuit Missionaries. The Los Angeles variety
has a somewhat heavier bloom than that known as the Sonoma. Bunches
slightly shouldered, loose, divided in fact into many small, distinct, lateral
clusters, from six to ten inches or more in length. Berries medium size,
round, purple-black, heavy bloom, exceedingly sweet, juicy and delicious;
skin thin but seeds rather large.
The Mammoth grape does not derive its name so much from the enor-
mous size of the fruit as of the vine which bears it. We append the follow-
ing description of the famous Mammoth vine near Santa Barbara as a
matter of interest in this connection. It is from a daily paper of that city :
" One of the celebrities of Spanish California is the immense and beau-
tiful grapevine now growing at the Montecito, two or three miles below
Santa Barbara. The planter of the vine was Donna Marcellina Feliz de
Dominguez, of the earliest expedition to Sonora, before 1780. When she
planted it it was nothing but a slip, which she had cut from the young
vineyard at San Antonio Mission, in Monterey County, for a horsewhip.
Her husband had got permission to make a small garden near the warm
springs of Montecito, and here she planted it on the ridge of a knoll. It
immediately took root and began to bud and leaf, and from careful attention,
before she died it was made to produce more than any grapevine in all
America, North or South. Between 1850 and 1860 it had been trailed over
eighty feet in circumference, with a trunk of twelve inches in diameter,
rising clear fifteen feet from the ground. Some years it has borne over six
thousand bunches of ripe and sound grapes, or close on to eight thousand
190 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
pounds ! It has become the wonder of every resident or sojourner in that
part of California. And what is more, for the last thirty years of the
Donna's life it principally maintained the old woman and her numerous
family, she being nearly as prolific as her vine, having brought forth four-
teen children, and having in all three hundred descendants when she died."
State Viticultural Society. — An Act for the promotion of the Viti-
cultural Industries of the State was approved, April 15, 1880, in which the
State was divided into seven viticultural districts, in each of which it was
provided that a Commissioner should be appointed, and also that two Com-
missioners should be appointed for the State at large. His Excellency Geo.
C. Perkins, appointed the following named gentlemen to act as such Commis-
sioners : Arpad Haraszthy, for San Francisco District ; Charles Krug, for
Napa District; I. De Turk, for Sonoma District; R. B. Blowers, for Sacra-
mento District; Geo. West, for San Joaquin District ; L. J. Rose, for Los
Angeles District; G. G. Blanchard, for El Dorado District; Chas. A. Wet-
more and J. De Barth Shorb, Commissioners for the State at large.
Upon the organization of the Commission Mr. Arpad Haraszthy was
chosen President, Mr. Charles A. Wetmore, Vice-President, and Mr. Charles
Krug, Treasurer. The first report is before us, and we will make a few
extracts, such as we think will be of interest to the general reader. We
would say en passant that it is one of the most able documents that has
ever been contributed to the American public upon the subject of viticul-
ture, and should be in the hands of every vine grower in the State. The
fact is, that it is so replete with interesting matter that we find it difficult
to decide what to omit in this connection.
In the President's report to the Governor we find the following truth :
" One of the most perplexing difficulties a new beginner encounters in plant-
ing out a vineyard is the selection of the proper vines — and the nomenclature
in that respect in this State is sadly deficient, as it has ever been ; almost in
each district, often in the same township, the same vine is called by several
contradictory names ; hence the great difference of opinion of vine growers
as to the respective qualities of various vines. To remedy this evil this State
should have an experimental vineyard in an important vine-growing dis-
trict, * * * where every variety of grapevine in the State should be
planted, in no less a number than one hundred vines, whose habits, growth,
etc., could be carefully noted."
The following figures concerning the wine and brandy movements in
the State will be of interest in this connection. The amount of wine re-
ceived at San Francisco from the interior was :
In 1879 gallons 3,364,607
In 1880 " 3,759,743
Viticulture in Napa County. 191
The amount of brandy received was :
In 1879 gallons 93,506
In 1880 " 133,764
Showing a very notable increase in the reception of both wine and brandy.
The shipments out of the State for 1880 of wine were :
By sea gallons 1,545,715
By rail " 941,638
Total " 2,487,353
In 1879 the total exports of wine were 2,155,944 gallons. The ship-
ments of brandy for 1880 were :
By sea gallons 97,533
By rail " 91,565
Total " 189,098
The total brandy shipments for 1880 show an increase of 25,206 gallons
over 1879.
In round numbers the vintage of 1880 has been estimated to range
between ten and twelve million gallons. To arrive at a valuation the fol-
lowing figures have been adopted :
9,500,000 gallons dry wines @ 25 c $2,375,000
700,000 " sweet wines @ 60 c 420,000
450,000 " brandy (in bond)® $1.15 517,500
Total $3,312,500
To this should be added about $100,000 for value of raisins, and from
one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth of grapes
used for tables, etc., making a grand total valuation of the grape production
of the State about $3,500,000 in the producers' hands.
The President of the Commission closes his report with the following
excellent suggestions and remarks : " It will be seen that a vineyard can be
planted and maintained till the first year of production for less than $75
per acre, and that good land upon which to plant can be purchased at from
$10 per acre upwards ; and it will be further seen that the net yield in coin
to the producer this year has not been less than $50, and that the greater
number has reached $100 per acre. In view, therefore, of the great advan-
tages of viticulture in rendering valuable our millions of now barren hill-
sides ; of rendering productive in grapes and raisins our exhausted grain
192 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
fields, which now barely pay for the seeding ; in view of the advantages
this pursuit offers to people of limited means to secure homes and an unfail-
ing sustenance ; in view of the enormous wealth the future exportation of
our viticultural productions would bring to our golden shores and populating
our State with healthful, frugal, thrifty citizens ; in view of this, I beg your
Excellency to use your great personal influence and powerful recommenda-
tion towards securing for the use of this Board the most liberal appropria-
tion possible."
That grape-growing for wine-making purposes is a remunerative business
is evidenced by the fact that grapes brought last year from $18 to §25 per
ton, and in 1881, in Napa and Sonoma Counties, from $25 to $35 per ton.
The average yield of a vineyard is about five tons, which would bring in to
the producer from $75 to $125 per acre. Now, if it costs, say $25 an acre to
cultivate it, the producer still has from $50 to $100 clear. What other crop
offers such inducements as that ?
Commissioner Wetmore in his report has this to say in regard to drink-
ing wines that have alcohol in them as a preservative, and the "dry" wines:
" The distinction between ' hot ' and ' cold ' wines should be made as soon
as possible ; the former should not be encouraged as habitual beverages, and
the grapes that produce them should be diverted to the production of liquor
wines and brandies rather than to imitations of clarets, hocks and sauternes.
No wine that requires alcohol to keep it, should be tolerated as a table drink,
and none that produces dizziness or headache should even be excused. The
distilleries afford ample outlet for such productions. * * Such wines
are a poison to the Anglo-Saxon stomach and brain."
Of fertilizers, Mr. Wetmore says, " I think that it is most important for
viticulturists to investigate fully the l-elative values and defects of the
different forms of manures, viz.: organic and inorganic. I believe that
there are many good reasons for condemning the use of decomposing
vegetable matters, and for favoring the reduction of all fertilizers to inor-
ganic conditions before applying them to the soil. The healthy vine needs
principally phosphoric acid, potash and lime ; the diseased vine, especially
when attacked by phylloxera, needs also ammonia to stimulate the root and
cause growth. Bones and wood ashes reduced with sulphuric acid, will
probably supply the best stimulus and plant food. The bones being
crushed and acted upon by sulphuric acid, sulphate of lime (gypsum) is
formed, the phosphoric acid uniting with the potash of the ashes, forming
a phosphate which is readily taken up by the plant."
Concerning the wines produced in our California vineyards, generally
speaking, Mr. Wetmore says : " They can only be considered as raw
material for the large dealers to work over in blending vats. Only a few
produce wines of much value to consumers and retailers. This is not so
Viticultwe in Napa County. 193
true of white as of red wines. California producers cannot expect to
obtain much individual celebrity for their claret and Burgundy types until
they have assorted their wines of proper varieties in just proportions, so as
to accomplish, when they rack their musts from the fermenting tanks, or
pipes, what they now leave for the dealer to do. None of the celebrated
French wines are the products of single varieties of grapes. Knowing in
what proportions the musts of different grapes must be blended to produce
perfect and agreeable wines — aroma, bouquet, color, strength, acidity,
smoothness, freshness, etc., all being considered, the French vine-grower
cultivates all varieties in the proportions required. The mixture of Zin-
fandel (Hungarian) with Malvoise (a port wine grape), which is so much
practiced in Napa County, ought to be discontinued as soon as other
varieties of finer quality can be substituted for the Malvoise."
Under the sub-heading " The Worst Enemies of California Wines," Mr.
Wetmore says : " I find that of all the inquiring world, those who take the
least interest in discovering and making known the excellencies of our best
vintages, are American hotel keepers, restaurateurs, and other retailers of
fine wines and liquors." We desire to join issue with the gentleman on this
proposition. He seems to ignore the great law of demand and supply, or
rather charges the hotel keepers with creating a demand for strong drinks
over their bar rather than wine. He must remember that the greater por-
tion of wine that has been drunk in the United States for the past century,
has been by foreigners, and of course they naturally call for their favorite
brands. The largest portion of American wine drinkers in years past have
been people who have thought that anything " Frcnchy " was the ne plus
ultra, hence they have called for French named wines. As wine drinking
gradually spread among the traveling public, people kept up the usual habit
of those around them and called for imported articles. It must be borne in
mind that the majority of Americans are not connoisseurs in wine, and
do not know one wine from another. Most Americans like sweet wines,
hence the " dry " wines which should be used at table have never been favor-
ites with them, hence there has been but little demand for wines at the table.
It has been the custom for years for all French, German and Italian restaur-
ants in the city to give wine and black coffee both with every meal, and
beginning with perhaps 1875, there is not a restaurant or hotel anywhere
but will give a glass of claret for the same price as a cup of coffee, while
most restaurants in the city give half -pint bottles for the same.
One trouble is that the American people who drink at all have been
lin the habit of taking enough liquor into their stomachs to make their
brains reel more or less, and fire their blood, and to attain that result re-
quires a greater amount of claret than a glass drank with a dinner, hence
13
194 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the average caller for wine at table has a large bottle brought on so that he
can swig enough of it down him to become in a measure intoxicated. When
our people learn to drink wine as they do coffee at meals, not as an intoxi-
cant but as a relish, and with the same moderation, then it will be in demand,
and the supply will be vouchsafed by every landlord in the State. Let our
people learn to use wine and not abuse it, then will a new era dawn upon
us in the manner in which wine is served. Not long since a man of style,
etc., took dinner at Calistoga, and called for a wine with a great long French
name to it. The landlord endeavored to prevail upon him to try some Napa
Valley wine. Oh, no, he knew what California wine was, he did not want
"any of the sour stuff." The landlord was out of the French brand but tilled
an old bottle he had, with the brand still on it, with wine from a neighboring
cellar. The connoisseur (?) was delighted; had two bottles instead of one,
for dinner, and then came to the bar and wanted the address of the place
where he was able to secure such superb French claret. He was thunder-
struck when told that the wine was made within five miles of the town,
but he had the good sense to know and appreciate good wine when he saw
it, and so had the landlord drive him out to the cellar and ordered a goodly
supply of it for his own use. There is a misunderstanding between the
producer and consumer somewhere. If the consumer were a judge of wine,
and would get his wines direct from some reliable producer, the credit of
California wines would soon appreciate.
Pests of the Vine. — " Every rose must have its thorn," and all good
has its evil counterpart, are truisms that extend throughout the economy of
the world, and so we find that all kinds of fruit-bearing trees and vines are
subject to the ravages of disease and pests, and the grapevine is no excep-
tion to the rule. Standing at the head of the list of vine pests, and in com-
parison with which all others sink into utter insignificance, stands the
phylloxera-vastatrix. This pest was not known to have an existence in
the vineyards of the State until 1873, but circumstances point back to 1860,
and probably earlier, both in Sonoma County and Yolo. Through the ob-
servations of Mr. F. W. Morse, the expert sent out under the joint auspices
of the State University and the Commissioners, phylloxera is found to exist
at present in vineyards in the following counties : Sonoma, where it is
confined to the valley of Sonoma ; Napa, where it exists on both sides of
Napa Valley, generally from the lower part, as far as Yountville, and in one
vineyard in the St. Helena district ; in Solano County, in several places ;
in Yolo County, the well known Orleans Hills and one small vineyard
was found affected with it ; in Placer County, what was known as the
Nickerson Vineyard was found affected with it ; in El Dorado, two vine-
yards near Placerville were found affected. In this connection, we have
Viticulture hi Napa County. 195
thought it would be a matter of great interest to insert the following ad-
dress of Dr. Herman Behr before the Sonoma District Viticultural meeting,
at Sonoma, July 23, 1880 :
" Gentlemen — When we have to defend ourselves against constant and
repeated attacks of an enemy, our first step must be, in order to render our
defense successful, to study the character and habits of the enemy and his
hostile as well as friendly relations to others ; for the friend of an enemy
is an enemy, and his enemy is an ally.
" Such is the case of the phylloxera ; and before we consider our chances
of warfare, and begin to attack, we ought to study the development of the
evil and the various disguises under which it perpetrates its insidious
devastation.
" In all countries that have a real winter the phylloxera hybernates in
the form of an egg. The more the winter approaches in its character a
mere rainy season, the more the phylloxera develops a tendency to stay
over the winter as a perfect insect, in a more or less dormant state. This
last form of hybernation seems to be the rule in California ; but the cir-
cumstance that the egg has not yet been found, is no proof that it should
not exist.
" The statements of Planchon, Lichtenstein, and Balbiana, all careful
observers, agree perfectly in the description of the insect that comes out of
the hybernating egg. This insect tries with its proboscis different spots on
the leaves of the grapevine, and after having selected a locality, fastens
itself there, producing by the irritation of this process a swelling of the
leaf that grows out into a gall, not unlike those caused by the sting of the
gallwasp. Inclosed in this gall, the phylloxera, without having had any
sexual intercourse, lays eggs. Planchon has counted them up to nearly eight
hundred ; and after having laid the last egg, the phylloxera dies and dries
up, surrounded by the eggs that soon give birth to a breed of phylloxera.
These insects, after having escaped through a fissure on the top of the gall,
go through the same process of multiplication by eggs in time of three
weeks, only their offspring is considerably less numerous than that of the
first generation, developed out of the hybernating egg. Mr. Fatio has ob-
served the phylloxera, after having tried several leaves, to descend to the
root of the grapevine and inclose itself there in a nodosity analogous to the
gall of the leaf. At any rate it is certain, although it has not been exactly
observed, that the phylloxera, sucking the sap of the roots without being
inclosed in nodosities, are the descendants of the gall, as well as the nodosity-
building variety.
" Toward the end of the year the phylloxera appears under a new garb.
It looks quite a different being, and has adopted the form of a diminutive
four-winged fly. This tiny insect has but little command over its flight.
196 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
It is the toy of any current of air. Thousands of them perish in spider-
webs and pools of water, and very few are carried by a lucky wind to a
spot favorable for laying a foundation for new generations. This the
winged phylloxera does by laying eggs, of which she carries only a few
(2-5), but of two kinds ; small ones, out of which come males, and large
ones, out of which come females, both wingless. The female of this gen-
eration harbors only a single egg, and this is, in the insect kingdom, a very
exceptional circumstance. This is the hybernating egg, out of which comes
the founder of the many generations which follow, and which are non-sex-
ual themselves. As far as this goes the habits of the insect are well ob-
served, and everything is clear. But as to time and circumstances, when
the phylloxera leave the gall-building and move about on the roots without
inclosing themselves and their offspring, nothing is known. Maybe the
nodosities on the roots are the product of generations that link the gall-
builders to the phylloxera of the root ; may be that galls, as well as nodosi-
ties, are only the product of adaptation. There is one thing certain, that
there exist districts, infected by the phylloxera, where galls have not yet
been observed. Another mystery is connected with the appearance of the
winged generation and its offspring of wingless males and females.
" It has been observed, and not only in the phylloxera, but also in the in-
sects of analogous organization, that an indefinite number of non-sexual
generations can follow through years without once producing a generation
of males and females. Another queer circumstance is the great irregularity
in the appearance of said winged generation and its sexual ofi'spring. The
duration of this state is short enough. A few days are sufficient to make
them disappear without leaving any trace but the fertilized egg. The phyl-
loxera can propagate through an indefinite number of generations without
once appearing in the winged state. This shows that the winged generation
is not necessary for the existence of the species. What is then the object,
the function of that form ? We may, perhaps, express the circumstance in
the following way. When we recollect that it is chiefly in climates of a
severer winter where the winged phylloxera has been observed, and there
always late in the season, and when we further consider that the fertilized
egg, which possesses a much slower development than the non-sexual, which
develops shortly after its being laid, so all these circumstances seem to
point to the fact that this fertilized egg, by the very slowness of its devel-
opment, is better calculated to resist the inclemencies of the winter than
the ordinary egg with its quick development, or the phylloxera herself in
her torpid dormant state of hybernation. There is in this circumstance an
analogy to certain water plants producing two different kinds of spores :
moving spores which have to sprout after a short time or perish, and resting
spores, that can remain latent for a long space of time and develop as soon
as circumstances become favorable.
Viticulture in Napa County. 197
" Now, these moving spores swarm and sprout till all the water in which
they took their first start is filled with their gelatinous masses ; but when
at the end of a season, or when by any other circumstance the water begins
to dry up, the resting spores are formed, mix with the slime of the pool,
when this slime is pulverized by dryness and heat, are carried with it to
places where sufficient moisture favors their development, or remain latent
at the bottom of the pool till rain or inundation fill it again. Now, there is,
perhaps, some analogy between the circumstances that produce in the alga
the resting spore, and in the phylloxera the fecundated egg of slow develop-
ment. Either of them waits for a time or a place more favorable for its
development. Under ordinary circumstances, the resting spore of the alga
develops with the first rain, the fecundated egg of the phylloxera with the
sunshine of spring ; exceptionally, when the supply of water becomes scarce,
the resting spore trusts itself to the wings of the wind ; if the sap of the
grapevine of one locality begins to fail, the phylloxera is carried by its
winged mothers to new localities. In this way, perhaps, we may account
for the irregularities in the time of appearance in regard to the winged
phylloxera of milder climates.
" Now, let us calculate only eight generations through the season, each
member of a generation producing only twenty eggs, which is a very low
average figure ; as the individuals bred from the hybernating egg alone pro-
duces, according to the statement of Planchon, up to eight hundred, and we
come to the astonishing figure of two hundred and fifty-six billions. Hap-
pily, there are circumstances that prevent that figure being reached.
" Nature always tz-ies, and tries successfully, to restore a balance of
power in her productions. The phylloxera itself, or at least its devasta-
tions, are a consequence of the balance in nature being disturbed by the
culture of a single plant in certain localities to the exclusion of others. We
will now see what plan Nature adopts for destroying the phylloxera. We
have seen how the exclusive culture of the grapevine has attracted and
multiplied the parasite that feeds upon it. In the same measure now mul-
tiply the beings that prey upon the phylloxera and they also will disappear,
or at least diminish, when the phylloxera has been reduced to a number that
does not any more disturb the balance in nature. Not all the enemies of
this parasite are known. I am to enumerate here only those whose predi-
lection for phylloxera blood is well established and sufficiently effective to
come under our consideration. The phylloxera, owing to her subterranean
habits, is not very accessible to birds. The influence of birds on insect life
is generally overrated. Amongst the insects that know how to find the
phylloxera are some beetles of the tribes called Carabides and Staphylinides
that destroy in all their stages of development a great number of phyllox-
era. Staphylinides may occasionally be seen on grapes. They do not feed
198 History of Napa and Lake Coimties — Napa.
on them, but are apt to impart to the grape a disagreeable smell. But we
had better allow them that little extravagance, as during their long existence
in the larvse state they live chiefly on animal food — on fellows that are
smaller than themselves.
" There are several beetles related to the Spanish fly that feed in their lar-
vse state on and under gound, on eggs and small larvae of* aphidians, as well
as grasshoppers. Certain wasps, that keep their young ones in subteiTanean
galleries, feed them also on phylloxera and its relations. You probably
have observed on the stalks of rosebuds infected by leaf-lice (aphis), a little
green maggot, shaped like a leach, and moving about very much like such.
This is the larvse of a fly (syrphus), somewhat smaller than our house-fly.
If you observe what he is doing there, you will find that it is not for the
sake of company that he frequents that crowd of leaf -lice. A similar mag-
got, only smaller, visits stem and root of the grapevine, where it devours
considerable quantities of phylloxera. Then there is a tribe of four- winged
flies, somewhat of the structure of the dragon fly, but considerably smaller,
and the wings neither elevated (agrion) nor flattened out like those of the
real dragon flies (libellula), but folded round the body, like those of a moth.
This insect, called hermerobius, destroys in its winged state, aphidians, and
perhaps also some gall-building phylloxera ; in its wingless larva state it
preys on aphidians of all kinds, following them from leaves to twigs, and
from twigs to stems, from stems to roots. It has been found in company
with the phylloxera, of course not as their friend. The class of the spiders
and mites (Aracknidai) are all carnivorous, and many species prey on the
plentiful and defenseless phylloxera.
" A French lady, Mad. de Bompar, mentions especially a little mite called
trimiliidium as an active destroyer. I am not quite satisfied in regard to the
predilection of this little being for the phylloxera ; at least it lives not ex-
clusively on aphidians. Mrs. Wetmore, who raised in a box our native grape-
vine ( Vitis Califomica) for the sake of experiment, found a great many of
these minute mites on the roots, where we could not trace a single phyllox-
era. But the web-making spiders do really good work ; especially the
smaller species of ground spiders, that fasten their nets between twigs, are
perhaps even of greater use, as they destroy the winged generation, inac-
cessible to all the destroyers enumerated before. How many of the winged
aphidians die without being able to propagate, we can form an idea by ex-
amining those spider-webs that are left by their owner, so that the tiny
customers that caught themselves in their meshes are no more removed.
There may be many more enemies of the phylloxera besides those enume-
rated, for many things that happen every moment among the little things
under ground escape our notice. It is certain there are more victims of
that microscopic warfare than we generally imagine. Entomologists are
&& -,
JOHN M. COGHLAN.
Viticulture in Napa County. 199
well acquainted with the fact that insects that are excessively common
through a certain time, disappear sometimes suddenly as if swept away by
an epidemic. At any rate a diminution of the phylloxera pest is to be ex-
pected before they have ruined our vines.
"Among the insect pests mentioned by different authors, there is perhaps
none that bears so much analogy to our case as the invasion of the apple
trees of North-western Europe by a certain relation of our phylloxera, the
Myzoxylus. I once found among old papers an account of the devastations
of this insect, the despair it caused in the cider-making districts, and very
many remedies recommended. The insect still exists, but in very moderate
proportion. Which of the many remedies recommended has reduced the
Myzoxylus to a more reasonable style of living I could not find. I think
none of them. Medical men know very well the more remedies they possess
against a disease the more incurable it is. I do not assume to criticise the
different methods recommended for the destruction of the phylloxera, but
their very number appears to me a proof that none of them has answered.
" Let us follow the way Nature has pointed out to us. First, let us
isolate the infected patches as much as possible. The subterranean phyl-
loxera cannot spread when we do not prepare its way by plowing and
weeding the vicinity.
" Then let us favor as much as possible those insects which we know
feed on aphidian.s, especially the spiders ; we must protect their webs. It
is true they are not ornamental, but they are the most effective means to
prevent the winged phylloxera from colonizing other parts of the vineyard.
" I have to mention yet the ant as a friend and patron of leaf-lice, which
he keeps as cattle, and colonizes them in his subterranean galleries. There
is not a fact of this kind known in regard to phylloxera, but at any rate
the ant is a suspicious neighbor, and his hills have to be destroyed.
" Till Science has given us a destroying medium of quicker action, let
us imitate and assist the slow, but effective process begun by Nature ; and
whatever plan we adopt, let us act in concert."
" Supplement number one, to the report of the Board of Regents of the
University of California, College of Agriculture, recently issued, contains a
fund of information for grape growers. We cull from its pages the follow-
ing valuable results of investigations relative to the phylloxera :
The name of phylloxera— pronounced fillo-xee-ra, accent on the second
sylable — meaning " leaf witherer," was originally given to a kind of plant
louse which infests the European oak. Sixteen species are now known,
only one of which affects the interests of man. It was first discovered in
America, in New York, in 1856, on the leaves of native vines. The " foot
rot" of vines, first mentioned as existing in France about 1865, was shown
three 3'ears later to he due to wingless lice, but their identity with those
200 History of Napa and Lake Comities — Napa.
inhabiting the leaf galls of certain native American vines was not then
suspected. It was subsequently proved that root lice could be transplanted
to the leaves of certain varieties of vines, and likewise the leaf louse to
roots of some varieties. From 1870 up to the present time the phylloxera
has spread in France with frightful rapidity, destroying wholly or partially
thousands upon thousands of acres in the wine growing districts. A prize
of, first, 30,000, then 00,000, then 300,000 francs, has been offered for the
discovery of an effectual and practical remedy for the scourge, but,
although hundreds have been brought forward, the prize has not yet
been awarded. On account of the ravages of the insect universal alarm
has been created in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
The phylloxera in many respects resembles the common plant louse.
All are quite small, the perfect winged form of the vine louse being about
one-twentieth of an inch in length. Its peculiar feature is the great variety
of forms which it is capable of assuming under different circumstances.
Among them are two chief types, the leaf -inhabiting or gall louse, and the
root-inhabiting or root louse. The former habitually infests the leaves of
certain native grapes in the Eastern States, covering the surface of the leaf
with numerous swellings of irregular shape, and often of a reddish tint,
in which are found a wingless, female insect. When the gall is filled with
from two hundred to five hundred eggs the mother louse dies. The eggs
hatch in from six to eight days into active little larvae, which soon leave
the gall, go to the upper surface of downy young leaves and insert their
suckers. The leaves soon begin to swell below, while a reddish down
surrounds the louse above, gradually closing it in. The gall forms in a few
days. The grown louse deposits its eggs until the gall is filled and then
dies. Tender shoots and tendrils are also attacked by the louse and covered
with swellings. Towards the end of September the galls are mostly empty,
the lice having gone to the roots to hibernate.
On the European vine, also on the Mission grape of California, leaf
galls have scarcely been known to be formed, the attacks of the insects
being directed against the roots. The gall louse is found occasionally on
most of the grape varieties cultivated in the Eastern States, which will,
when placed upon uncongenial foliage, descend to the roots. It never
acquires wings and can spread but slowly, by crawling, and the same is
true of the root louse, so long as it does not assume the winged form. It
migrates through crevices in the soil or along the roots, or even over the
surface of the ground, if it be not too sandy. Being unable to travel over
or through sand its progress is so checked in sandy regions as to make it
almost powerless for harm.
The injury done by the gall louse is comparatively insignificant, or is
easily rendered so by a little early attention. It is quite otherwise with
Viticulture in Napa County. 201
the root louse, whose presence is usually unsuspected until it has seriously
injured one crop at least, and which in any case is most difficult to reach.
The first effect produced by the attack of the louse is a swelling of the
tender white rootlets, which it prefers to the older and harder portions. As
the invading army moves on, root after root is left behind to decay. During
the first year the vine usually shows but little appearance of disease, save
that the fruit is slow to ripen or matures but imperfectly. In the second
year the enemy rapidly approaches to the center, destroying all the finer
rootlets. The vine appears sickly, with stunted, yellowish leaves, and fails
to mature fruit. Before one vine is completely exhausted, the lice leave it
for others that are healthy. Unfortunately, up to the present time, nearly
all the grape varieties planted in California belong to one of the most sen-
sitive species. The idea entertained by many that the Mission vines are
free from the attacks of phylloxera, has been proven false. From some
cause not yet understood, its advance in California has been comparatively
slow, while in France it has been far otherwise.
Observations made by residents of Sonoma Valley have failed to reveal
the presence of the winged form in the vineyards, and it still remains true
that it has not as yet been seen abroad in California. For the reason that
the spread of the louse is much slower here than in France, it must be easier
to check its progress. The problem to be solved in combatting the pest is
a difficult one, not because of any tenacity of life in the insect itself, but
simply on account of the difficulty of devising any remedy that will reach
every one of the mattled rootlets of a vineyard, over its entire surface, and
to a depth of from three to four feet, with the additional conditions that
the remedy must be cheap, not only as regards the material, but also the
work of application, and must not injure the vines materially. If the
vines can be flooded during the dormant period for a sufficient length of
time, the lice will be destroyed, but this remedy is only applicable in iso-
lated cases.
Any measure intended for the repression or destruction of the phylloxera
must, in order to be effective, extend not only over the entire surface, but also
into the depths of the soil as far as the rootlets reach. After repeated experi-
ments, bisulphide of carbon has been found most satisfactory. The remedy
can be administered so as to merely repress the insect while the vine is kept
in bearing (culture treatment), or to exterminate both insect and vine. The
insecticide must be applied only when the soil is fully moist, though not
water-soaked. In dry soil, and in the dry warm season, the vapor is ren-
dered inert. The greatest advantage accrues if the remedy is applied after
the rootlets have hardened in autumn, winter, or in early spring, before they
develop. For the culture treatment the carbon bisulphide must be used in
small doses of one-fourth to one-sixth of an ounce each injected into the
202 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
holes from ten to sixteen inches deep, which must be instantly closed up on
the removal of the injector. Of these holes there must be at least three per
square yard of vineyard surface, regularly and evenly distributed. When
the death treatment is intended the number of the holes or the dose, or
both, are to be increased in a ratio that varies with the nature of the soil.
Manures rich in potash and nitrogen should accompany the use of the in-
secticide, in order to enable the plant to maintain as nearly as possible the
normal condition. Unleached wood ashes are admirably adapted to the
purpose. On strong clay soils a dressing of quicklime will produce, for the
time being, an effect similar to that of the direct application of potash
manures, while at the same time it will facilitate tillage and impart to the
sod the qualities of those on which the best of wild vines are found. Stable
manure is excellent — the only question is how to get enough of it.
As to the cause of this pest there are a host of theories, ranging from a
diseased condition of the vine to the Judgment of God, sent in answer to
the prayers of the Evangelical Alliance, held in New York City, a few years
ago. The most prevalent theory, however, is, that they thrive best if they
are not developed, in poor, clayey, cold and wet land. All those conditions
which tend to weaken the growth of a vine, naturally tends as well to the
fostering of the phylloxera. When once generated, they can be transplanted
on cuttings, etc., or they may migrate during their winged state from farm
to farm.
The question of ridding the country of these pests is the one that is
absorbing the attention of all interested now. Many washes and chemical
applications have been made, and most of them in vain. Some seem to
have no effect on either insect or vine, others destroy the vine, others form
unfavorable unions with the component parts of the soil, while but few
indeed seem to have any permanent effect upon the parasite. An insecticide,
known as the bisulphide of carbon, is just now the most popular of all
remedies, both in France and in this countiy. There is no doubt but that
some efficient remedy will be discovered, as there is too much at stake to
let it pass unaccomplished, and because the French savants have not found
the right thing, it is no evidence that some Yankee genius will not, and
when it is discovered we will prophesy that it will be some simple thing,
that everybody ought to know about. As yet the devastation has been
small in this State compared with France, where millions of vines have been
ruined, where there have been hundreds here.
Napa County. — Passing from a general consideration of Viniculture
to the special field of Napa County, we find that grapes have been grown
here since a very early day ; some vines in the county, notably those on the
old Dr. Bale place, now the property of W. W. Lyman, being over thirty
years of age. Of course these old vines are all of the Mission variety.
Viticulture in Napa Cotinty. 203
From these old vineyards in those early times, wine was made in the rude
way described at the first of this chapter.
In 1858 Mr. Charles Krug came to Napa County, and on what is known
as the Patchett place, then adjoining Napa City, he made about one thousand
two hundred gallons of wine. This, was the first wine ever made in Napa
County by other than Spainards and Spanish processes. His appliances
were crude, consisting of a small cider press only.
The next year, 1859, Mr. H. A. Pellet, also now of St. Helena, followed
Mr. Krug as wine-maker at the Patchett place. He remained there two
years, making four thousand gallons the first year and three thousand the
next. And thus was the great industry of wine-making introduced within
the borders of Napa County.
About this time Dr. G. B. Crane saw that grapes thrived well in Cali-
fornia, and conceived the idea that it would be a profitable venture to plant
a vineyard. He began casting about for a suitable location for a vineiy,
where land and climate were well adapted to the growing of the vine. He
figured it out that a vineyard would produce one thousand gallons to the
acre, and that he could easily market it for one dollar a gallon. Thus, on
paper, the enterprise seemed to be a great bonanza. He was at that time a
resident of San Jose", California, and from what he could learn from the
sources of information at hand, he decided that the Napa Valley possessed
the requisite qualifications to a greater degree than did the Santa Clara
Valley, so he came into Napa Valley and purchased the place he now owns
near the town of St. Helena. Here he planted the pioneer vineyard of the
great St. Helena district for wine purposes. What a grand pride must
swell the heart of the hardy old pioneer in wine vineyards when he now
looks forth upon the broad acres of the lovely valley all covered with thrifty,
bearing vines, saying to himself in the meanwhile, " I set the movement on
foot which has accomplished all this ! " And did he not ? He broke the
path, and what followed was in his footsteps.
At this late date it is impossible to follow up the chain of progress that
has been made in this industry in the district, but the records of the St.
Helena Viticultural Society will give the requisite information. We will
here note the fact, however, that as soon as Dr. Crane had established the
fact that cuttings would live and grow vigorously on a dry, gravelly soil,
without irrigation, a large number of enterprising men were ready to follow
his example. Among the most prominent and first to embark in this
business should be named Charles Krug, H. A. Pellet, John 'Lewelling,
Matthew Vann, H. W. Crabb, General E. D. Keyes, on the place now owned
by William Scheffler, and to whom is due the credit of erecting the first
cellar which might be really called first-class. These vineyardists were
supplemented by a large number of smaller ones, whose vineyards ranged
204 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
from five to twenty acres, until in a short time all that section known as
the St. Helena district was entirely filled up.
The St. Helena Viticultural Club was organized December 18,
1875, with the following membership : Charles Krug, Connelly Conn, H.
A. Pellet, Charles Wheeler, R. A. Haskin, C. Heymann, J. H. McCord, H.
W. Crabb, Dr. G. B. Crane, Seneca Ewer, J. C. Weinberger, John Thomann,
John Lewelling, Oscar Schultz, John York, D. O. Hunt. The first officers
were : Charles Krug, President ; H. W. Crabb, Connelly Conn, Seneca
Ewer, Vice-Presidents ; H. A. Pellet, Secretary ; J. C. Weinberger, Treas-
urer. From its organization the club met regularly twice a month, added
rapidly to its members, and now has a membership of over one hundred.
Of the good the club has done by the dissemination of knowledge as to the
various and best modes of viticulture, the introduction and propagation of
choice varieties of grapes, both for wine and for the table, we will let its
President, Mr. Charles Krug, say by reproducing the following from his re-
port as a member of the State Viticultural Association :
" The vast amount of good the St. Helena Viticultural Association has
done during the few years of its existence cannot be doubted. It has, hy
publication of its minutes and deliberations, spread a great amount of in-
formation among the grape-growers and wine men of this county and State.
It has drawn the attention of many persons looking out for vineyard land
to this section, caused them to buy and settle among us, and to assist the
building up of our county. It has lent its help and applied its influence to
frustrate the immense exertions the French emissary, Leon Chotteau, made
in Congress to change the specific duty of forty cents per gallon on wine to
twenty-five cents ad valorem. If he had succeeded, our grapes would not
bring more than ten dollars per ton. It has started an organization to keep
the pernicious phylloxera from our beautiful vineyards, and you are well
aware one man alone can do nothing in this line — only united action by all
can ward off the dreaded calamity.
" It intends to secure great benefits to this neighborhood by collecting
and publishing valuable statistics showing the superiority of our climate,
the great fertility of our soil, the energy of those who are engaged in viti-
culture, the great demand for our cuttings, and many other points well
adapted to attract culture and wealth to our district. Its intimate connec-
tion with the State Viticultural Commission offers us ample opportunity,
with a very small outlay, to have our soils and products analyzed, lectures
given on important subjects connected with our interests, such as manuring,
etc. It will import, or cause to be imported, phylloxera-proof cuttings from
best sources of the Mississippi Valley and elsewhere. In short, our associa-
tion has done a great amount of good, and, properly conducted, will do
Viticulture in Napa County. 205
much more in future for our district and wine interests, just in the propor-
tion as we enahle it by our support financially and personally to do so."
In 1878 the St. Helena United States Revenue Bonded Warehouse, a
building 40x60 feet, fire proof, was erected under the auspices of the
Society, for the purpose of storing grape brandy in bond.
In 1880 Viticultural Hall, a two-story building, finely finished, was
also erected, the lower hall for the wine-growers, and the upper for the
grangers.
In 1881 an addition of seventy-five feet was added to the bonded ware-
house to accommodate the increased demand for room to store brandy,
making it now a fire-proof structure 40x135 feet — both buildings an
ornament to the town, and a monument to the pluck and enterprise of the
Viticulturists of the upper valley.
Pioneer Sherry Making. — But while awarding to the St. Helena
Viticultural Society, in its associate capacity, the credit of systematizing
the above-named leading industry of the section of country in which it is
located, it would be unjust to withhold an acknowledgment of what is due
to individual enterprise, and especially that kind of enterprise in which
serious loss might be reasonably anticipated. A case in point we find in
the introduction of the manufactory of sherry wines, and that, too, by a
process not only unknown, but even then unheard of by California vine-
yardists generally.
John Ramos, a Portuguese, at the time when Mission wine was being
crowded out of the market by the superior quality of that made from the
foreign grapes, claimed that he was practically familiar with the method
by which ordinary wines were converted into a good merchantable sherry
on the Island of Madeira by the " estufa," or heating process. Dr. Crane
took the risk, furnished the means for building a twenty-six thousand
gallon heater, and sold Ramos some eleven thousand dollars' worth of wines,
Mission and foreign, on credit.
The experiment was a complete success. Crane was paid, and, after
running his cellars and a one hundred acre vineyard for three years, Ramos
and the partner, Frank Scaroni, with whom he had become associated, not
only were able to pay their rents and other expenses, but had made money
enough to establish each individually in the sherrying business.
And in this way it was demonstrated that Mission wine was equal, if not
superior, to foreign for conversion into sherry, thereby greatly enhancing
the value of many hundreds of acres of vineyard that had been planted be-
fore it was possible to obtain a supply of foreign cuttings.
The Napa Viticultural Society was organized in May, 1881, having
the same general purpose in view that is held by the St. Helena Society,
206
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
viz : the advancement of the wine industry of Napa County. The meetings
of the society are held monthly, at which time matters of interest are
thoroughly discussed. We have not the space to give to these societies
their just meed of praise for what they are doing, but would say that they
are well worthy of being sustained, as they are a great source of benefit to
the wine-growers of the county.
Table showing by districts the acreage of bearing vines, those planted in
1879, 18S0 and 1881; also number of vines estimated on a basis of one
thousand vines to the acre :
CALISTOGA DISTRICT.
Name of
Ashton, Frank. . . .
Beguhl, David. . . .
Bennett, J. J
Butler, Mrs
Brown, Ed
Boase, W. &Co...
Boynton & Chapel
Burgess Brothers. .
Bruck, Mrs
Burk,
Blake, D. Jas . . .
Bounsall, J. C
Collins, S. W
Carter, M. M
Contre, P
Chambers, M
Demartin, R
Garnett Ranch. . . .
Griffin Place
Guile, S. S
Greer, Jno
Gibbs, H. L
Hoss, J. B
Hoover, A
Horn, Jas
Hitchcock, Dr. & Mrs. Coit
Head, John
Hansen, Win
Huntington, E. B
Ingrain, D. C
Johnson, G. W
■mg. 1879. 18S0.
33
1881.
Acres.
Vines
20
28
28,000
4
4
4,000
8
8
8,000
12
12
12,000
9
12
12,000
5
9
9,000
12
12
12,000
25
50
50,000
15
25
25,000
25
25
25,000
3
3,000
H
2*
2,500
5
22
22,000
9
9,000
12
12,000
4
4
4,000
3
3
3,000
33
33,000
10
10
10,000
10
15
15,000
20
38
38,000
2$
2,500
3
3
3,000
10
10
10,000
2
6
6,000
65
128
128,000
16
16
16,000
3
3
3,000
4
4
4,000
5
5,000
10
10
10,000
Viticulture in Napa
207
Jewell, Chas
King, J. S
Klotz, C. G
Kellett, Sam
Lincoln, H. L
Lincoln, E. M
Linscott, O
Light, A
Miller,
Martin, H
McGregor, J
Manuel, D. A
McEachran, C. T
Miscellaneous
Pratt, E
Pickett, C.N
Pickett, M. C
Pratt, Mrs
Phillips, Wm
Peterson,
Randall, H. J
Rowe, Jas
Rose.D
Sweitnetzer, A
Safely Bros
Simmons, A
Schram, J
Shamp, Mrs
Teale, Jas
Tucker, J
Teale, C. L
Teale, Geo
Tucker, Geo
Teale, P
Turner & Faulding. . . .
Tolly
Walsh, A. D
Weybright, J. C
Wilmott, S
Walker, J
Zoeller, H
9£
10
8
1881.
Total
Total
4
10
10,000
H
9,500
15
25
25,000
14
26
26,000
30
30
30,000
6
6
6,000
1
6
6,000
5
20
20,000
5
5,000
5
9
9,000
5
H
5,500
25
25
25,000
1
16
16,000
12
33
33,000
20
20
20,000
9
20
20,000
12
18
18,000
4
5
5,000
15
45
45,000
4
4
4,000
6
9
9,000
3
3
3,000
20
20
20,000
15
15
15,000
15
15f
15,750
4
12
12,000
6
60
60,000
10
10,000
15
15
15,000
4
4
4,000
10
10
10,000
17
17
17,000
10
10,000
4
5A
5,500
3
3
3,000
4
4
4,000
9
9
9,000
2
12^
12,500
9
9
9,000
4
6
6,000
13
16
16,000
208
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ST. HELK.NA IMSTKk'T.
Allison, J. H 10
Amesbury, Thomas 15
Artich, J
Adamson, C. P 30
Andrazzy, J. M. & Co 20
Anthony, J 2
Amsbury & Davis
Atkinson & Co
Burke, W. F
Bruch, L
Beringer Bros 30
Behnken, F 5
Beretta Bros
Buehren, A. H
Barrett, F. F 10
Booker, J. W
Breitenbuecher, G 5
Benner, Geo. L 14
Brun & Co 2
Bourn, Mrs 40
Brodt, A. W G
Brockhoff, C. M
Beach, Geo. H
Bell, C. E 3
Beerstecher, F 10
Blair, J
Bradley, W
Braghetta, J 1
Bateman, H
Black, Alex
Bailey, J
Bear.lsley, A. G 6
Benson, J 80
Bateman, J 80
Bailey, E. A
Bateman, H
Crochat, G. & Co 20
Cleghorn, J 13
Conn, C 30
Carver, D. B 2
1S79. 1880.
1881.
Total
Total
Vinea.
7
17
17,000
2|
2|
20
20,000
4
4
4,000
25
10
65
65,000
20
20,000
2
2,000
55
55
55,000
190
190
190,000
25
25
25,000
9
9
9,000
30
30,000
5
10
10,000
7
7
7,000
25
5
30
30,000
2
12
12,000
3 2
5
5,000
6
11
11,000
3
18
18,000
20
22
22,000
.... 75
150
265
265,000
10
11
27
27,000
12 6
4
22
22,000
6
6
6,000
1 4
5
13
13,000
10
10,000
10
10
10,000
20
20
20,000
1
2
2,000
15
15
15,000
2
2
2,000
17
17
17,000
3
9
9,000
50
130
130,000
80
80,000
2
18
20
20,000
15
15
15,000
7 10
13
50
50,000
13
13,000
6
36
36,000
2
23
27
27,000
Viticulture in Napa County.
209
Total Total
Name or Viheyardists. Bearing. 1879. 1880. 1881. Acres. Vines.
Chiles, J. C 1 1 1,000
Cook, 1 6 6 6,000
Corthay, L 18 3 14 35 35,000
Campbell, D 5 5 10 10,000
Caramella, B 2 2 2,000
Christie, A 5 1 6 6,000
Castner, 14 9 23 23,000
Castner, Jr 14 14 14,000
Clark, S. G 7 7 7,000
Cruey, J 9 9 9,000
Clock, A 1 1 1,000
Cole, D 12 10 22 22,000
Crane, G. B 100 100 100,000
Crabb, H. W 200 20 20 50 290 290,000
Carr, Mrs 8 8 8,000
Cadlola, J 18 18 18,000
Cook, C. W 5 5 5,000
Chopson, T 4 19 23 23,000
Calderwood, A 1 12 4 17 17,000
Church, E. J 10 10 10,000
Doak, D 4 10 10 10 34 34,000
Davis, J. C 90 9 12 111 111,000
Dinning, W 35 35 35,000
Dent, J 30 5 5 40 40,000
Downey, D 2 20 22 22,000
Drew, Mrs. C. C 6 6 6,000
Drew, J. K 12 20 5 37 37,000
Dowdle, Jas 20 20 20,000
Dinsmore, Mrs. J. P 20 20 20,000
Dwyer, Thos 40 40 40,000
Davis, J. M 10 10 10,000
Darling, 0 1 12 13 13,000
Edwards, D 10 3 2 15 15,000
Ewer, S 6 3 65 74 74,000
Ellis, F 12 12 12,000
Ewbank, R. G 5 6 11 22 22,000
Fuller, W. P 2 2 2,000
Forbes, A. B 2 12 14 14,000
Fulton, M. A 6 4 5 15 15,000
Fealey, M 5 4 9 9,000
14
210
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Name of Viseyardjsts.
Bearing:. 18
0. 1880.
Fountain, G. C
14
12
Field, C. J
2
1 9
Field, W. A
6
4
Fealey, W
Fealey, Thos
Fry, J. D
50
. 60
Farrell, T. N
3 ..
Gibson, -Mrs. G.W
22
6
Gluyas G. K
30
10
10
Grattan, W. H
13
Gates, Thos
10
45
12
Griffith, C
1
Grant, J. N
7
5
Heo-ele C
15
Hackney, H. W
4
5
4
15
6
5 4
Hewes, F. W
6
Hapman, E
Heidhoff, A. H
Heald, L.S
4
Hunt, D. 0
12
6
Howell, J
1
Harker & Son
20 ..
Hanrahan, D
10
Harris, H. H. . .
6
Holt, P
10
Huls, J
1
Hastings, S. C
70
20
Innian, M. F
4 6
Ink, T. H
.. 40
Jordan, W. H
12
5
Johnson, J
H •■
10
36
36,000
14
14,000
10
10,000
4
4
4,000
5
5
5,000
110
110,000
3
3,000
28
28,000
12
52
52,000
10
10,000
10
10
10,000
13
13,000
10
10,000
35
92
92,000
1
1,000
4
4,000
14
14
14,000
8
15
15,000
5
5,000
5
20
20,000
3
7
7,000
5
5,000
4
4,000
21
21,000
9
9,000
11
11,000
7
7
7,000
5
5
5,000
2
6
6,000
18
18,000
1
1,000
60
80
80,000
15
25
25,000
35
41
41,000
15
15,000
5
6
6,000
10
100
100,000
7
17
17,000
50
90
90,000
17
17,000
5
6i
6,250
' ^4^^^^^
Viticulture in Napa County.
211
Total Total
Name or Vinetardists. Bearing. 1879. 1880. 18S1. Acres. Vines.
Jacot & Jaquet 24 2 26 26,000
Jeanmonod, A 3 3 3,000
Julian, H 2 2 2,000
Kunkle, G & S 5 5 5,000
Kraft, F 30 8 38 38,000
Keefe, F 7 5 12 12,000
Krekeler.W 30 .... 9 15 54 54,000
Kenney, G. L 15 15 30 30,000
Kidd, Jos 35 35 35,000
Krug, Charles 112 5 26 10 153 153,000
Kaltenbach, M 12 12 12,000
Kister.J. S 8 .. . 3 2£ 13i 13,500
Laurent, J 6 14 14 34 34,000
Lyman, W. W 32 15 47 47,000
Lemme, C 25 5 30 12 72 72,000
Lazarus, L 16 16 16,000
Lewelling, J 100 5 5 110 110,000
Lange, H 3 .... llj 3 17J 17,500
Loeber.F.W 4 4 4,000
Lang,B .. 20 20 20,000
Locker, W 20 5 4 2 31 31,000
Legay, 2 2 2,000
McFarling, Jas 7 7 5 19 19,000
Merriam, F. J 6 12 4 22 22,000
Martinelli, D 20 20 20,009
Meyer, C 5 5 5,000
Mills, C - 5 5 5,000
Mills, Mrs 6 .... 6 6,000
McPike, J.M 4 .... 25 15 44 44,000
Meachani, H. M 3 8 16 27 27,000
McCord, J. H 25 .... 12 10 47 47,000
Maytield, J.M 5 20 25 25,000
Mee, Geo 7 2 2 9 20 20,000
Mclntyre, J. J 10 10 20 20,000
Musgrove, E 22 22 22,000
Mitchell, S.T 4 4 4,000
Maguire, J. A 3 4 5 4 16 16,000
Morton, J. J 3 10 13 13,000
Newkirk, I. J 2 .... 34 1 37 37,000
Niebaum, G 64 90 154 154,000
Nauer, W ' 20 20 20,000
212 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Name of Vineyardists. Bearing. 1879. 1880. 1881.
Osborn, Geo 5 2
Pratt, B. H 8 14 3
Pratt, J 10 .... 10 6
Pope, A. J 12
Penwell, M. A 20
Pellet, J. S 10
Pellet, H. A 40
Peterson, W 30 3
Pinkham, P 7 2 2 ....
Preston, AW 12
Pritchard, C 15
Pritchard, M 20
Penlington, Theo 8 7 15
Pierce, D 20
Payne, M 3 6 5
Pfister, W 6 6
Pritchard, C 12
Kampendahl, A. C 12
Rampendahl, H 2 1
Risley, H H
Roulet, L 5 4
Robers, G. T 17 ....
Ross, W 4
Robson, P 9
Ritchie, Capt 7
Reimann, J 2 10 10
Rogers, T. G 4
Roberts, M 8
Rutherford, J 18
Rohlwing, D.S 11
Rutherford, D 20
Soberanes, Mrs 20
Sinckler, H 9 18
Star, E. T 15 3
Sayward, J. W 26 3
Spratt, George S 5 5 15
Sparr, R. L 3 3 12
Shepurdson, L. B 3
Sander, L 34 16
Sheean, B 6
Smith, 0 1
Total
Acres.
Total
Vines.
7
7,000
25
25,000
26
26,000
12
12,000
20
20,000
10
10,000
40
40,000
33
33,000
11
11,000
12
12,000
15
15,000
20
20,000
30
30,000
20
20,000
14
14,000
12
12,000
12
12,000
12
12,000
3
3,000
H
1,500
9
9,000
17
17,000
4
4,000
9
9,000
7
7,000
22
22,000
4
4,000
8
8,000
18
18,000
11
11,000
20
20,000
20
20,000
27
27,000
18
18,000
29
29,000
25
25,000
18
18,000
3
3,000
50
50,000
6
6,000
1
1,000
Viticulture in Napa Cotmty.
213
Namk of Vinbyardists. Bearing1.
Storey, G. A 2
Spear, M 1
Shultze, O 15
Scheffler,W 126
Staetzel, F 10
Simmons, E. P
Sawyier, N 9
Sheehan, P. K 8
Sutton, S 4
Siedenburg, G
Smith, C. P 5
Stiers, L
Stecker,J 29
Stevens, J. M 10
Schmidt, C 15
Sullinger, J. C 1
Scott, C. L. A... 16
Swartout, L
Shonewald, G
Tainter, M 16
Trumpler & Lenthold 12
Thompson, C 20
Tully, L
Utting, Mrs
Van Fleet, T
Vann, M
West, F
Weinberger, J. C.
Worrell, G. B.
Waldschmidt, C. .
Weiske, C
Weaks, W. P....
Wheeler, C
Wheeler, R
Williams, J. W. .
Wood, E. R
Wakefield, L. H. .
Wade, 0
Walter, Jessie . . .
Whitton, M. S. . .
Whitton, G
4
15
200
20
12
18
26
6
10
15
25
61
13
20
25
16
4
17
20
16
41
25
3
50
54
20
68£
22
10
6
23
30
30
13
19
40
38
16
22
18
5,000
4,000
15,000
200,000
20,000
12,000
18,000
26,000
6,000
10,000
15,000
25,000
61,000
13,000
20,000
25,000
16,000
4,000
17,000
20,000
16,000
41,000
25,000
3,000
50,000
54,000
20,000
68,500
22,000
10,000
6,000
23,000
30,000
30,000
13,000
19,000
40,000
38,000
16,000
22,000
18,000
214
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Week, G.....
York, E. M..
York, W. E.
York, J
Zange, E. . . .
1881.
Acres.
Vines.
3
8
. 8,000
8
53
53,000
25
25,000
7
27
27,000
19
19,000
NAPA DISTRICT.
Ayer, M 12
Allen, C. H
Blanchar, 22
Bailey,
Biower, H. H. Estate of 30
Bush, F. W
Baley, 12
Booth, C 2
Bell, R W
Buhman, 90
Barth, G 115
Benkeizer, 6
Biggs, E 4
Breckenfielcl,
Clark's place f
Callen, E 4
Clayton, W 3
Courtney, 1
Custer,
Carter place
Cheney, D. S
Dunn,
Downey, 6
Daley, W 8
Duhig, 1 4
Dell.C 18
Deweese, G. W 3
Evans f
Elles
Emerson
Ellis
Enos, J. D 2
Estee, M. M 70
25
37
37,000
15
15
15,000
48
70
70,000
4i
4*
4,500
30
30,000
20
20
20,000
12
12,000
4
G
G,000
1
1
1.000
90
90,000
25
140
140,000
G
6,000
4
4,000
17
17
17,000
1
750
4
4,000
2
7|
7,500
2
3
3,000
10
10
10,000
20
20
20,000
25
25
25,000
15
15
15,000
6
6,000
13
21
21,000
4
4,000
18
18,000
3
3,000
8
8}
8,750
25
25
25,000
40
40
40,000
15
15
15,000
2
2,000
190
260
260,000
Viticulture in Napa County.
215
Name of Vineyardists. Bearing.
&Co 20
Ellsworth, M
Frost 6
Frater
Fry 35
Fairmari
Flannegan
Fly.Q 2
Foster 3
Folger 10
Fay, J 18
Folger
Groezinger, G 150
Graves
Gibbs 11
German Ranch 3
Gildersleeve
Herald 5
Hopper, T
Hopper, C, Estate of 4|
Hook ll|
Hein, J 18
Hendricks, P 2
Hendricks, G 10
Hole, J. P 15
Hardman, L. W
Harker, J. W 12
Harris, J. R 5
Hagan, H 70
Herkle, H 20
Johnson 4|
James, B 17
Jackson, J. P ". . . . 23
Jensen, M 16
Klam \
Kenworthy, Dr
Kneif 12
Long
Leach, Dr 15
Lennon 5
Leonard 2
1881.
Total
Total
Vines.
230
250
250,000
15
15
15,000
13
19
19,000
10
10
10,000
55
90
90,000
3
3
3,000
7
7
7,000
2
2,000
3
3,000
10
10,000
18
18,000
5
5
5,000
30
180
180,000
18
IS
18,000
45
56
56,000
3
' 3,000
13
13
13,000
22
27
27,000
67
67
67,000
4*
4,500
7
18J
18,500
11
29
29,000
2
2,000
4
20
20,000
15
15,000
20
20
20,000
35
47
47,000
5
5,000
50
120
120,000
20
20,000
25
29J
29,500
17
17,000
23
23,000
5
21
21,000
9
9i
9,500
5
5
5,000
12
12,000
16
16
16,000
35
50
50,000
5
5,000
2
2,000
216
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa,
Name of VtaBTARDIOTB.
McClure, T.B
McClure, J. S
Munson
Maher
Miscellaneous
Meredith
Mount, J. P
Moser, C
Miller, J. F
Manyino, G
Mansfield, J. M. . . .
Marshall, J. L
Naur,
Newell, Dr
Porter,
Parsons',
Pettengill, Dr. J. A.
Poke, Miss
Rawling,
Reed,
Rose, M
Reed, Wm
Robinson, C
Roney, S
Roeder,
Ryan,
Salamini,
Schelander,
Sneed, ,
Sackett, K
Stanley,
Squibb, D
Swain, C. A
Sharp, Wm
Simonton,
Trubody,
Volz,
Van Auken, A
Woodward
Withers, M
Wan!. .1. T
3§
1G
10
17
1
ni
60
23
3
1881.
Total
Total
2
33
33,000
36
36,000
8
18
18,000
4
8
8,000
16
16,000
15
15,000
20
20
20,000
10
10
10,000
5
40
40,000
10
30
30,000
10
10,000
18
18,000
16J
161
16,500
3,000
40
40
40,000
H
3,500
8
24
24,000
1
11
11,000
6
6
6,000
13
30
30,000
1
1,000
11|
11,500
3
63
63,000
7
30
30,000
3
3,000
n
2f
2,750
9
9
9,000
4
4
4,000
25
25
25,000
7
7,000
20
20
20,000
6
6,000
4
4,000
25
25,000
107
147
147,000
10
13
13,000
13
22
22,000
4
4
4,000
10
16
16,000
i
250
50
50,000
Viticulture in Napa County.
217
Namb of Vineyardists.
Wilcox
Yount
Brownlee, R
Moore, R
Thompson, S
Lightner Col
Buckley, Mrs. C. M. A. .
Coombs, Win
Insane Asylum
Stuart, J. B
Green, L
Penny, John
Murphy, Chas
Parsons, John
Carboni, Antonio
Grigsby, Terrell
Sundry persons
Bearing.
1$
4
1880. 1881.
4$ 2
6
200
200
100 80 100
Total
Total
Vines.
8
8,000
10
10,000
29
27,400
1
800
30
25,000
29
20,400
25$
17,450
6
5,000
6
4,000
31$
35,200
29
27,700
15
11,200
31
21,000
29
17,000
20
13,000
380
380,000
200
200,000
Calistoga District 277$
St. Helena District 2,819f
Napa District 1 ,771$
1879. 1S80. 1881. Total Acres. Total Vines.
... 197| 655 l,123f 1,129,750
163 1,253$ 2,363 6,595$ 6,595,250
34 l,645f 3,324 3,305,950
Grand Total 4,868$ 163 1,485 4,663f 11,043 11,030,950
Below we give a table showing the name of owner, and amount of wine
manufactured in 1880. We would suggest to the different wine-growers'
associations in the county, the propriety of securing all statistics that it is
possible to collect from year to year, and preserving them in the minutes of
their meetings. We are sorry that our table is incomplete in any respect,
but we assure our readers that we exerted ourselves to the utmost, spending
a great amount of time in gathering this information. We were unable to
find some of the gentlemen at home, or to see them at all. Others had no
records, hence could give us only estimates, while one cellarman refused to
impart any information whatever. Being a foreigner, we were unable to
make him understand what we wished. With this single exception, we
have found the wine producers of Napa County most courteous indeed, and
ready to impart all information possible, and to encourage our enterprise to
the extent of their ability, for all of which they may be sure we feel deeply
218 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
thankful, and trust that they ma}' find that we have given the subject of
wine production a thorough review :
STATISTICS OF WINE CELLARS IX NAPA COUNTY.
Name of Owner in 1880.
Berringer Bros 145,000
Beretta Bros 5,000
Brun & Chaix 115,000
Barth, G 120,000
Crabb, H. W 300,000
Crochat, G. & Co 35,000
Corthay, L 2,000
Degouy, N 58,000
Debanne & Bresard 36,000
Dorr, L. (Grigsby cellar) . . 65,000
Folger 10,000
Fountain, G. C 18,000
Gila Bros 45,000
Gaique, T. A 52,650
Groezinger, G 275,000
Heyman, E 19,000
Hagan, H 35,000
Haug, G 1,000
Jeanmonod, A 25,000
Knief, J 2,500
Kortum, L 38,000
Krug, Charles 280,000
Krug& Smith 76,000
Kaltenbach, M 400
Lyman, W. W 4,000
Laurent, J 60,000
Lemme, C 13,000
Amount made
Name of Owner. in 1380.
Leuthold 11,000
Medeau, J. J. H 12,000
McEachran, C. T 3,500
McCord, J. W 49,000
Migliavacca, G 65,000
Pellet, H. A 25,000
Pettengill, Dr 5,000
Reed, Win 14,000
Rosenbaum, F. H 5,000
Rossi, A 10,000
Schram, J 20,000
Scheffler, Win 250,000
Schultze, O 10,500
Sciaroni, F 10,000
Schranz, A 60,000
Salmini, F 20,000
Simonton, J. W 25,000
Semorile, B 15,000
Tossetti, B 20,000
Thomann, J 100,000
Van Bever & Co 200,000
Weinberger, J. C 75,000
Wegele, C 10,500
Woodward, E. W 4,700
Weaks, W. P 1,500
Total product for 1880, 2,857,250
Wine Cellars. — We will now give a short descriptive sketch of the
individual wine cellars in Napa County. At Calistoga there ai-e two cellars.
L. Kortum's Cellar. — This is located in the town of Calistoga and is
doing a very good business, on a small scale, having made in 1880, thirty-
eight thousand gallons of wine, which is pronounced by judges to be a
first-class article.
J. J. H. Medeau. — Also located at CalistQga, and is a small cellar, making
only twelve thousand gallons in 1880.
Viticulture in Napa County. 219
Alta Vineyard Cellar. — Is located in the foothills south of Calistoga,
and is the property of Mr. C. T. McEachran. He erected it in 1878 and it
is built of stone, and 18 x 24 feet in size, having a capacity of eight thou-
sand gallons. He has made a total of nine thousand five hundred gallons,
and his wine is of a most excellent quality. It is disposed of readily at
good figures by retail.
Jacob Schram's Cellar. — " Schramsberg " vineyard and cellar are located
only a short distance to the westward of the last named. The first cellar
was a tunnel into the side of the hill, twenty feet wide and one hundred
and twenty feet deep, having a capacity of twenty thousand gallons. In
1881, Mr. Schram began the construction of a new cellar, which is to have
a frontage of one hundred and twenty-six feet. On each front corner there
is to be a tower with a twenty-five foot frontage, thirty-six feet high and a
projection of fifteen feet. Between the towers the frontage will be seventy-
five feet and the width of the main body of the cellar will be forty feet.
The site for this cellar is excavated from the solid rock or lava. There will
be a solid wall on the four sides, as the lava is not suitable to join the front
walls upon. From the main cellar four tunnels will extend into the hill
for a distance of seventy-five feet or more. There will be a distillery on
the hill just back of the cellar and the upper or work room will be reached
from this level also. Mr. Schram takes great pride in his wine, produces
an excellent quality, which always commands a high price.
W. W. Lyman's Cellar. — Is situated about three miles north of St.
Helena, on the road to Calistoga. F. E. Kellogg planted the first vines on
the place in 1855. Mr. Lyman erected the cellar in 1871, and it is made of
concrete. It is 30x50 in size, two stories high, and has a capacity of from
thirty thousand to forty thousand gallons.
F. H. Rosenbaum's Cellar. — -This is situated near St. Helena, and is a
small affair.
John C. Weinberger's Cellar. — Is large and commodious and equal in con-
venience to any in the valley, and can readily convert all his grapes, of
which he has thirty-five acres, into fine wines. The cellar was built of red
lava rock in 1876, and the capacity to store is one hundred and fifty thous-
and gallons. One story under ground for storing wine. Second story for
crushing grapes and fermenting house. The building is supplied with fresh
spring water from the mountains. Notwithstanding all these facilities for
wine-making, he has given much time and thought to the subject of making
grape syrup, a new branch of industry first introduced by him in 1876.
He made in that year one thousand five hundred gallons, and in the year
following two thousand gallons. The soil of the vineyard is chiefly of de-
composed lava-rock, black and white soil, the latter containing magnesia, all
of which, it is said, produces the finest qualities of wine.
220 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
J. Lmtrent's Cellar. — Is located about one and a half miles north of St.
Helena, and was erected in 1879. It is a stone structure 60x100 feet in size,
two stories high, and has a capacity of two hundred thousand gallons. This
is certainly one of the finest cellars in Napa County, and Mr. Laurent de-
serves great credit for his enterprise. He makes from forty to sixty
thousand gallons of wine annually.
Charles Krug's Cellar. — Mr. Krug manufactures, among other brands
of wines, Claret, Angelica, Sherry, Madeira, Sweet Tokay, Riesling, Moun-
tain, etc. The amount of wine made in 18S0 was two hundred and eighty
thousand gallons. Besides the wines mentioned there was distilled into
brandy in the same year a large number of gallons. These wines have a
wide reputation at home and abroad, and are sold extensively all over the
West as well as in the East, and some in Germany and England. There
is a branch establishment in St. Louis, Missouri, which is used as a distrib-
uting point. In 1875 Mr. Krug went East, and spent considerable time in
introducing Napa wines and preparing for their proper shipment. During
his absence he closely observed everything of interest to the wine men,
which he has freely communicated for their guidance and benefit.
He has the largest wine cellar in the county, with a capacity of three
hundred and fifty thousand gallons. It is, from outside to outside, 90x104
feet, the middle or main building being two stories. The upper room, 44x
100 feet in the clear, is the press-room or general manufacturing depart-
ment. Immediately under this room is one 42x100 feet, with all the
modern apparatus for keeping an even temperature for fermenting wines.
The next room, 21x100 feet, contains the distillery and stores of new
wine. The next room, 21x100 feet, is used for storing the old wines.
This cellar is perfect in all its arrangements for the proper handling and
storing of wines, and shows careful thought in its construction, and it is a
credit to the intelligence and enterprise of the proprietor. Grapes by the
load are run up the stairs on a truck, and the capacious maws of the two
sieves chaw them off the stems by the car-load every few minutes, while
the juice pours out below at the rate of six thousand gallons per day.
Mr. Krug manufactures some of the best brandy made in the State.
Everything about this vast establishment denotes tidiness, order and con-
venience, which are three of the best elements of success in wine-making.
The most fastidious person need never fear of getting impure or adulterated
wines from this establishment, as everything is done with the utmost care
and neatness. The whole form bespeaks order and business thrift. The
grounds about the residence and cellar are laid out in smooth hard drives,
which extend in various directions out into the vineyards. The fine large
oaks and other trees surrounding the place, give a charm to the scene, es-
pecially as you pass through it on the cars, while on either side the vines
^>.ff&t*t4*44>
Viticulture in Napa County. 221
come close up to the railroad track, displaying their tempting purple
clusters.
Mr. Krug tells us some reasons why Napa wines are superior to foreign.
This climate is perfect ; the grape ripens fully every year. There are no
early frosts, as in France and Germany, to hasten the picking. Our
vineyardists manage the picking and pressing of the grapes, and the earlier
fermentation of the wine, more clearly, intelligently and skillfully than in
Europe. Also, the whole after process is a great improvement. Better
casks are used and the cellars here are almost always above ground, owing
to the evenness of the temperature ; and are clearer and sweeter, and the
whole treatment is better. For those reasons especially, Mr. Krug's wines
have acquired a reputation second to none in California.
Berringer Brothers Cellar. — Berringer Bros.' fine vineyard and property
is one of those beautiful building spots in which the valley abounds, and
was formerly well known as the " Hudson Place," and was purchased in
1875 from William Daegner by its present owners, Messrs. J. Berringer (for-
merly the well-known and popular foreman of Charles Krug's wine cellar)
and his brother, F. Berringer, of No. 40 Whitehall street, New York City.
The whole place consists of ninety-seven acres hill and valley land, and
embraces twenty-eight acres of vineyard, most of which were foreign vines,
the remainder having since been grafted into Riesling and Chasselas.
On the place is the large old-fashioned building, for so many years the
home of the pioneer, David Hudson. There is also a good orchard, as well
as a large number of orange, lime and lemon trees. They have also graded
the county road in front, drained off the mountain water that ran down the
hill in the rear, and made many minor improvements.
From articles in the St. Helena Star we condense the following descrip-
tion of their large and substantial wine-cellar :
The wine-cellar of Berringer Brothers is the most handsomely finished of
any in the valley, and for solidity of build and completeness of appoint-
ments can have no superior anywhere. Its whole size is 40 x 104 feet, and
its walls are stone, handsomely cut, with the monogram of the owners,
" B. B.," neatly cut in the keystone. The building is of three stories ; there
are no partitions, and each story forms but a single room, with no divisions
but the rows of stanchions that traverse the length of the building. The
ground floor is of cement and has a slight pitch for drainage. The second
floor is built like a ship's deck, regularly caulked and water-tight. It is
laid entirely of 3x3 stuff, cut so as to leave the edge of the grain up, and
thereby prevent splintering. It has also water-tight base-boards, so that it
could, if necessary, be filled with water to a depth of several inches. The
third story is where the crushing is carried on, the cellar standing against
the hill-side and a road leading around the back, so that wagons can unload
222 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
their grapes upon the third story. Eight hatchways provide openings for
conducting the juice into tanks below.
The cellar itself is built against this hillside, so that at the back the
ground rises to the height of the first floor, and still rapidly inclining up-
wards. Through the back wall is pierced one archway, pointing straight
into the hillside, and already entering about seventy feet in, • and about
seventeen feet in width. This is used as a store-room for the better class of
wines.
The location is in the hillside back of the dwelling, where the ascent is
steep enough to leave at the rear only five feet of the wall exposed. This
arrangement is for the purpose of unloading wagons of grapes into the
third story, where the crushers are found.
A roadway has been graded around through the place, leaving the
county-road at one side, and entering it at the other, and describing in its
course along the hillside a semi-circle that passes along the front of the
cellar, while a " side-track " goes around past the rear of the same, and thus
affords the facilities for the unloading referred to above.
The corner-stone was laid in the presence of scores of citizens who had
assembled to do honor to the event. The center of attraction was the stone
itself, neatly chiseled out by Baillie, and appropriately inscribed "B. B. 1877,"
and containing various excavations for the deposits that were to be made
therein. These consisted of copies of the " Star," and many cards of per-
sons attending. Professor Smith deposited a photograph. Aug. Tonolla,
the popular landlord, a Hungarian bank-note ; and Charles Krug a twenty-
dollar gold coin. Bottles of native wine and champagne were also interred
here for future generations to resurrect and sample. After short speeches,
Dr. Michell baptised the stone with champagne until the cover was lowered
to its place.
Several quite extensive improvements were made in 1881. The grapes
are crushed with a Heald's patent machine, driven by steam.
Beretta Brothers' Cellar. — Is located on the road from St. Helena to the
brewery, and is a wooden structure 48 x 28 in size, with a capacity of fifteen
thousand gallons. They began business in 1879, just north of their present
place, where they made small quantities of wine from year to year.
C. Lemme's Cellar. — This is a small affair, located in the vicinity of St.
Helena. The amount manufactured in 1880 was thirteen thousand gallons.
C. Wegele's Cellar. — Another small cellar near St. Helena. The amount
made in 1880 being ten thousand five hundred gallons.
" Edge Hill " Cellar. — This is located about two miles west of the town
of St. Helena, and is the property of William SchcfHer. This cellar was
erected by General E. D. Keyes in 1867, and was the first one of any con-
siderable size built in Napa County. Keyes disposed of the property
• Viticulture in Napa Comity. 223
to General Heath in 1872, and Mr. Scheffler became proprietor in 1879.
The original vineyard was planted by a blacksmith, and comprised ten acres
of Mission vines. General Keyes planted ten acres more and General Heath
added sixteen acres, and Mr. Scheffler has since planted thirty -five acres.
The cellar is three stories high, and built of stone, and is 37 x 100 feet in
size, and has a capacity of one hundred and seventy-five thousand gallons.
This is filled with large oval casks, which will hold on an average about
twenty-thousand gallons. In 1880, Mr. Scheffler constructed a large fer-
menting house, just west of the cellar. He has all the appliances and
conveniences necessary for the prosecution of _the business to the best
possible advantage. Besides his home place he has several vineyards rented,
from all of which his wine-yield is good, and he has become one of the
largest wine-makers in Napa County. Has a very fine still in St. Helena,
which is operated on the vacuum principle.
B. Tossetti's Cellar. — -This is a small cellar of a capacity of eighteen
thousand gallons.
A. Rossis Cellar. — Also a small affair, making only ten thousand gallons
in 1880.
» N. Deguoy's Cellar. — He is making wine in a cellar in the western part
of the town of St. Helena, where he began in 1878. The cellar has a capa-
city of one hundred thousand gallons. There is a still connected with it,
having a capacity of three hundred gallons.
Oscar Schultze's Cellar. — A small cellar in the St. Helena District.
E. W. Woochvard's Cellar. — A small affair on the estate of Mr. Woodward.
Gila Brothers' Cellar. — A cellar of goodly proportions in the St. Helena
District, having a capacity of upwards of fifty thousand gallons.
H. A. Pellet's Cellar. — This cellar was built by Messrs. Pellet & Carver
in 1866, and the partnership remained until 1878. The building is partly
under ground, or rather sunk into the ground, is two stories high, is 50x60
feet in size. It is estimated that a total of eight hundred thousand gallons
have beeen made at this cellar.
Dr. Crane's Cellar. — This cellar is among the oldest in the St. Helena
District, and, indeed, in Napa County. It is a double building, having a
total dimension of 80x150 feet. There is one underground cellar which is
50x25, and a wing on the main building which is 120x30 feet. On the
premises there is a stone sherry house which is 150x40 feet in size, and two
stories high, having a capacity of sixty thousand gallons. There is also a
distillery with a capacity of two hundred gallons.
E. Heyman's Cellar. — Is located in the southern portion of St. Helena,
and was erected in 1879. It is a wooden structure 40x50 feet, and one
story high, with a capacity of twenty-four thousand gallons.
G. C. Fountain's Cellar. — He began business and erected his cellars in
224 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
1876. The building is 45x75 feet, and has a capacity of fifty thousand
gallons.
F. Sciaroni's Sherry House. — Is located in the southern part of St-
Helena, and was erected in 1880, the building being two stories high, and
28x37 feet. It has a capacity of thirty thousand. The sherry made both
here and at the house on Dr. Crane's place, is an excellent article.
J. Thomann's Cellar. — Is situated on the road leading south from St.
Helena, at Vineland station, and is one of the most completely arranged cel-
lars in the county. He began business here in 1874, and erected his cellar
that year, which is 40x100 feet in size. In 1876 he erected a wing 18x100
feet, and in 1880 he built another wing 30x60 feet, and two stories high.
The present capacity of the cellar is one hundred and fifty thousand gallons.
He began the business of distilling also in 1874, with a copper still of a ca-
pacity of three hundred gallons. In 1880 he put up a wooden still with a
capacity of seven hundred and fifty gallons. He has a Heald crusher, and
all his machinery is driven by steam. The Heald crusher is a very complete
contrivance, as it also stems as well as crushes the grapes. The one owned
by Mr. Thomann has a capacity of ten tons an hour.
J. H. McCord's Cellar. — Mr. McCord began wine-making in 1871,* in
partnership with T. A. Gaique, on the place now owned by G. A. S tamer
After only a few months the cellar caught on fire, and the building and
about thirty thousand gallons of wine were destroyed. He then sold his
grapes for the next three years, and in 1374 he made wine in the cellar of
W. P. Weaks, at Pine station. For the next four years he used his barn
for a cellar, and in 1880 he erected his present building, which is 48x60
feet, and two stories high, having a capacity of one hundred thousand
gallons.
Nouveau Medoc Cellar. — Is located at Oakville, and is the property of
Messrs. Brim & Chaix. They commenced operations in 1877, with a small
cellar, only 20x34 feet in size. Since then they have added to this building,
until it is now 160x34 feet, and they have another building near by which
is 40x54 feet. They now have a total capacity of one hundred and thirty
thousand gallons. They have imported nine different varieties of excellent
wine-making grapes from Medoc, France, and have a vineyard of twenty
acres planted with them on Howell Mountain.
H. W. Crabb's Cellar. — Mr. H. W. Crabb is the owner of the " Hermosa
Vineyards," situated at Oakville station. He is a careful and very success-
ful grape-grower, and has one of the largest vineyards of the county. In
January, 1868, he purchased the present described tract of land, situated at
Oakville, on the line of the railroad, twelve miles north of Napa City,
containing two hundred and forty acres, without any improvement except
a tenement house and barn. He commenced the planting of vines at once,
Viticulture in Napa County. 225
and continued to do so each year until one-half the tract was in vineyard, con-
taining two hundred and twenty thousand vines, consisting chiefly of the
following varieties: Zinfandel, Malvasia, Burgundy, Chartreuse and Ries-
ling, Chasselas, Berger, Hamburg, Tokay, and Muscat. The latter two are
generally sold for table purposes, and the others are manufactured into
wines and brandies. The production last year was about three hundred
thousand gallons of wine, and four thousand three hundred and
thirty-eight gallons of brandy. The cellar is constructed of wood, and its
capacity about seventy -five thousand gallons. He began distilling in 1878,
and in that year made two thousand two hundred and one gallons of
brandy; in 1879, six hundred and thirty-three gallons; in 1880, two
thousand four hundred and ninety-nine gallons, and in 1881 four thousand
three hundred and thirty-eight gallons, making a total of nine thousand
three hundred and seventy-one gallons.
J. V. and G. A. Startler's Cellar. — Is located east of Pine station a short
distance, is built of concrete and is forty-four by one hundred and four feet,
having a capacity of seventy-five thousand gallons. It was formerly the
propei-ty of Mr. Gaique.
G. Groezinger's Cellar. — Is a fine large brick building located at Yount-
ville, which is one hundred and fifty feet square and has a capacity of about
four hundred thousand gallons. He has a fine distillery in connection with
it which he built in 1872, having a capacity of six hundred gallons. There
are two wooden and one copper stills. All his machinery is run by steam,
and he has all the modern improvements and appliances.
Frank Salmini's Cellar. — Is located about six miles north-east of Napa
City and is formed by an excavation in the side of the hill. It has a
capacity of about fifteen or twenty thousand gallons.
Occidental Wine Cellar — Is the property of T. L. Grigsby, and is built
of stone. It is in size 112x58 feet and three full stories in height. The first
and second stories are used for storing and the third for working and ferment-
ing wine. The entire walls are built of stone, nicely dressed and beautifully
laid, with four large doors, eight feet square, so as to admit of the passage
of wagons for loading or unloading wine and grapes. The total height to the
peak is fifty -four feet. The walls are two feet in thickness. The stone was
obtained from the foot-hill, at a quarry about one mile distant, and is of the
superior building stone heretofore mentioned. The basement, or cellar, in
which the wine is stored is well ventilated, and the building is so situated
on the hill-side as to enable one to drive on to each floor and on one floor to
drive entirely through the building. Grapes are carried by the wagon-load
to the crusher on the upper floor, where all the work is done. The juice or
wine runs down to the tanks on the next floor, and at the proper time is
15
226 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
taken down to the basement. The building is capable of storing two hun-
dred and fifty thousand to two hundred and seventy-five thousand gallons
of wine, besides having ample working room. There are side dormer win-
dows, from which can be disposed of easily the waste, pomace, boxes, etc., by
a slide which carries them to the ground. The roof is also well ventilated.
In connection with the wine-cellar is a still-house for manufacturing
brandy, situated about sixty feet south of the main building. It is 26 x 28
feet, built of stone.
White Rock Cellar. — Is the property of Dr. J. A. Pettengill and is located
six miles north of Napa joining the Napa Soda Springs, and is one-quarter of
a mile from the county road leading to the Springs and situated in a little
valley containing about thirty acres bottom land, unsurpassed for fertility.
Twenty acres of vineyard and six acres of orchard of the finest fruit lays
on one of the slopes with a southern exposure The vineyard and orchard
rest on a white porous and soft rock, supposed to contain magnesia and
which crumbles on exposure to the atmosphere.
He at once set to work and built a stone cellar with a neat wooden
building over it and equipped it with everything new, and made, in 1871,
two thousand three hundred gallons of wine, which he has since sold for
one dollar per gallon.
After this cellar was filled he erected a larger one entirely of cut stone
from an inexhaustible quarry found on the ranch. The stone when taken
from the quarry can be cut with a sharp axe almost as fast as redwood ;
becomes hard on exposure, is fire-proof and looks like granite.
G. Barttis Cellar.— Is located about four miles north-west of Napa City.
There are two buildings, both of rock, which are very fine indeed. The
one last erected is an especially excellent building. We are sorry not to be
able to give figures concerning this cellar, but we visited it two different
times, and failed to see the foreman each time.
H. Hugaris Cellar. — Is located north-east of Napa City a few miles,
and is a very complete arrangement, though not as large as many in the
county. His wine is very excellent, being made chiefly of grapes grown on
hill-land.
Uncle Sam Cellar. — P. Van Bever and W. W. Thompson began making
wine in 1870, in a building near the First street bridge, where they manu-
factured for two years. They then moved to the present location of the
Uncle Sam Cellar, corner of Main and Fourth streets, Napa. The building
is of brick, and has a capacity of about one-half million gallons. Subse-
quently Mr. Thompson sold his interest, and the firm was composed of
P. Van Bever, C. Anduran, and C. Carpy ; and in 1881 Mr. Van Bever dis-
posed of his interest. There is a distillery in connection with the cellar,
which has a capacity of five hundred gallons. It was put up in 1872. In
Viticulture in Napa County. 227
1874 a vinegar factory was added to the business, having a capacity of from
two hundred to two hundred and fifty gallons a day. The cellar and all
buildings connected with it is one hundred and sixty by one hundred and
forty-four feet, and two stories high.
G. Migliavacca's Cellar. — Is located near the foot of Brown street,
Napa City, and was erected of brick in 1874. It is 100x80 feet in size, and
two stories high, and has a capacity of one hundred and fifty thousand
gallons. There is a distillery connected with it, having a capacity of four
hundred and forty gallons.
Other Cellars. — There are a few small cellars in the county which we
have omitted above ; bat the fact of their existence, and the amount of
wine made in 1880, will be found in the table. We feel that we have de-
voted a great deal of space to this interest, but not any more than it de-
serves, as it is the leading industry of the county, and will doubtless always
stand at the head.
228 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
NAPA TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY.— Napa Township is bounded on the north by Yount
Township, on the east and south by Solano County, and on the west by
Sonoma County. July 7, 1873, the following boundaries were established
by the Board of Supervisors :
Beginning at a point on the Sonoma County line due west of the source
of a small creek, on which was situated Fisk's saw-mill ; thence due east
to the source of said creek ; thence down said creek to its mouth ; thence
down Dry Creek to its mouth in Trubody's Slough ; thence north-easterly,
passing one hundred yards north of the residence of G. W. Crowey, to the
top of the ridge west of Soda Canon ; thence northerly along said ridge to
the top of a sharp point on the south side of Rector Canon ; thence north-
easterly, in a direct line to a point on Tebipa or Capelle Creek, one-half mile
below the house of George Clark ; thence east to the top of the point north
of Capelle Valley ; thence south-easterly along the top of the ridge to the
south end of said ridge, near the head of Rag Canon ; thence due east to the
line between Napa and Solano Counties ; thence southerly and westerly
along said line to the line of Sonoma County : thence northerly along said
line to the place of beginning.
TOPOGRAPHY.— The topography of this township is fully as varied
as that of any of the other sections of Napa County. Beginning at the
western line, we find it on the summit of a range of mountains. Passing to
the east, we come to the Napa Valley, which in this township is much
wider than in the ones to the northward. It opens out into a broad open
flat a few miles south of Napa City, which is covered with tules. Passing
on to the eastward, the remainder of the township is very rough and
mountainous, having here and there small and fertile valleys interspersed
amid the mountain peaks, such as Foss', Wild Horse, Capelle and others.
SOIL. — The soil of this township is similar to other portioas of the
county, being very rich and productive in the valleys, and equally well
adapted to the production of all classes of fruits, vegetables and cereals.
The soil in the tule section is quite rich, and is very productive where there
is not too much salt in its composition. The soil of the mountains is the
common red detritus from volcanic substances, and is well adapted to the
Napa Township. 229
growth of the vine. In Browns Valley the soil is adobe, having been formed
by the decomposition of limestone, but there is enough sand mixed with it
to make the adobe light and friable, and fruits and vines do well in it,
which is not common in that class of soil.
GEOLOGY. — Beginning on the west side of the township we find that
the mountains are formed mostly of sand and limestone of the Tertiary
period. The traveler along the banks of the Hudeman Creek is afforded a
magnificent opportunity to study the geological formation of that section.
There are large beds of limestone there and doubtless it would burn into
quite good lime. The sandstone and shale stratas are also very prominent
features of that section, and the nodular formation of the shale is a won-
derfully interesting subject of contemplation. Passing down the creek we
find the bed of it filled with boulders of lime and sandstone, which are
continually triturating and the detritus is forming rich soil of a light adobe
nature in the flats below. It is wonderful what great quantities of lime-
stone boulders have been collected off from the land in the vicinity of the
Salvador Vallejo adobe house.
Passing to the mountains on the east side of the valley we find the great
masses of volcanic ash and tufa deposited there upon the occasion of some
mighty eruption, and gradually, through the action of ages, formed into
solid rock, affording much very valuable stone now for economical purposes.
The student of geology will find here a wide field for study and research.
Farther on to the eastward these mountains are still of a volcanic origin,
there being much trap and basalt in the ranges near the eastern limits of
the county.
CLIMATE.— From the " Sketch Book " we extract the following truth-
ful statement concerning the climate of Napa and its vicinity : " The lower
end of Napa Valley is open to the breezes which sweep inland from the
sea during the summer months, and serves to lower the temperature to a
remarkable degree. The lower part of the valley south of Napa City
being level, is exposed to its direct action, but not to so great an extent as
to be disagreeable. The wind is greatly modified in its force and tem-
perature in passing over the warm surface of the land, and its effects are
felt less and less as it penetrates inland. Probably the ,pleasantest climate
is found in and near Napa City. The sea breeze, passing over a long
stretch of level land, loses its roughness, and yet keeps down the summer
heat, and renders the winters mild. About Napa City the thermometer
rarely gets above eighty degrees, although it has been in rare instances as
high as one hundred and five degrees. In winter ice is sometimes formed
at night half an inch thick upon standing water. Snow is a great rarity
230 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in this part of the valley. None has fallen except in three instances
during the past twenty years, and then to the depth of only a few inches.
The surrounding mountains sometimes put on a snowy mantle for a few
hours, but it soon disappears." (This was written in 1873, and in December
of that year the fourth snow fell, which was to the depth of several inches.
Since then several light snows have fallen in the valley.) The smaller
valleys being shut out from the sea breeze, are hotter and colder than the
Napa Valley.
PRODUCTS — The products of this township are varied, extending to
everything that can be grown in a genial, semi-tropical climate. Fruits and
vines thrive in Brown's Valley ; cereals in the heart of Napa Valley ; fruits,
cereals and vegetables in the southern portion of the township ; vines, small
fruits and cereals in the mountains and mountain valleys, while vegetables
grow everywhere. The future will reveal the fact that it is peculiarl}'
adapted to the growth of the vine, and second to no section in California,
except possibly that of St. Helena.
TIMBER. — The timber of this township is not an object of boast among
the citizens of it. Along the west line there is quite a belt of redwood, but
aside from that there is no timber to speak of, except the oaks and scraggy
digger pine.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— To Don Cayetano Juarez belongs the honor
of being the first settler in Napa Township, coming in as early as 1840.
He had stock in this vicinity as early as 1837, but his family resided in
Sonoma, whither he went of nights. In 1840 he built the small adobe
house still standing on the road to the asylum. Here he has since resided
continuously, and is now enjoying the fruits of a well spent life, in a
neat cottage on his estate. He raised a large family of children.
The next settler was Nicolas Higuerra, who came in and located per-
manently in 1840. He had a wicker house, on which was plastered a thick
coat of mud, giving it the appearance at a distance of an adobe building.
It was thatch-roofed with tules and grass, and was a small structure not
more than twenty feet square. It was located on what is known as the
Patchett place, not a great distance from the Calistoga avenue bridge. In
1847 he constructed an adobe house to the westward of Napa City, which
is still standing. But little concerning this old pioneer is known, except
that he was a Mexican, and had a family, two of his daughters being
united in marriage to the Berryessa brothers.
Don Salvador Vallejo came in very early, and erected an adobe house at
the Trancas, and at the " Bi^r Ranch," as it is called, also. Both of these
QfjUUd,
Napa Tozvnship. 231
houses are yet in existence, and the one at the Trancas is used as a residence.
The one at the " Big Ranch," now the property of G. Barth, is a very large
one indeed, being about forty feet wide and nearly one hundred feet long,
and two stories high. It is now fast going to ruin, and in a few years at
most, nothing will be left to mark the site but a mound of decaying debris.
And so the old landmarks are passing away, and the links which bind the
present, or American regime to the Spanish-Mexican or past, are disappear-
ing, one by one, and soon indeed nothing but the pages of history will be
left to tell of the wonderful glory of the olden days of this almost paradise.
Neither the people nor their works will long survive now, and the over-
whelming tread of American enterprise has all but trampled into nonentity
the former occupants of the land, and the few relics of that people will, in
another half century, be matters of legend and of history.
It is not known who the first settler, other than Spanish, was in this
township. There were probably but few persons up to 1847, and it is not till
1848 that we can learn of any permanent settlers. It will be remembered
that George C. Yount's place was the headquarters of the Americans pre-
vious to this, and that as a consequence most if not all of them settled on
his place as renters, or above it. We will append a list of the pioneers as
far as we are able, to obtain their names, and where obtainable give the year
of their arrival. In 1848 the following persons were in the township : John
Trubody, George N. Cornwell, Harrison Pierce, Ralph Kilburn, William
H. Nash, William Russell, J. P. Thompson, John Custer, John Adams; in
1849, Peter D. Bailey, T. G. Burton ; in 1850, Dr. W. W. Stillwagon, Thomas
Earl, P. D. Grigsby, T. F. Raney, H. N. Amsbury, E. G. Young, Jesse
Grigsby ; in 1851, J. H. Howland ; in 1852, W. S. Jacks, A. W. Norton, John
M. Davis, John T. Smith ; in 1853, W. A. Elgin, J. G. Randall, B. Little,
William Middletown, Charles Robinson, C. H. Allen, H. Goodrich, H. A.
Pellet, W. A. Fisher; in 1854, Robert Miller, John Watson, and in 1855,
William E. Anderson. Of course there are many others whose names have
been forgotten by our informants, and then there are others whose names
will be found mentioned elsewhere in this work. The reader is referred to
the biographical department for further facts concerning the early settlers.
NAPA CITY. — To the visitor at Napa City to-day the statement that
only one-third of a century ago the site of the now beautiful city was
nothing but a howling wilderness, sounds more like a fable than a reality ;
and yet such is the case. That length of time takes us back to 1848 — the
year in which the first house was erected in the place. Previous to that
the whole town-site was a good field of wild oats, which grew in wonderful
luxuriance here, owing to the richness of the soil. The original town-plot
was planted in beans in 1847, which was the first evidences of civilization
232 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
which the place had ever known. In the short space of thirty-four years
what a grand transformation has occurred ! Truly the results and fruits of
energetic and well-directed industry are to be found no better developed
than here.
At this time (1847) there was not a house in the county except a few
adobes, occupied by Mexicans and a few hardy American pioneers, such as
George C. Yount and Julian Pope, who had penetrated the mountain fast-
nesses which lay between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean and
had found a resting place from their journeyings in the sweet valleys of
this section. There was not a store, hotel, saloon, church or school within
the limits of the county. There were neither roads, bridges nor fences,
excepting a few small corrals, one of which was on the rancho of Don
Cayetano Juarez, east of the river. There were no buildings near the town-
site, except two adobe houses, one occupied by Nicolas Higuerra and situated
not far from the present Calistoga avenue bridge, and the other, the resi-
dence of Don Cayetano Jaurez on the Tulucay Rancho. The former has
disappeared from sight long since, while the latter still remains as a tie,
binding the present to the far-away past ; not so far away, however, in the
matter of absolute time as in the radical changes which have occurred since
then. The " Embarcadero de Napa " was established very early, probably
before there were any residents in the valley at all. It is known that it
was in existence in 1844, for in the early spring of that year General Sutter
sent his schooner " Sacramento " to the Embarcadero for lime, which he had
purchased of Nicolas Higuerra. William Baldridge and others came to
Napa Valley from Sutter's Fort on board the schooner at that time.
The first mention in a newspaper of what is now Napa City was made
in an article published in the Califomian, then under the management of
Brannan & Kemble, in 1848, in which it is stated that the ship " Malek
Adhel " had passed up the Napa River, and found plenty of water to a
certain point, and that beyond that was the " Embarcadero de Napa."
Early in May, 1848, the first building was erected, which formed the
nucleus around which the present city has grown. It was one and a half
stories high, and in size 18 x 24 feet, and was built by Harrison Piei-ce for a
saloon. The building is still standing, and in good condition, near the river
on the south side of Third street, and in the same enclosure with the " Shade
House." The lumber for this building was sawed by Ralph Kilburn, Har-
rison Pierce and William H. Nash, at Bale & Kilburn's mill, two miles above
St. Helena, and was hauled to Napa by William H. Nash. Six buildings
were framed the previous winter at this mill and shipped to Benicia and
San Francisco. The> town-site was surveyed and laid out by the late Hon.
Nathan Coombs in the spring of 1848, and the original limits of the town
only included the land lying between Brown street and the river, and ex-
Napa Township. 233
tending six hundred yards from Napa Creek to the steamboat landing.
Captain John Grigsby and Nathan Coombs did the carpenter work on the
new adobe house of Nicolas Higuerra, situated west of the present town-site,
and took this tract of land in payment for their work. Shortly afterwards
Captain Grigsby disposed of his interest to Mr. Coombs. They had taken
a bond for a deed from Higuerra, but when the final papers were made out
Mr. Coombs purchased the additional toact known for several years as the
" Commons."
Since then several other additions have been made to the town-plot, by
various owners of land adjoining it, among whom are Thompson, Briggs &
Russell, Hill, Hartson, Cornwell and Lawley. All these additions are now
considered for all legal purposes as portions of Napa City. The town was
formerly divided into sections known as " Napa Alta," or Upper Napa, and
" Napa Abajo," or Lower Napa, the latter consisting of Thompson's addition
of over one hundred acres, and these names are sometimes still used in
descriptions of land. The embarcadero or landing was at the head of navi-
gation, and the ford just above it determined the location of the town.
There being no bridges in those days, the ford was a place of much im-
portance, probably much more than was the embarcadero.
When Pierce came to erect his building he got bewildered amid the
forest of newly planted surveyor's stakes, and placed the structure in
the middle of Main street. This was certainly a significant beginning for
the erection of a saloon. The effects of what the building was destined to
contain seem to have impressed themselves upon the projector very forcibly,
or may be he had a stock stored away under the wide spreading branches of
a neighboring tree, and took occasion to visit it quite frequently to see that
it was all there, barring the quantity he imbibed himself. But, be that as it
may, the building was discovered to be in the middle of the street by
Nicolas Higuerra and the proprietor, after the building had progressed
nearly to completion, the rafters only remaining to be put on. It was,
upon the discovery of its misplacement, moved to its present site, and there
completed.
During that year, 1848, Mr. John Trubody mowed almost the entire
town-site, which was covered with a rank growth of wild oats, and sold
the hay to the Government. On the 8th of May gold was discovered, and
by the time the pioneer building was completed the news had reached the
residents of this valley, and on the twentieth of that month a party com-
prising Harrison Pierce, William H. Nash, Ralph Kilburn, John Kelley,
Frank Kellogg, William McDonald, Hiram Acres and Benjamin Dewell,
together with an old Indian, Guadalupe, and his wife, whohad been
brought from Mexico by William Gordon and Julian Pope, left Napa for
the newly-discovered gold fields, thus being about the first to arrive there.
234 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
It will thus be seen that the newty-constructed edifice was deserted even
before it had been initiated into the mysteries of a saloon. Pierce remained
in the mines during the summer season, and that fall returned to Napa
to find his building just as he had left it, and he put in a stock of liquors
and opened the " Empire Saloon," a place well remembered by all old
pioneers. The following summer it offered accommodations in the shape of
lodgings, and " square meals " of beef, hard bread and coffee af one dollar
each. The first election in Napa County was held in this building in 1849.
It was subsequently occupied for various purposes, R. T. Montgomery using
it at one time as a dwelling-house. The old sign " Empire Saloon," was
still visible in 1857.
In 1849, a rude bridge was built across Napa Creek, near the line of
Brown street, which fell in the autumn of 1851, under the weight of a load
of wheat belonging to J. W. Osborn, killing two horses. Another in its
place was built on Main street, which was carried away by a freshet in the
winter of 1852-3, and the drift and debris lodging against the trees, threw
back the waters and flooded the town. Another bridge was thrown across
the creek at First street the same year. As stated above, there was a ford
just above the head of navigation. There was a ford also near the foot of
Second street, which was passable at low tide, and over which men swam
their horses at high tide. In the fall and winter of 1848-9, a ferry was
established by William Russel and a partner, at a point between Second and
Third streets. In 1851, a toll bridge was built across the river just above
the Vernon Mills, by J. B. Horrell, who obtained a franchise for the same
from the Court of Sessions.
During the fall of 1848, and the following winter, other buildingsi
small temporary structures, half canvass, half redwood " shakes," were
erected. The first store was opened in 1848, by J. P. Thompson, in a build-
ing at the foot of Main street, on the site of the Star Warehouse. The next
store was located on the tongue of land lying at the junction of the river
and creek, and between the two streams, on the present site of " China-
town." In 1849, Messrs. Vallejo & Frisbie (Gen. Mariano Guadalupe V&l-
lejo and Gen. John C. Frisbie) had three stores : one in Napa, one at
Benicia and one at Sonoma, in which George N. Cornwell was also inter-
ested, and had charge of the one at Napa, which was the store mentioned
above as being situated on the point between Napa River and Napa Creek.
In the winter of 1848-9, there was another rush to the mines, and nearly
all the male population of the community proceeded to the " diggins " to
seek a fortune. Messrs. Cornwell and Thompson remained in charge of
their respective stores, and a few old men who did not care to brave the
asperities of the weather, nor the hardships of a miner's life, tarried also.
Some idea of the fabulous prices which commodities commanded at that
Napa Toiutiship. 235
time may be had when we state that lumber at the Capt. Stephen Smith
mill at Bodega was worth $300 per thousand. The freight by wagon to
Sonoma was $80 per thousand, and it was brought thence by vessel at quite
an additional cost. Mr. Cornwell paid John Wooden, in 1849, $100 each
for two stringers for a bridge, each sixty feet in length. That same year
he fenced forty acres of barley, which was then growing on what is now
known as " Cornwell's Addition," with rails which cost him one dollar apiece.
He paid $400 for thrashing the barley in Mexican style, $400 for a fanning
mill, and $125 each for old-fashioned cradles. He did well, however, by
the venture, as he raised from sixty to seventy bushels per acre, and sold
it readily from $8 to $15 per cental.
The next store was erected by Capt. Brackett and R. L. Kilburn, which
was located on Main street, below the American Hotel, and will be remem-
bered as the office of the Reporter, in 1856, then published by Messrs.
Montgomery & Cox. Within the next two years several other buildings
were erected for business purposes, among which was Messrs. Hart & Mc-
Garry's, on Main street, near the site of Messrs. Goodmans' Bank. This
structure was erected by Archibald Jesse, and was originally used for a
dwelling. Jacob Higgins built a store on the south-west corner of Brown
and First streets, now forming a part of the German Music Hall. On the
north-west corner was the store of Messrs. Seawell & Gregg ; also, a one-
story frame building owned and kept by J. Mount, and another subsequently
by Angus Boggs, and afterwards by J. H. Howland. There was a dwelling-
house on Main street, which was subsequently used for mercantile pur-
poses.
There were two other stores on Main street, one on the south-west
corner of Main and Second streets, and another on the north-west corner of
the same streets, occupied by Messrs. Penwell & Walker. The McCombs
Building, on the north-west corner of Main and First streets, was occupied
as a meat market by R. M. Hill, and for several years subsequently as a
saloon. On the south-east corner was a blacksmith shop, presided over by
one Mr. Guthrie. Excepting a few dwellings on Coombs street, there were
but few buildings west of the Court-house previous to 1854 except mere
shanties. The first of any considerable size or pretensions was the dwelling
of Major John H. Seawell, which has since been remodeled, and is now one
of the buildings connected with the Napa Ladies' Seminary. South of this
street all was an open common, with here and there a shanty, down as far
as Colonel W. S. Jacks' place, on Jacks Point. The first warehouse was
erected on the south side of First street, at the then steamboat landing, but
it was carried away by the flood of the following winter. Another ware-
house was put up in 1S50 by John Trubody, near the foot of Main street,
on what is known as Short street, and directly upon the river bank. This
236 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
building was occupied successively as a warehouse, store, saloon, post-office,
church, Magistrate's office and boarding-house, and was still standing in 1871,
as a relic and remembrance of early days. Another warehouse was erected
by Angus L. Boggs in the spring of 1851, a block north on the same street.
In consequence of the enormous prices of lumber and labor in those early
days, buildings already framed were often shipped to California, and some
of these are still standing in Napa City. Three of them united formed
Gregg & Seawell's store, and now constitute the German Hotel, on the cor-
ner of Brown and First streets. The stone building so long occupied by
Messrs. A. Y. Easterby & Co., and the store opposite to it, which was de-
stroyed by fire many years since, a portion of the old Court-house, the Napa
Stable, the first building erected at Oak Knoll, a small store erected for
Lawrence & Kimball, and the building so long occupied by Mr. George N.
Cornwell as a residence on First street, were among these imported buildings.
In 1851, the bark "Josephine," which had been in Moorehead's expedi-
tion to Gila, was purchased by George N. Cornwell, and Captain Chadwick
sailed it up the Napa River to the " Embarcadero," for the modest (?) sum
of one hundred dollars. The new proprietor proceeded to dismantle her, and
house her over. She was then anchored to the bank of the river near the
point of confluence of the river and the creek, east of First street bridge,
and used for several years as a wharf-boat and store ship. She was ulti-
mately sold to William A. Fisher, who rented her for the same purposes,
and finally removed her, on the change of leaving the place, to the present
steamboat landing.
The population of Napa in those early days would have afforded a grand
field for the student of human nature, as it was made up of a motley col-
lection of representatives of all the nations under the sun. The New
England Yankee elbowed the " Sydney duck," and the Chinaman and Negro
stood cheek by jowl with the Digger Indian. Napa was a favorite resort
for miners in the winter, whether they were " flush " or " dead broke." The
chief places of business were the saloons, and gold dust was the medium of
traffic, and scales stood upon every counter. Very little United States coin
was in circulation, and as late as 1S56 the medium of exchange was either
gold dust, foreign coin, or a substitute for coin issued by the assay office of
Kellogg & Humbert in San Francisco. They issued gold pieces of the value
of five dollars, ten dollars, twenty dollars and fifty dollars, which were of
full weight and equal fineness to the Government standard ; these were
everywhere accepted as legal coin. All old settlers will well remember the
fifty dollar " slug " as it was called, which was so common in those days.
The French franc and the English shilling passed freely for a quarter of
a dollar and the five-franc piece for one dollar. No change was used smaller
than a " bit," or ten-cent piece, and they were not reckoned to be of much
Napa Township. 237
consequence. The prices of everything, especially labor, was enormous,
money being the only thing that was plentiful. Alas, how things have
changed since then ! Gambling was the most fashionable pursuit, and men
of all classes engaged in it. San Francisco saw itself repeated on a smaller
scale in this embryotic city. A more rollicking and reckless set of men was
never seen. Fights were of hourly occurrence and practical jokes of all
sorts were the order of the day, and no better entertainment can be afforded
than to listen to the recital of those every-day jokes by a crowd of old-
timers. There were neither churches nor schools, and practically there was
no law, each man being "a law unto himself," and very few had settled
habits. The mass of these men had no family ties to hold them in check,
and there were no places of public resort excepting the bar-rooms, saloons
and gambling houses. " It is not strange," says one who passed through the
ordeal, " that very many of the early pioneers contracted ruinous habits,
causing the premature death of many and a life-long regret to those that
survive. They lived in a fever of excitement, careless of the morrow and
determined to enjoy the present at all hazards to the full."
With the organizing of the county in 1851 came the necessity of erecting
a Court-house, which was built on the corner of Coombs and Second streets,
and was a small two-story structure. The present Court-house plaza was
occupied by Lawley & Lefferts as a lumber yard in 1855. It had long pre-
vious to that been a vacant lot, covered knee-deep with tar-weed.
In November, 1849, Captain Turner G. Baxter and Dr. Bracket arrived
in Napa City and the Captain immediately embarked in the saloon and
grocery business, which he followed till the spring of 1850, when he erected
the " Valley House," on the site now occupied by David L. Haas' book store,
which he conducted for a short time. The " American Hotel " was erected
in 1850 by Nathan Coombs, Lyman Chapman and Samuel Starr, and the
" Napa Hotel" by James Hai-bin in 1851. Several lodging-houses and res-
taurants had previously been opened as appendages to saloons. In addition
to the hotels mentioned above, there were in 1854, a blacksmith shop on
First street, near the corner of Main ; a butcher shop on the corner kept by
R. M. Hill, a restaurant just below it, kept by H. Sanderson; a saloon just
below it kept by J. M. Dudley, and a store kept by J. C. Penwell and A. B.
Walker, on the present site of the bank of Napa. On the east side of Main
street were Charles Hoits' store, the Shade House, and a few temporary
buildings, mostly occupied as saloons or restaurants. Archibald Jesse built
a dwelling, afterwards used by Messrs. Hunt & McGregory as a store. The
building stood upon the present site of the Goodman & Co. Bank.
Mr. George N. Corn well, who came to Napa in 1848, gives us the fol-
lowing statement concerning what was here when he came, and the progress
of the city for a year or two afterwards. " In 1847 Nicolas Higuerra erected
238 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
a new adobe house, and Nathan Coombs and Capt. John Grigsby took the
contract of making and putting on the shingles, for which they received the
tract of land which comprised the original town-site. In the fall of that
year, the services of Mr. James M. Hudspeth, now of Green Valley, Sonoma
County, were brought into requisition, and the town-plot was surveyed.
The first building was a store erected by Southard & Sweezy, and it was
located on the back of the river, just in the rear of the Uncle Sam wine
cellar vinegar house. (This is evidently the same building spoken of above,
as being built by Harrison Pierce. The apparent discrepancy lies, we think,
in the fact that Pierce, was the owner of the building, and the other named
gentlemen did the carpenter work on it. So also in regard to what it was
used for. Stores were apt to have a saloon attached to them in those days,
and vice, versa.) The second building was also a store built by J. P. Thomp-
son, and was located at the foot of Main street, where the mill now stands.
There was a building also where the " O. P. C " store now stands, on the
corner of Main and Third streets. Archibald C. Jesse had a building on
the corner of Second and Main streets, a little above where the Goodman
Bank now stands, and it was then used for a dwelling. A man by the name
of Brown had a little building, now occupied as a saloon, on the north-east
corner of Second and Main streets. All of these buildings were here in the
fall of 1848. The next building was the Vallejo & Frisbie store, at the
junction of the creek and river. Ralph Kilburn, also constructed a dwelling
in the fall of 1848. There was a little saloon on the corner of Main and
Second streets, on the site of the bank of Napa, which was kept by two
brothers named Johnson. Either in the fall of 1848 or the spring of 1849,
the McComb's building was erected on the corner of First and Main streets,
on the site of Alden & Co.'s store. The principal event of those pioneer
days was the lynching of Hugh McCaully, a full account of which will be
found in the chapter on homicides.
In 1850, N. McKimmey, afterwards Sheriff of Napa County, had a ferry-
boat near the foot of Second street. Mr. Thomas Earl, who came in that
year, estimates the number of inhabitants at fifty, and the buildings at one
dozen. The Napa House was then conducted by Frank Juarez. Mr. Earl
was the first saddler in the place, and Charles Allen the first tinner. What
is known as the " Lawley Addition " was purchased bj^ Matt. Harbin from
Nicolas Higuerra, and in 1853 Mr. Earl bought it from him, and subse-
quently sold it to Mr. Lawley. A. W. Norton had a blacksmith shop in
the place at that time also.
In the spring of 1855, the first brick building of any character whatso-
ever was erected by John S. Robinson, and was a small dwelling-house
located in the western part of town, and then really outside the city limits.
Shortly after this, Thomas Earl and William H. James united forces, and pur-
Napa Township. 239
chased brick in Sacramento, and erected the first brick building in Napa for
business purposes. Mr. Earl purchased the brick in Sacramento and they
were shipped to Napa on board the schooner " Susan Owens." The building
was located on the south-west corner of Main and First streets, where it
still stands. This statement is authentic, and should set at rest forever
the mooted question of who built the first brick building in Napa. Shortly
afterwards, A. W. Norton erected a brick blacksmith shop ; and the Revere
House, the second Court-house, and some other business houses were all
built of brick in 1856.
From 1849 to 1854 the population of the town increased very rapidly,
and in the latter year the place could boast of about four hundred people.
As a matter of course, the business interests increased proportionately ; and
in all about forty buildings graced the town-site with their presence. In
1855, the first school-house was erected, and the first church building, the
Presbyterian, was completed that year. The bank of the river was then
covered with a dense growth of willows and alders, and the Indians were
about equal to the whites in point of numbers.
J. P. Thompson laid out that portion of Napa City known as " Napa
Abajo " in 1853.
As late as 1856 very little effort had been made to improve the streets
or highways, and both were almost impassable in the rainy season. There
were only two places on Main street where a pedestrian could cross, one
opposite the American Hotel, and the other nearly opposite the Napa
House. The crossings were made of bundles of straw, thrown into the mud
until the bottom was found. Woe was unto the unlucky wight who got
belated, and had too much " tangle-foot " aboard, for a single misstep would
send him into the mud up to his waist, to flounder out as best he could.
The streets in wet weather resembled mud canals rather than thoroughfares
for men and horses. In the summer season they dried up and became solid
enough, but were full of undulations, which, to say the least, were not very
gentle or regular ones. The streets in summer time became about as vil-
lainous as they did in the winter season. Owing to the traveling of heavy
teams over them they soon became cut into great ruts, and canopied with
intolerable clouds of dust, through which people floundered over a strange
mosaic of rubbish, cast-off clothing, empty bottles and sardine boxes. These
were the days in which every man wore heavy boots, into the tops of which
his pant were snugly stuffed. In the winter season these great boots were
covered with mud up to the very tops of them, while in the antipode the
wearer floundered as helplessly in clouds of dust. Everybody laughed at
these annoyances, knowing that they were common to all, and the usual
concomitants of a new settlement in a wild and unoccupied country.
On the 4th day of July, 1856, the first newspaper ever published in
240 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Napa City or Napa County made its appearance. It was a small sheet,
under the proprietorship and editorial control of A. J. Cox, and the name
Reporter was placed at the head of the firstling. Robert T. Montgomery
was its first subscriber, and did much in after years to shape and control its
destinies. For the historical matter given above concerning Napa City we
are under obligations to the early settlers, and also to Mr. Menefee's "Sketch
Book." The chapter on the early settlement of Napa City in that work
was compiled by R. T. Montgomery, one of the pioneers of the place, and no
more capable and reliable man for the duty could have been found; hence
we feel that what we have copied from that work is decidedly reliable. We
will now take up the history of the city by years, recording whatever there
is of interest, as we have found the matter stated in the local press of the
place. We will, therefore, begin with
1856. — Unfortunately, the Reporter was published in those days "semi-
occasionally," or in other words, it was a " tri-weekly " paper. It was issued
one week, and they tried to issue it the next, but were as apt to fail as
otherwise. The first bound number of this paper, which is now extant, is
dated November 23, 1856, and is Volume 1, number 19, of the issue. It
was then a 4-column folio, edited by A. J. Cox. The subscription price was
five dollars, and advertisements were charged for at the rate of three dollars
per square for single insertions.
To give an idea of the business interests of the place at that time, we
include here the advertisements which we find in that copy of the paper :
L. J. Walker & Co., drugs, etc. ; J. M. Dudley, commission merchant, and
agent of Wells, Fargo & Co's Express ; Eaton, M. D. ; Earl & Pai-ks,
saddlers, harness, etc. ; Lawley & Letferts, general merchandise ; Easterby
& Co., general merchandise ; N. Lawrence and J. Buttertield, general mer-
chants ; Gilmore & Taylor, Napa Hotel ; A. Wegl & Co., (Yellow House)
general merchants ; Schultze & Co., Napa City Mills ; Haller & Dorr, furni-
ture ; B. Grims & Co., successors to A. L. Boggs, warehouse and storage ;
John Strickland, Master of the fast sailing sloop " Kiturah," plying between
Napa City and San Francisco ; American Hotel, by Thomas Alker and
Philip Hunsinger ; J. W. Smith, attorney-at-law, and notary public for
Napa County ; S. R. Uncles, M. D. ; D. K. Rule, M. D. ; L. Bruck, notary
public ; Johnson Horrell, attorney-at-law ; Henry Edgerton, attorney-at-law
and District Attorney for Napa County ; Robert R. Pierpont, attorney-at-
law ; W. W. Stillwagon, M. D. ; W. E. Taylor, superintendent of schools ;
A. C. Latson, brick for sale ; Patrick O'Brien, tailor ; H. Sanderson, res-
taurant ; " the elegant and fast steamer ' Guadalupe',' Capt. P. F. Doling,
having been newly refitted, will leave Pacific street wharf, in San Fran-
cisco, for Napa and way places, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays."
fc<4. <$£/£>
Napa Township. 241
Markets. — The following prices current will show that the cost of many
things in 1856, were not so very much in excess of the present rates : Flour,
$9 ; wheat, $2 to $2.27§ ; barley, $2.12| to $2.18 ; oats, $2.18 to $2.20 ;
sweet potatoes, 3J cents ; onions, 5 to 6 cents ; butter, 45 to 50 cents ; eggs,
60 cents ; chickens, $5 to $7 ; corn, $2.25; hay, $18 to $20 ; bags, 13 to 13|
cents ; hams, 22 to 28 cents ; coffee, 16 to 17 cents ; sugar, 12^ to 17 cents ;
rice, 16 cents; lard, 27 cents; syrup, $1.25 ; dried apples, 1 6 cents ; dried
peaches, 40 cents ; bacon, 12£ cents ; mess pork, 22 to 25 cents ; lumber, $35
to $40, and shingles, $6.50 to $7.50.
1857 — New Year's Day. — The following description of this occasion is
taken from the Reporter, and the introduction is characteristic of the times
in which it was written : " Another year has rolled around, and every ani-
mate being is one year older than twelve months ago — a natural conclusion.
All we have to say of 1856 is, Good Bye, old Muggins ! Many a hard tussel
we have had together. You are defunct now. Good Bye, old Mug ! On
New Year's Day in Napa, everybody became convivial, even Joseph D. and
Captain V. P. hugged each other in the manner in which Damon and Pythias
were supposed to have done. The first day of January passed most pleas-
antly in Napa, for the people in this place are proverbially distinguished for
sobriety (in a horn as big as that of Plenty). Mr. Fuller gave a ball on
Thursday night, and Messrs. Baxter, Wolfe, and ' Uncle Tommy, and others
did the good thing, and everybody wished everybody a Happy New Year,
long life, etc' We were in high luck that day. A good-looking young
lady condescended to say ' I wish the printer much happiness.' We touched
our hat, and retreated under a shower of egg-nog. Such was the day in
Napa."
Trial of Ned McGoiuan. — One of the most interesting events of 1857
was the trial of the then famous Ned McGowan. All old settlers of Cali-
fornia will well remember what a great excitement there was over the at-
tempted capture of Ned McGowan by the Vigilance Committee in San
Francisco. In the course of time, after being hunted like a wild beast from
house to tule and from tule marshes to mountain fastnesses, receiving shelter
and food at long intervals at the hands of God's ministering angels — women,
who could not see the man starve, no matter what his crimes, he came back
to the city and demanded a trial at the bar of Justice. This was granted
him ; and on the 29th day of May, 1857, his trial began in Napa City, with
the following gentlemen on the jury : David Hudson, P. D. Bailey, R. C.
Gillaspie, W. H. Younge, James Glassford, Charles McBride, George Ware,
Thomas Twist, Ralph L. Kilburn, Harrison Hornback and Charles Stillman.
The jury was out only ten minutes, when a verdict of not guilty was
rendered.
16
242 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Napa Guards. — The first election of this military company occurred
November 23, 1857, and resulted in the selection of the following officers :
Captain, F. S. Vaslit ; First Lieutenant, J. Bell ; Second Lieutenant, A. J.
Cox ; Third Lieutenant, T. Moyer ; Surgeon, W. W. Stilhvagon ; Quarter-
master, J. Darnies ; Orderly Sergeant, G. Dennison ; Second Sergeant, C.
H. Clark ; Third Seigeant, G. Crawford ; Fourth Sergeant, A. Raymond.
1858 — An Odd Advertisement. — In the issue of the Reporter of Sep-
tember 25, 1858, the following curiosity appeared :
BIBLES AND RELIGIOUS BOOKS.
For sale by F. Bates, Bible Agent.
I expect to be at the coming race,
There I shall see many a smiling face ;
I'll have Bibles ami books of many kinds,
And such as are best to store and improve the mind.
Now the best bet that you ever won
Is to buy Bibles and books to carry home.
Ho, Everybody ! Come and buy
Bibles and books a good supply,
At the Christian State meeting, near Younts Mill,
I will be happy your orders to fill ;
I have Bibles both common and fine,
So as to suit everyone's mind.
When you come to know the price
You will say they are nice.
I have hooks of many descriptions,
Religious, historical — but no fictions.
Come, young and old, married and single,
Buy Bibles and books and let the money jingle.
F. Bates, Bible Agent,
1860 — The Stone Bridge. — The stone bridge across Napa River on First
street was constructed in I860, by Murphy. This bridge fell in during
the flood of January, 1881, and a fine truss structure now spans the stream
at that place.
1861.— Good Templars.— Franklin Lodge, No. 36, of this Order was in
existence at this time, and the following officers were elected April 1st of
this year: Samuel Heald, \V. C. T; J. M. Hamilton, W. V. T; J. Van
Doren, W. S.; Miss L. A. Willett.W. T.; Martha C. Heald, W. F. S.; George
W. F. Carter, W. M.; Rev. P. V. Veeder, W. Ch.; D. B. Magee, W. I. G; and
R. T. Montgomery, W. O. G.
1862. — Academy for Boys.— Rev. P. V. Veeder opened an academy for
boys in March of this year. As to the success of the venture, we are not
informed.
186S. — The Napa Register was launched upon the sea of journalistic
Napa Township. 243
existence August 10th of this year. It was a five-column folio, Republican
in politics, and under the management and proprietorship of J. I. Horrell.
Hanging of Charles Brittian. — This execution was the crowning event
of the year, viewed from a sensational standpoint. The drop fell at twenty
minutes past three P. M., August 7th. The convict manifested the utmost
indifference to his fate to the last moment, and obstinately refused all
counsel from the priests who visited him. This was the first execution in
Napa County.
Sanitary and Soldiers Relief. — During the war of the Rebellion, quite
an amount was raised in various ways in aid of the above-named objects.
On Christmas evening, 1864, a fair and festival was held in Napa for the
benefit of the former which netted $516 in gold, equal to $700 in currency
at that time. For the latter there was raised $100, equal to $140 in green-
backs. The society also shipped at this time four boxes of goods for the
Soldiers' Relief, and one for the Sanitary Commission.
1864. — Napa Guard. — The annual election of officers for this organiza-
tion, in January, 1864, resulted as follows : Captain, E. S. Chesebro ; First
Lieutenant, Jacob Blumer ; Second Lieutenant, E. Kimball ; Second Brevet
Lieutenant, L. B. Kester ; Orderly Sergeant, J. G. Norton ; Second Sergeant,
August Miller ; Third Sergeant, Joseph Elliott ; Fourth Sergeant,
Imrie; Fifth Sergeant, D. Fairfield; First Corporal, C. B. Walker; Second
Corporal, T. J. Dewoody ; Third Corporal, W. R. Cooper ; Fourth Corporal,
Oscar Steinback; Treasurer, E. S. Chesebro; Investigating Committee,
E. S. Chesebro, J. Dukes, R. J. Van Doren, E. Kimball and E. S. Smith ;
Auditing Committee, W. R. Cooper, T. J. Dewoody and W. C. S. Smith;
Music Committee, E. Kimball, J. Haskins and M. Dorr.
Artillery Company. — In 1864 Napa City boasted the only Artillery Com-
pany outside of San Francisco.
Napa City — A Reminiscence. — The following resume of Napa, as it ap-
peared in 1854, was published in the Register of February 27, 1864 : " This
town, by some aspiring genius of early days, misnamed Napa City, has
passed through great changes within the last ten years. The city ten years
ago did not contain over forty buildings, all of wood, and mostly of the
most primitive and slovenly style of architecture. The streets were just as
nature made them, excepting the continually increasing upper stratum of
old hats, boots, broken bottles, and sardine boxes contributed by the pioneers
of our civilization. Wheeled vehicles, excepting for transporting heavy
loads, were comparatively rare, almost all traveling being done on horse-
back. It was a common sight to see over one hundred horses tied to the
fence on First street, of a Saturday or Sunday, waiting to take their owners
home at night-fall. Occasionally some hombre would get oblivious and
leave his Rosinante with nothing but redwood rail diet for twenty-four
244 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
hours together. Small as the place was, Napa was one of the busiest little
towns in the State. A vast quantity of goods were sold at high prices.
The credit system was next to universal, and seemed to work well, for most
men were not only able but willing to pay. The country around produced
abundant crops of wheat which sold from three to four cents a pound ; cattle
were worth five times their present price, and the cost of raising them was
nominal, as one-half of the country was devoted to stock ranges. About half
of the farmers were squatters on other people's land, and so had neither
purchase money or taxes to pay, hence it is no wonder that money was
plentiful. Most everybody had a pocket full of silver or some other Cali-
fornia coinage, which came easily and went still more so. The floating-
population was much more numerous than at present. Scores of young
men, engaged in various pursuits, crowded the hotels. Among them were
chaps of every shade of character, but the spirit of merriment pervaded
them all. All manner of jokes were perpetrated, and fun was the upper-
most object of one-half the population. They bucked 'ye tiger,' drank
freely, worked hard, enjoyed themselves hugely, and were ready for any
semi-innocent piece of devilment. There was more real amusement in a
week then, than in a year now. There was at one time in full blast, a
lyceum, a reading-room, a theater well attended, a company of minstrels, a
band of music, an Agricultural Society and a Jockey Club. Our streets
were pathless in wet weather, but we floundered through them cheerfully,
caring very little for mud, or indeed for anything else except present enjoy-
ment. Diggers of both sexes used to sun themselves at street corners by
the score, in all the dignity of dirt and drunkenness. Churches we had
none; schools only semi-occasionally. The Court-house was a wooden
shanty, and we relied upon other counties for jail accommodations."
Earthquake. — Several shocks of earthquake have been felt at Napa,
among the heaviest of which was that on the 12th of March, 1864.
Freedmens Aid Fund. — The people of Napa City have always sus-
tained a reputation for generosity and liberality. No worthy charitable
object was ever presented to their consideration, and allowed to go' away
illiberally subscribed to. May 28, 1864, a subscription of one hundred and
forty dollars was raised at the Methodist Church, in aid of the Freedmen's
Aid Fund.
Contributions to the Christian Commission. — As a further proof that
the assertion made in the last paragraph is true, we have it to record, and
with pleasure we do it, that the total contributions to this most worthy
object amounted to three thousand dollars on the 9th day of July, 1864.
George Fellows subscribed two hundred dollars, and several of Napa's other
citizens did nearly or quite as well. It will thus be seen that the fire of
patriotism was burning brightly in the bosom of this people in the hour of
the Nation's direst need.
Napa Township. 245
1867. — Gas. — Permission was given to William Smith and others, May
11th of this year, to lay gas pipes in the streets of Napa. Nothing further
seems to have been done in the matter until December 14th, when the
Board of Supervisors issued an order locating the street lamps of Napa
City as follows ■ One at each stone bridge ; corner of Main and First
streets ; corner of First and Brown streets ; corner of First and Randolph
streets ; corner of First and Coombs streets ; corner Second and Main
streets ; corner Third and Main streets ; corner of Fourth and Main streets ;
corner of Second and Brown streets ; corner of Third and Brown streets ;
corner of Third and Randolph streets, and the corner of Methodist Church
and Randolph streets. The gas company were to receive the sum of nine
dollars per month for supplying each lamp.
1868. — Napa City as it was then. — Under date of January 11th of this
year, the Register has the following : " To say that Napa is one of the
few prominent towns in the State that have from the first maintained a
prominent and healthful growth, will be but repeating a fact that is already
generally known. Our citizens have justly felt a pride in the usually
thrifty appearance of the town, and of late have given another substantial
proof of their enterprise, by encouraging the introduction of gas works and
liberally patronizing the enterprise. The stranger coming into our town
after dark, now finds a generous gas light at nearly every street corner, and
one can hardly believe, though having witnessed the transformation, that
the Napa of to-day, with its excellent and fine schools, churches and public
buildings, its streets and shops lighted with gas, and its railroad facilities,
to be the same hamlet of a half dozen years ago. But because we have far
advanced in modern improvements, and have outstripped some of our neigh-
bors, we must not be idle, while more remains to be done. Particularly
what Napa now requires most is some kind of local government, some
practical and economical plan that will answer all the purposes of a town
incorporation, without entailing the usual expenses of such. The popula-
tion is becoming numerous enough to warrant this, and some system of
street improvement is needed, that can be reached through a local govern-
ment. Streets and sidewalks are now allowed to become abominations,
because there is no help for it, but if property holders were compelled to
improve their premises as the same should be, the value of property would
be increased to such an extent as to more than balance the extra taxes."
Incorporation. — Evidently the above article had the desired effect and
set the ball for incorporation to rolling in fine shape, for under date of
February 29th, we find the following : Several meetings have been held for
the purpose of incorporating the town of Napa, but for some cause no
acceptable plan was hit upon. At one of these meetings there was a com-
mittee of three appointed to draft a charter, but they could not agree, and
246 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the result was that there were three reports brought in, one by each mem-
ber of the committee. Some were in favor of incorporation under the
general law, and others under a special Act of the Legislature.
1869. — Small-pox Epidemic. — Early in this year the small-pox broke
out in " Spanishtown " in a virulent form, and had quite an extensive run.
A Sanitary Committee was appointed, who took charge of the matter, and
on the 20th of March made the following report :
To tin' Citizens of iViijiii : Your committee respectfully report that they
have discharged the duties assigned them in such a manner as they trust
will meet your approval. The total number of cases of small-pox in the
county was 60, as follows :
CASES. DIED.
In Spanishtown, whites 6 1
In Spanishtown, Spanish 46 7
In Spanishtown, Indians 1 1
In the Redwoods, whites 6 2
In the hills east of town, Spanish 1 0
Total 60 11
The total disbursements by the Committee to date amount to $7681 . 04.
Bills yet to be paid will raise the sum, in round numbers, to $9000.
The following is the financial statement of the attending physician, Dr.
W. W. Stillwagon :
NAPA COUNTY.
Dr.
To cash paid for sundries in Hospi-
tal $213 00
To cash paid nurses 303 00
To medical services $1,500 00
Gr.
By cash from Sanitary Committee . §105 50
By cash from Father Deyaert 5 00
By cash from J. McKeuzie 10 00
By order, General Fund, $922 at
90 cents 829 80
By order. Indigent Fund, gold. ... 216 00
By greenbacks, $216 at 80 cents. . 172 80
Balance 616 90
$2,016 00
Actual amount received for services, $883 . 10.
At this meeting of the citizens the following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted :
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, the above amount of
$883 . 10 is inadecmate remuneration for the invaluable services rendered the
county by saving it from the dreadful scourge with which it has been
threatened.
Resolved, therefore, That this meeting considers it inexpedient and illibe-
ral to cut down the moderate charges of the physician and nurses, to whose
Napa Township. 247
attention and skill this community is mainly indebted to for its present
immunity from the disease.
Resolved, That the Board of Supervisors be respectfully requested to
reconsider their action in the premises, and to pay the county indebtedness
to Dr. Stillwagon in full, he having been authorized by the Sanitary Com-
mittee, at the urgent request of the citizens in mass meeting, to spare no
expense in fighting the disease.
1873. — The bridge across the river at Third street was completed in April
of this year, at a cost of $9,000. It is a draw-bridge, and a fine structure.
Old Indian Graveyard. — In cutting the crossing of Franklin and Laurel
streets, the workmen came upon the bones of over one hundred skeletons,
also a stone mortar, pestle, and other aboriginal implements. The place
had doubtless been used by the former denizens of this vicinity as a place
of sepulture.
Records of Napa City. — The " Town of Napa City " was incorporated by
a special Act of the Legislature, approved March 23, 1872. From the
minutes of the Boai-d of Trustees we have compiled what follows :
The first Board was composed of John Even, J. A. Jackson, T. F. Raney,
Henry Fowler and L. Bruck. The first meeting of the Board was held
May 9th. The officers of the Board were : Chairman, L. Bruck ; Clerk,
S. E. Smith, who was also Treasurer.
May 10, 1872, Trustee Raney introduced the following motion: "That
the trustees of this corporation do not recognize the authority of any con-
tract made by the Board of Supervisors of Napa County for the supplying
of gas for the town of Napa City after the organization of the corporation."
It will be remembered that the Board of Supervisors ordered street lamps
to be ei-ected at certain places, and that an order was also promulgated that
the sum of nine dollars per month be paid for each lamp to the gas com-
pany. The motion quoted above was the beginning of a warfare between
the city and the gas company, which ultimated in leaving the streets of the
city in Egyptian darkness; and now the stranger arriving in the city after
night is surprised to find a place of this size with gas works within its
limits without a single light throughout its length and breadth.
J. Even introduced the following motion, May 10, 1872: That the Board
of Supervisors of Napa County be requested to turn over to this corporation
the engine house, together with any other property paid for by the Napa
City Improvement Funds. The Board of Supervisors complied with the
request.
The second Board of Trustees was composed of the same members as
the first. The Chairman of the Board was T. F. Raney ; Clerk, J. C. Pier-
son; Treasurer, C. Haller ; City Marshal, Jesse Grigsby, and City Assessor,
C. E. Comstock.
248 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
September 29, 1873, a Babcock Hook and Ladder Truck was purchased
by the city, for which $950 was paid.
The city officers for 1874 were as follows : Trustees, George N. Corn-
well, Z. W. Keyes, H. H. Knapp, W. W. Stillwagon and C. H. Allen ; Mar-
shal, Thomas Earl ; Clerk, John Kean ; Chairman of the Board, George N.
Cornwell, and City Attorney, G. W. Towle.
August 19, 1874, it was ordered by the Board that William P. Hum-
phreys make a map and establish the grades for the streets of the town,
and also establish a system of sewerage. The sum of $2200 was the price
agreed upon for this service.
The officers for 1875 were the same as for 1874, except that S. E. Smith
was Clerk and Treasurer.
December 6, 1875, the office of Chief of Police was filled by vote of
the Board, which resulted in the choice of J. B. Walden.
February 23, 1876, J. C. Pierson was appointed Clerk and Treasurer,
vice S. E. Smith, resigned.
A law went into effect in 187G by which three of the members of the
old Board should hold over for one year. This was determined by lot and
C. H. Allen, Geo. N. Cornwell and Dr. W. W. Stillwagon were the ones
chosen.
The officers of the city for 1876 were : Trustees, for the long term, Dr.
Benjamin ShurtlefF and T. F. Raney, and for the unexpired term of C. H.
Allen, S. B. Wilson, and these together with G. N. Cornwell and Dr. W. W.
Stillwagon formed the Board ; Treasurer and Clerk, J. C. Pierson ; Marshal
and Assessor, Thomas Earl ; Attorney, C. B. Towle ; Chairman of the Board,
Dr. Benj. Shurtlefr-.
For the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary the Trustees appro-
priated the sum of $200.
March 5, 1877, C. B. Seeley was appointed to the position of Clerk and
Treasurer, and on the same date H. Fowler was appointed a member of the
Board of Trustee*, vice G. N. Cornwell.
The city officers for 1877 were : Trustees, G. Barth, Jos. Henry, W. R.
Cooper, Dr. Benj. Shurtleff and T. F. Raney. Chairman of the Board, Dr.
Benj. Shurtleff. Marshal, W. H. Holliday ; Clerk and Treasurer, J. N. Wall-
ingford.
The officers for 1878 were: Trustees, Dr. Benj. Shurtleff and J. H,
Mallet elected, and the hold-over members of the last Board ; Marshal.
George Allen ; Clerk and Treasurer, J. N. Wallingford ; Attorney, G. W.
Towle.
The officers for 1879 were : Trustees— J. Henry, W. R. Cooper and G.
Barth, elected ; Marshal, G. W. Allen ; Treasurer and Clerk, E. S. Gridley ;
Chairman of the Board, Dr. Shurtleff.
Napa Township. 249
The officers for 1880 were : Trustees — A. Sampson and H. H. Knapp,
elected ; Marshall. G. W. Allen ; Treasurer and Clerk, J. N. Wallingford ;
Chairman of the Board, H. H. Knapp.
The officers for 1881 are : Trustees— C. B. Seeley, Dr. E. Haun and W.
W. Thompson, elected ; Clerk and Treasurer, T. F. Kaney.
Legislative Enactments. — The following Acts of the Legislature have
reference to Napa City, either specially or generally.
Bridge Across Napa River. — March 5, 1852, an Act was passed to con-
firm the action of the Court of Sessions of Napa County in relation to
granting a franchise to John B. Horrell to erect and conduct a toll-bridge
across the Napa river. We may state, as a matter of history, that this
bridge was subsequently purchased by the individual subscriptions of the
people of Napa, and made free. Mr. Thomas Earl took the lead in this
worthy and business-like enterprise, and circulated the subscription list
himself, which the late Hon. Nathan Coombs headed with $200.
Wharf at Napa City. — March 9, 1857, a franchise was granted to Brice
Grimes to construct a wharf at the foot of Fourth street, in Napa City, said
franchise to extend for ten years.
Animals at Large in Napa City, — April 10th, 1862, the following Act
was approved : From and after May 1, 1862, it shall not be lawful for any
horses, mules, cows or other horned cattle, goats or hogs to run at large in
the streets of Napa City. April 17, 1863, this Act was so modified that
any resident or householder in Napa City " may have and let run at large
one cow, but he shall be responsible for all damages done by said cow."
Napa City Improvement. — April 1, 1864, the following Act was approved:
The Boai-d of Supervisors are ' hereby authorized and required at their next
meeting, to levy a tax of half of one per cent, on each $100, of the assessed
value of all taxable property, both real and personal, in Napa City and all
its additions, which money shall be under the control of the Board of
Supervisors, for the purpose of constructing cisterns, for building a truck
or engine house, for purchasing new hose for the engine, and for repairing
the engine. The Board is authorized to construct one cistern in the Court-
house square in Napa City, and pay for the same out of the county fund.
January 24, 1870, an Act was passed as follows : A sum not to exceed
$2,500, shall be set aside by the Board of Supervisors, which shall be em-
ployed for the purpose of lighting the streets and supplying the cisterns
with water, and repairing the engine house. The Board may also establish
the grade of the streets, and a system of drainage for Napa City.
Incorporation of Napa City. — The Act incorporating the " Town of
Napa City "was approved March 23, 1872, and the following boundaries
were established. Commencing at the north-west corner of Spencer's addi-
tion on Lincoln avenue ; thence, eastwardly along said avenue, including
250 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the same, to Trancas street ; thence south-westerly to its intersection with
Lawrence street in Cornwell's Addition ; thence at right angles, eastwardly
to Napa River ; thence down said river to the north-east corner of Napa
Abajo ; thence westwardly along the southerly line of said Napa Abajo, to
the south-west corner thereof; thence southerly along the westwardly line
of Napa Abajo to the south-east corner of Cornwell and Hartsons Addition ;
thence westwardly along the southerly line of said Cornwell and Hartsons
Addition to the south-west corner thereof; thence northerly along the
westerly line of said Cornwell and Hartsons Addition, to the north-west
corner thereof; thence northerly to the south-west corner of Boggs Ad-
dition ; thence northerly along the westwardly line of Boggs Addition, to
the south-west corner of Spencei-s Addition ; thence northerly along the
west-side of Madison street of said Spencers Addition to the place of
beginning.
The Board of Trustees cannot incur an expense exceeding one thousand
dollars, except there be money in the treasury. Robert Crouch, E. N.
Boynton, P. Van Bever, Thomas Earl and George N. Cornwell, or any three
of them are to hold an election on the first Monday in May, 1872.
February 24th, 1874, the city was re-incorporated under the name of
" City of Napa." The boundaries remained the same as before. The Board
of Trustees was to be composed of five members, whose remuneration shall
be one dollar per year. The pay of the other officers shall be such as the
Board may decide upon.
Street Railroad. — It is quite possible that but few of the citizens of
Napa City now remember that a franchise for a street railroad was ever
granted, and it will be news to a host of them. It is nevertheless true,
however, that on March 3, 1872, a franchise was granted to H. F. Barker,
J. Even, A. B. Walker, J. F. Zollner and E. N. Boynton to construct a street
railroad in Napa City, beginning on Main street and running along said
street as far as practicable, then to the land owned by the Odd-Fellows,
about one mile west of town.
Orders of the Board of Supervisors. — The following orders of the
Board of Supervisors have reference to Napa City, hence are appended
here:
Cisterns for Napa City. — September 22, 1864, an order of the Board
provided for the establishment of cisterns in Napa City as follows : At the
intersection of First and Brown streets, the intersection of Division and
Randolph streets, and at the south-west corner of the public square.
Engine House. — The contract for erecting the engine house was let to
William Richmond, May 9, 1867, for the sum of five thousand four hundred
and fifty dollars.
Napa Township. 251
Water foe Napa City. — For nearly fifteen years this vexed and vex-
ing question has agitated the minds of the people of Napa, and it is, we
are very loth to record, no nearer solution to-day than it was at the begin-
ning. It may, however, come to pass within the next few years that the
town will be supplied with water, as the people seem more determined on
the question, and have a more centered purpose than ever before in this
matter. We will give a brief resume of the history of the many projects
which have been advocated, with more or less favor, for the achievement of
the desired object.
The first mention that we find of any effort being made to supply the
city of Napa with water, is copied from the Register of March 7, 1868,
which is as follows: "A move is being made to bring fresh water into the
city of Napa. Good water can be got within four miles of town and
brought into the place at little expense. There are but few good wells in
the place, and those within a few hundred yards of the river are more or
less brackish or tinctured with iron."
November 24, 1869, the Napa and Vallejo Water Company was organ-
ized, with a capital stock of $200,000, divided into two thousand shares of
$100 each. C. Hartson, J. F. Miller, M. M. Estee, E. J. Wilson and R. Bur-
ned were named as the directors of the company. It was the intention of
this corporation to procure their water supply from Milliken Canon, some
three miles from Napa City. It was thought then that this canon would
afford a sufficient quantity of water to supply two towns the size of Napa,
and it was estimated that the cost of bringing in the water would not
amount to more than $25,000. It seems that nothing was ever accom-
plished by this company.
September 10, 1870, another enterprise bloomed into existence, under the
name of the Napa City Water Company, which had, on paper, a ca,pital
stock of $250,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The trustees of this
incorporation were A. Cholot, C. H. Potter and Dr. P. Barstow. This com-
pany accomplished just what its predecessor did — nothing.
In February, 1871, the good people of Napa were subjected to another
water excitement, and, as usual, to another disappointment. A company
was organized in San Francisco at this time, and water was promised in
short order, but it never came through the agency of that corporation.
In the fall of 1871 the excitement of getting water into Napa ran very
high, and three different companies were organized for that purpose. No-
vember 4th of this year the Caymus Canon Water Company was incorpo-
rated, with a capital stock of $500,000, with S. C. Hastings, William
Doolan and C. Hartson as trustees. This company proposed to take water
from Rector Canon, and it was their intention, as stated in their articles of
incorporation, to supply Napa, Vallejo, Mare Island and San Francisco with
water. Their aspirations were grand, but their achievements nil.
252 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
About this time the Unoyomi Water Company was organized with a cap-
ital stock of fifty thousand dollars, having as trustees, Nathan Coombs, T.
H. Thompson, and J. H. Howland. It was stated as the intention of the
incorporation to supply Napa City with water taken from the Unoyomi
Creek, or the south branch of the Tuolucay Creek. It never proceeded
further than on paper.
During the same fall the Soscol Water Company was set on foot. It
had a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, with Robert Sheehy,
T. H. Thompson, and William Governeur Morris as trustees. Like all other
previous companies, it accomplished nothing.
In January, 1875, the Napa Valley Water Company was incorporated,
with a capital stock of five hundred thousand dollars, held in shares at
one hundred dollars each. The trustees were G. S. Burraze, C. O. St. John,
B. M. Schofield, William A. Stuart, and Samuel B. Steele. The object of
this corporation was to take water from the Rector and other creeks, and
supply water to Napa City, Vallejo, Mare Island, Benicia, and other places.
The usual outcome attended this company's efforts.
Matters seem to have remained statu quo on the water question until
August 11, 1877, when a San Francisco company, represented by Messrs.
Garrett, Smith, and Colver placed a petition before the Board of City Trus-
tees, asking for a franchise of twenty years duration, to put in water, free
of any subsidy. The Napa Water Company then came in and proposed to
give bonds for ten thousand dollars, and to bring water into the city in
ninety days. The San Francisco parties were going to bring their water
from Rector Canon. There was a petition signed by ninety-seven citizens,
asking the Board of Trustees to grant the San Francisco company the right
to go on with their enterprise, but the Board gave the Napa company the
preference. It is not necessary to comment on this action of the Boai-d, nor
is it within the province of our work to do so. We simply wish to call
attention to the fact that there was a " dog in the manger" in this transac-
tion, evidently. It would seem from the above statement that bonds for
ten thousand dollars were a consideration in the proposition, but we find no
records showing that the bonds were ever executed, and the absence of
water to the present day would indicate their forfeiture.
It appeai-s that the Napa Water Company failed to do anything in the
matter, and the trustees then returned to the proposition of the San Fran-
cisco parties; for under date of August 31, 1878, we find it stated that "the
thing went so far that a contract was drawn up and sent to San Francisco
for approval by the Rector Canon Company. An ordinance was also passed
by the Board of Trustees granting the company the right to lay water-
mains and pipes in the streets of Napa." From some cause or other a
" hitch " arose in the consummation of this plan to supply the town with
iitaT- *»
Napa Township. 253
water, and so that hope for the famishing people died, as had all its prede-
In 1876, a bill was introduced into the Legislature to allow the city of
Napa to create a debt for the purpose of bringing water to the place.
With some amendments and changes it finally passed both branches. No
action was taken in the matter until late in 1880, when the subject of city
water as a city enterprise began to be vigorously agitated. December 13th,
O. H. Bucknam, a civil engineer, employed by the Board of Trustees to sur-
vey the line and make estimates on bringing water from the Hudeman
Creek, made a very full and elaborate report, in which he estimated that
the plan was feasible at a cost of from $57,250 to $71,750.
The question of creating a city debt to the amount of $100,000 was then
submitted to the citizens of the place. ' At one of the public meetings held,
pending the election, Dr. Benj. ShurtlefF made a speech in favor of the
measure, which so fully covers the ground that we quote from it copiously :
" In accordance with law, the Board of City Trustees have submitted a
proposition to the electors of Napa to create and bond a debt of $100,000,
the interest thereon to be met within a term not to exceed twenty years from
the issue of the bonds. With this fund the trustees propose to furnish the
city of Napa with an ample supply of pure, fresh water. For the first time
in our municipal history this brings the water question face to face before
the people themselves. If you vote them the means the trustees design
supplying the city with the waters of the Hudeman Creek and adjacent
springs. This is the most feasible proposition the Board could submit to
the people, hence it will receive the support of every man who is in favor
of water, and should be carried, as it doubtless will, by the requisite two-
thirds vote. I believe the waters of Hudeman Creek and its springs, wisely
appropriated, will meet the wants of a city with a population of fifteen
thousand and will be sufficient to supply Napa for the next thirty years.
The judgment of practical men, long familiar with the waters of Hudeman
Creek, accords with the report of the engineer. Our fellow townsman,
Joseph Henry, built a saw-mill on Hudeman Creek in 1853, and ran it some
eight months out of twelve for six years. He informs me that without
dam or reservoir, using only the running water of the stream, he success-
fully ran his mill, some years as late as the month of July.
" We cannot have water without a temporary debt ; but the debt need
not be oppressive. The highest annual city tax that can be levied is but
$3.50 on the $1000, and I do not believe it will be necessary to levy this
amount after the first year when the works are completed, which will yield
a revenue to the city from the sale of water.
"There is another important consideration to be borne in mind. This
$100,000 will not all take wings and flee from the city and county. The
254 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
laborer, the mechanic anr) the teamster will all come in for his share. The
money will be expended among ourselves, reviving every industry and
every channel of business ; for it is the laborer, the poor and middle classes
who send out their earnings through every department of business, while
the miser, whenever he finds the American eagle perched upon a piece of
coin, sits down upon the proud bird with the crushing weight of an ele-
phant.
" There are few a men who want water but hate a city debt more than
they love water. They say, we will vote down this water proposition, then
an incorporation, company or some enterprising individual will bring water
into Napa ; then we shall avoid a debt, and those who want water can pay
for it. This is the saddest delusion of all. Why, has not Napa been deluged
on paper for the last twenty years ? Water companies and water schemes
have sprung up by the score, but the only parties that ever came forward,
went to work, and put money in the enterprise, was a company of young
men from Modesto, who attempted to supply the city by boring wells, which,
proving a failure, they soon abandoned. There is not another city in
America that has had such a boom from wild-cat water companies
as Napa. Now, what have all these pretentious, high-sounding water com-
panies done ? Why, all their combined energies have not brought water
enough into Napa to give a canary bird a square drink ; not enough to
moisten the mucilage on one of Uncle Sam's postage stamps. You say, wait
a little longer, and a company will bring us water. Yes, these wild-cat
water companies will bring water. They will bring us water when the sun
rises in the west and goes down in the east. They will supply Napa with
water when the capitalist calls in his loans upon city property because that
city brings an abundant supply of water to protect property against the
ravages of fire, and makes the capitalist's loan doubl}" secure.
" I feel confident that water will triumph in the issue, but should victory
crown the efforts of the anti-water party next Tuesday it will be a gloomy
hour for Napa. If the friends of water fail in this struggle we can get no
water for the next ten years, for I do not believe there will be a dozen men
in this city who will vote against water next Tuesday who could be induced
to support any proposition that the trustees might submit for the introduc-
tion of water. But we shall not be defeated. If there is a young man in
Napa who is opposed to water I do not know who he is. The young men
are not only in favor of water, but they are working hard. This contest is
a battle between the active, vigilant, indomitable forces of progress on one
side, with gouty, gravelly, dyspeptic retrogression on the other. Such a
contest cannot be doubtful. Ten years ago, on a windy, boisterous October
evening, a vicious cow kicked over a lantern in a stable and kindled a fire
that laid the great flourishing city of Chicago in ashes. Let the citizen of
Napa Township. 255
Napa, who casts his vote next Tuesday against water, be mindful that he
gives a beastly kick at the future growth, safety and progress of his own
fair city."
The election was finally held and by a vote of four hundred and sixty-
one to fifty -four the qualified electors of the city of Napa decided that the
trustees might contract such indebtedness as might be necessary to secure a
water supply, providing it does not exceed the sum of $100,000. The total
vote polled was five hundred and twenty-one, or fourteen less than that
recorded at the last municipal election. The polls were held in the Engine
House, R. Peddie, Beeby Robinson and S. A. Scott acting as judges of
election, and T. N. Mount and W. T. Johnson as clerks. The canvassing of
the vote occupied about one hour's time, and was concluded at 9 o'clock. In
the first hundred votes counted there were fourteen to one in favor of
water ; in the second hundred, ten to one ; in the third, eight to one ; in the
fourth, seven to one, and the last fraction of a hundred five and one-half
to one ; all of which show how well the water advocates did their work.
Six votes were rejected as illegal. When the result was known there were
wild demonstrations of joy among the people — bells were rung, cannons
fired, bombs exploded and fire works set off — many of those who had at
first opposed the debt joining in celebrating the victory.
Churches. — It seems perfectly natural for mankind to have a place
of worship, and no matter how long they may be isolated from the influences
or teachings of the Gospel, when an opportunity presents itself they attend
upon the services with a great degree of regularity, and give very liberally
of their means for the support of the ministry and the erection of church
edifices. As a striking evidence of this fact we have but to refer to the old
mining days, when the best contributors to the Gospel ministrations were
gamblers and saloon-keepers, not because they had any more desire to see
sacred institutions flourish and divine influences spread, than did the homy-
fisted miners, but because they had more ready cash at their command when
the subscription was taken. In those days denominationalism did not flourish
to any great extent ; the population was altogether too cosmopolitan, and
in fact remains so to this day. The minister went into a camp and prom-
ised the " boys," as everybody was then called, that he would preach to
them, not as the representative of the Methodist, Baptist, or any other sect,
but simply as a minister or proclaimer of the Gospel truth, as set forth in
the life, example and death of Jesus Christ, and away down in the hearts
of all those sturdy, sun-browned men there would be a feeling that they had
not felt before for many and many a day. The remembrance of the early
religious training of their youth, the songs and prayers of a now sainted
mother, the blessings and invocations of a father who, as the boy was just
256 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
about to step over the threshold of his boyhood's home into the realms of the
outer and to him all untried world, had placed his hand reverentially on his
young head and said, as tears, scalding, burning tears flowed down his fur-
rowed cheek, all furrowed with care and anxiety for this same boy : " My
son, may the God who has been so merciful to me and to you, and spared
your life and mine to see the day of your complete and full manhood, ever
keep you in the paths of duty, rectitude and truth, ever protect you from all
the ills of life, shielding you from the tempter's snare, with the great strong
wing of His love, and finally guide you to that haven of eternal rest, that
mansion of light not made by hands, eternal in the heavens, where the
wicked cease from troubling and the weary be at rest." All this came up
in their memory, and a longing to hear once more the " old, old story of
Jesus and His love," would seize them, and out would come the buckskin
bags, and the shining dust would be poured out without stint or measure.
In the early days of Napa, before there were any church edifices, there
were several denominations represented which held occasional services in
the old Court-house. There were several sects represented in Napa then,
which had little bands of worshippers, which have now disappeared.
Among these may be mentioned the Congregationalists, Cumberland Pres-
byterians, Universalists and Unitarians. Originally any itinerant preacher
who happened along gave a sermon in the Court-room, and those religiously
inclined attended irrespective of denominational proclivities. Those were
the good old days when the first man who arrived at the building would
play the part of janitor, and taking a broom would sweep the floor, usually
covered with discarded quids of tobacco and cigar stumps. If the services
were at night, each attendant would bring along a candle, and whatever was
left after the service was over was carried home. But a wonderful change
has occurred since those primitive days, as may be seen by following the
history of the various churches through the following pages.
Presbyterian Church. — From the records of this church we find that in
April, 1853, Rev. J. C. Herron was sent from Philadelphia to Napa Valley,
as a missionary, by the Board of Missionaries of the Presbyterian Church.
Accompanied by his wife, he took up his residence with Col. M. J). Ritchie,
then living at the head of the valley, through whose efforts, seconded by
his son-in-law, the late Hon. John S. Stark, Mr. Herron was requested to
occupy this field. During the summer and fall of 18.53 Mr. Herron preached
regularly at different points in the valley, holding services, when in Napa,
in the old Court-house, which formeily stood on the corner of Second and
Coombs streets, just west of the Revere House, that building then serving
as a hall of justice, a jail and church. The interior of the Court-room as it
appeared on the Sabbath is thus vividly described by one of the original
members of the church, who worshiped there :
Napa Township. 257
" The inside appearance of the Court-room was rather sorry for a place
of worship, especially when Court had heen held there the preceding day.
The furniture of the room consisted of narrow slahs placed on roughly
hewn logs, no work of drawing-knife or plane being visible, which were
arranged around three sides of the room for seats. A plain board table
and three or four rickety and uncushioned chairs graced the center of the
room, while in front of the Judge's stand, on a slightly raised platform,
stood a desk. No carpet and no curtains, no paint, no finish of any kind,
had been wasted on this public hall. No lamps, or even candle-sticks were
there ; but when services were held at night, old bottles — empty black bot-
tles, that had evidently done duty in another capacity — wei'e called into
requisition, and held the melting tallow candles, not very erect sometimes,
nevertheless held them. It was the custom of the attendant first arriving
to procure a broom and sweep the room and otherwise arrange for the com-
fort of the worshipers. The upper part of the building was used for pub-
lic offices, and a jail ; and it was not at all an uncommon thing for the nerv-
ous and timid ones of the congregation, during service, to be annoyed by
the rattling of chairs and other discordant sounds proceeding from the pris-
oners' apartments."
It was amid such surroundings that the Presbyterian Church of
Napa was formed in the fall of 1853. Mr. Herron and family moved to
Napa, opened a school and preached regularly, without any church organi-
zation, until January 19, 1855, when the Presbyterian Church was
organized, with the following named persons as organizing members : J. M
Hamilton, W. S. Jacks, Hamlet Jacks, Mrs. Anna P. Hamilton. Mrs. Annie
L. Jacks, Mrs. Kate A. Gilmore, Mrs. M. L. Ogden, Mrs. C. M. Herron, Mrs.
Amelia W. Jacks, Miss S. A. Smith, and Miss S. A. Woodruff. They adopted
as their code of faith and rule of practice the Westminster Confession of
Faith. J. M. Hamilton was chosen as ruling elder, and J. M. Mansfield
James Lefferts, R. Pierpont, Fred Ogden, and W. C. S. Smith as trustees.'
Rev. J. C. Herron was engaged to supply the pulpit for one year at a salary
of $600. He remained until January 17, 1858, receiving during that time
from his congregation and the Board of Missions enough to make his salary
amount to $1 200 for the year.
After a proposition being made in the fall of 1857, to introduce instru-
mental music into the service, to which Mr. Herron made objection, it being
contraiy to the discipline of that branch of the church to which he belonged
he offered his resignation, which was accepted January 17, 1858. The
church was thus without a steady pastor, until May 9th of the same year,
when Rev. P. V. Veeder, of Sacramento, was called, and began his pastorate
on the 16th of that month. The society had in the meantime erected a
17
258 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
comfortable house of worship on Randolph street, which was built by Mr.
J. Horrell, in the winter of 1857-8, at a cost of three thousand six hundred
dollars. Hon. N. Coombs donated the lot on which it was erected. In 1858
a debt was hanging over the church like an incubus, when the trustees
assumed the debt, and assessed themselves one hundred and sixteen dollars
each, and freed the church of all liabilities.
Mr. Veeder remained as pastor until July, 1865, when he removed to
San Francisco to take charge of the City College there. Rev. Condit was
then engaged to supply the pulpit for an unlimited time. He was, however,
called to another field, and finished his ministrations the following April.
The church was then without a pastor, and so remained until August 19,
1866, when Rev. Richard Wylie began his labors as stated, filling the
pulpit for a term of six months, when he was elected and duly installed
pastor of the church July 21, 1867. In March, 1868, the congregation
voted a leave of absence to the pastor, in order that he might attend a
meeting of the General Assembly at Albany, New York, Rev. James Wylie
supplying the pulpit in the meantime.
In 1869 the church building was enlarged and improved, being widened,
lengthened, repainted and refurnished, at a cost of $3000. The late James
Wylie and his son Richard at that time donated to the church a bell, which
cost $600, which was put in place, and has ever since, in full, rich tones
indicated the hour of prayer. On the 18th of October of this year, Mr.
Wylie, the pastor, was forced on account of ill-health, to tempoi-arily leave
his charge and goto Minnesota, where he spent the following winter; thence
to Europe, traveling through England, France and Scotland, and returning
to Napa with fully restored health, November 15, 1871. He then assumed
the duties of pastor, which relation he still sustains. During Mr. Richard
Wylie's absence, covering a period of about two years, the Rev. James
Wylie, now deceased, who was greatly beloved by the entire Christian
population of Napa, discharged the duties of pastor with great acceptability.
After May, 1864, the church was self-supporting. At the present time,
one hundred and eighty-one members belong to the church. Of the eleven
original members, only one, General W. S. Jacks, still resides, in Napa. In
1874, five of them were dead, and the other five lived elsewhere. At a
meeting of the members and congregation of the Presbyterian Church, held
April 5, 1874, at which R. Dudding presided, it was resolved to incorporate
in accordance with the laws of the State, whereupon the following Board
of Trustees were elected : W. C. S. Smith, David McClure, W. A. Fisher,
David Emerson, G. M. Francis, J. N. Larimer and George E. Goodman.
Articles of incorporation were proposed and the association was duly incor-
porated, under the name of " The Presbyterian Church of Napa." A charter
to the association was issued from the Department of State, at Sacramento,
April 7, 1874.
Napa Township. 259
At a meeting held May 30, 1874, plans for a new church, executed by
Daley & Eisen, architects, were adopted, and on Thursday, July 9th, of that
year, the contract was awarded for building the same to J. W. Batchelor, of
Vallejo, at a contract price of $17,375. In the meantime a transfer of pro-
perty was consummated between the trustees and Rev. Richard Wylie, by
which the former received 120 x 80 feet on the corner of Third and Ran-
dolph streets, on which to erect the new building. Work was immediately
commenced on the new structure, and the contract for painting the same
awarded to E. Shultis, August 13, 1874, for $1700.
The corner-stone of the new building was laid at 4:30 P. M., Thursday,
August 20, 1874, with appropriate and interesting ceremonies. The exer-
cises were begun by singing, the choir consisting of Messrs. R. Peddie, J. M.
Mansfield and A. C. Wood, and Mrs. George E. Goodman and Miss Fannie
Jacks, the latter presiding at the organ. Rev. J. E. Barnes then delivered
a brief and impressive prayer, after which, Mr. G. M. Francis, secretary of
the society, read the following list of articles, which had been deposited in
the corner-stone : 1st, a condensed history of the Presbyterian Church,
from its organization up to the present time, including a complete list of its
officers and pastors ; 2d, one copy each of the Napa papers ; 3d, catalogue
of the Napa Ladies' Seminary, for 1874 ; 4th, catalogue of the Napa Col-
legiate Institute, for 1874; 5th, circular of Oak Mound School, with a list
of its scholars ; 6th, a list of the names of the contributors to the new
church ; 7th, a pamphlet containing the charter and ordinances of the city
of Napa. Rev. Richard Wylie, pastor of the church, then read from Isaiah
xxviii: 16 and 17; also from Zachariah iv: 1-10, and Revelations xxi:
1 and 2, and 19-27, inclusive.
Rev. Wylie then delivered a short but interesting address, in which he
said : " There is a particular interest in this stone as being the only one in
the whole building. It is a solitary stone. Often, in Scotland, the traveler,
in crossing some lonely moor, comes upon a solitary stone, which marks the
history of a people or religion long since passed away. This stone has this
peculiarity : It is not only the only stone in the building, but was also the
corner-stone of the old church. It is the original corner-stone — a relic of
the past. On it will be inscribed the dates 1854 and 1874, the date of its
original laying and of its present relaying. These dates are full of moment.
They embrace within their compass almost the entire history of Napa.
There are those present who aided in taking it from its original resting
place in the hills not far from town, and who are, by God's blessing, per-
mitted to witness this ceremony more than twenty years later. The stone
is here again, a connecting link between the past and present. If there is
such a thing as gratitude welling up from the human breast, the people of
Napa should know that emotion, as they have been richly endowed with
260 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the blessings of God. It should call forth our gratitude to God for His
favor towards us. I have often thought that the people of Napa ought to
be the best people on earth. They are so richly and abundantly blessed,
and in this way, in the raising of such structures as this to the glory of the
Almighty, can we make our feeling of gratitude and thanks evident."
After the close of this discourse the laying of the corner-stone occurred,
which was done by the following officers of the church : Elders Wing,
McClure and Thompson ; Deacon W. S. Jacks, and W. A. Fisher, President
of the Board of Trustees. The stone bears the following inscription :
LAID 1854.
RELAID 1874.
Then followed a prayer by Rev. S. Bowers, singing by the choir, ending
with the doxology, and a benediction by Rev. William Leacock.
The first Presbyterian Sunday School was organized by J. M. Hamilton,
in July, 1852, with twelve scholars. Mr. Hamilton continued to fill the
position as Superintendent until 1860, when T. B. McClure was chosen to
the position, and was succeeded by F. A. McDonald, and he by E. S.
Churchill, the present incumbent.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — Rev. S. D. Simonds is said to have been
the first Methodist preacher who visited and preached in Napa Valley. This
was in 1851. In 1852, Rev. J. Brier was sent to this valley by the Califor-
nia Conference, and was succeeded after the close of one year by Rev. E. A.
Hazen. Napa circuit then embraced the whole of Napa Valley, Suisun
Valley, and much territory beside. Mr. Hazen collected money and built
the first parsonage in Napa City. The house was erected on a lot given to
the M. E. Church by Mr. Nathan Coombs, and embraced what is now the
corner of Second and Randolph streets. This was afterward'sold, and the
present site was purchased. Mr. Hazen was re-appointed in 1854, the Con-
ference being held in February. At that time worship was held in a build-
ing erected by the Cumberland Presbyterians, which was the first church-
house built in Napa City. It has since been used as a paint shop, and still
stands, a dingy relic of the early days of Napa. In 1855, Revs. James
Corwin and J. J. Cleavland were appointed to Napa circuit. The year fol-
lowing, Mr. Corwin was re-appointed with Rev. Calvin Anderson as col-
league.
In 1857, Sonoma and Napa City were united and called Sonoma circuit,
with Rev. James Corwin preacher in charge. During that year Mr. Corwin
built a saw-mill on what was then known as the Kellogg ranch, hauled his
lumber to town and built the first Methodist church-house in Napa City,
which was dedicated in June, 1858. The Conference this year was held in
September, at which time Napa City was made a station, with Rev. Dr.
Napa Township. 26 1
Morrow preacher in charge. In 1859, Rev. Wm. B. May was appointed
preacher in charge. During this year a good parsonage was built. Mr.
May was re-appointed the following year, and he was succeeded by Rev.
Nelson Reasoner. Rev. P. L. Haynes was appointed to succeed Mr. Rea-
soner, and remained two years.
In 1864, Rev. W. J. Maclay was appointed to Napa station. A few days
after his arrival the parsonage caught fire from an adjoining building, and
was consumed with its entire contents, including the church records. Mr.
Maclay was appointed to this charge three successive years, during which
time the present church-house and parsonage was erected at a cost of about
fifteen thousand dollars, on the site of the former building. The old church-
house was sold to the colored people and removed to its present position, and
the present house was dedicated August, 1867. Rev. D. A. Dryden suc-
ceeded Mr. Maclay. In 1868, J. L. Trefren was appointed Mr. Dryden's
successor, and was re-appointed to the charge the year following. He was
followed by Rev. Wesley Dennett for two years. Rev. T. S. Dunn was
appointed Mr. Dennett's successor in 1872, and September, 1873, Rev. S.
Bowers was appointed. In September, 1874, Rev. W. R. Gober was sent to
Napa, and remained for three years. In September, 1877, Rev. E. S. Todd
was detailed to this field, where he preached until September, 1880, when
Rev. A. J. Wells received the appointment, and is the present pastor.
The first Methodist class organized in this city consisted of Mr. and Mrs.
Squibb, Mrs. Judge Horrell, Mrs. Judge Hartson, Mrs. John Horrell and Mrs.
Dr. Stillwagon.
The first Methodist Sunday School in Napa City was organized in 1858,
Rev. Dr. Morrow, Superintendent, and Mrs. Judge Horrell, Assistant Super-
intendent. Mr. Morrow and Mrs. Horrell visited from house to house, and
secured the attendance of twenty-one children on the day of organization.
This number was largely increased before the end of the year. The follow-
ing gentlemen have acted in the capacity of Superintendents : Rev. Dr.
Morrow, J. E. Pond, D. Squibb, J. F. Lamdin, J. E. Pond (a second time
elected), W. S. Turner, T. Smith, A. Taylor, Mr. Oliver,' F. A. Sawyer, J. R.
Coe, B. F. Sawyer, and W. C. Damon.
Christ (Episcopal) Church. — The following historical sketch of this
church has been kindly furnished us by the present Rector, Rev. W. Lea-
cock : The parish of Christ Church was organized Sunday, Augustj 29th,
1858. A meeting was held with Rev. F. C Ewer, of Grace Church, San
Francisco, in the chair, and Thos. P. Stoney as Secretary, and the following
declaration signed :
" We, whose names are hereunto affixed, being desirous of establishing
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this place, do consent to be governed by
the constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
262 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and by the constitution and canons of this diocese. R. D. Hopkins,
McNeil, E. B. Gibbs, R. T. Montgomery, J. B. Smith, A. Coles, Richard Dud-
ding, James Lefferts, C. M. Nichols, Thos. P. Stoney, C. W. Langdon, A. I.
Donzel, J. L. Egleston, C. B. Eaton, George Fairfield, Wells Kilburn.
"The first vestry was composed of Richard Dudding, R. D. Hopkins,
Wardens ; James Lefferts, Thos. P. Stoney, Wells Kilbum, James McNeil,
R. T. Montgomery, vestrymen."
September 13th, 1858, Bishop Kip gave his canonical consent to the
organization. At a regular meeting of the vestry in September, 1858, the
Rev. E. W. Hagar was called as rector. Mr. Hagar entered on his duties
on Easter Sunday, 1859. Mr. Hagar having resigned, Rev. Wm. Goodwin
took charge of the parish in December, 1859. On February 28th, 1860, a
building lot eighty feet square was purchased from Richard Dudding for
the sum of $400. Messrs. Hopkins and Sterling, being appointed as a
building committee, reported a plan and specifications. The contract for
building was given to John Horrell. The making of the pews was given
to Messrs. White and Bradts ; pulpit and altar to Barnes Brothers. The
building was ready for use in 1861.
The Rev. A. S. Nicholson was rector for a year and a-half, till the sum-
mer of 1868. The Associate Mission and College Faculty of St. Augustine
at Benicia, supplied services after Mr. Nicholson's resignation. The summer
of 1871 the Rev. William Leacock, of Louisiana, after officiating for three
months, took charge of the parish ; and there followed him as rectors from
1874 to 1880, the Rev. George D. Silliman, Walter H. Moore and R. H.
Kline.
The present rector, the Rev. W. Leacock, assumed charge of the parish
on November 8, 1880. The church building is valued at $3000, lot
$1000, school building $800. The present vestry is composed of H. C. Parker,
J. B. Dorr, Wardens ; Wm. Sharp, C. R. Gritman (Secretary), John Stowell,
R. H. Sterling (Treasurer), vestrymen.
Baptist Church. — This denomination was organized in Napa as the
" Baptist Church of Napa," on the 18th day of August, 1860, with some
eighteen members. Rev. J. B. Morse, Pastor ; John Lawley and S. W. Wil-
liams were chosen as Deacons, and Lyman Chapman as Treasurer, and
Thomas B. Coghill as Clerk. The brick church at the junction of Franklin
street and College avenue was then built. Rev. Morse was here some six
months, when he was followed by Rev. Lyman Carpenter. This gentleman's
pastorate extended over a period of four years. Rev. G. W. Ford succeeded
him in November, 1865, and served as pastor until 1873, when he resigned.
Rev. J. E. Barnes took charge early in 1874 ; and during his pastorate there
occurred a division in the church which lasted nearly two years. After the
division of the church, one party, with Rev. Barnes as leader, purchased the
Napa Township. 263
old Presbyterian building, and moved it upon its present site April 4, 1876;
and it was dedicated as the First Baptist Church. In 1876, the Rev. Barnes'
pastorate terminate'd ; and February 2d of that year Rev. J. A. Gray was
ordained to the position. During his stay the original society was brought
together and made one body under the old name. He served but a short
time, and was followed by Rev. H. A. Sawtelle in September, 1876. It is
stated that this gentleman was very popular with the members of the
church, and did a good work. He, however, received a call from one of
the Eastern Scates, which he accepted. The pulpit was next filled by Rev.
H. H. Rhees, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, who served until 1877. At
present no services are held in the church.
St. John the Baptist (Catholic) Church. — On the 20th of September,
1856, the lot on which this church building now stands was donated to
Bishop Alemany by George N. Cornwell. The old brick church building
was erected in 1858, and dedicated by Bishop Alemany November '6, 1859.
The first pastor was Rev. Father Rousche, who had for his assistant, Rev.
Father Larkin. In June, 1860, Rev. Father Deyaert took charge of the
parish, and so remained until his death, which occurred January 1, 1876, at
the age of fifty-eight years. He was a man who was very much beloved
by all his parishioners, and his death was greatly mourned by them all.
Through his labors the church was furnished throughout, and the lands
adjoining owned by the church made into a beautiful ground. In February,
1876, Rev. Father Michael Mulville was appointed to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of the former pastor. He remained in charge until Novem-
ber 20, 1877, when Rev. Father M. D. Slattery took charge.
On the 7th day of January, 1881, the new Catholic Church in Napa
city was begun, under the supervision of Father Slattery.
About the first of March the corner-stone was laid. The ceremony,
which was performed by the Most Reverend Alemany, Bishop of this Dio-
cese, assisted by Father Slattery, rector of this parish, consisted of the
ritual which the Roman Church uses on all such occasions. The first por-
tion of the ceremony, the blessing of the salt, significant of the preserva-
tion and life of the Holy Church, was performed within the walls of the
building on the spot where the sanctuary will be when the edifice is com-
pleted. The remainder of the ceremony was performed at the south end
of the building, where the stone was laid, and consisted of litanies, sprink-
ling of the holy water, the signing the stone with the sign of the cross,
and depositing in a cavity in the stone a tin casket which contained a copy of
the daily Register and Reporter of the 19th inst., and a copy of the San
Francisco Monitor, and the following inscription :
In Perpetuam Rei Memoriam. A. D. MDCCCLXXXI, Die Vigesimo
Februarii, hanc lapidem angularem Templi in honorem Dei Onmipotentis,
264 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
sub auspicio Sancti Joannes Baptistisi axlificandi Revamus Josephus Sadoc
Alemany, Archieepiscopus hujus diocesos Sancti Francisci ; Universalem
Ecclesiam Gubernante, P. P. Maximo Leone Decimo' Tertio ; Mauritio D.
Slattery, Rectore ; R. B. Hayes, Prassidio Statuum Foedaeratorum America?
Septentrionalis ; Georgio C. Perkins, Gubernatore California ; Joanne Cox,
Muratore ; Moyisa A. Slaven, Fabro ; Bryano J. Clinch, Arcbitecto ; Julius
Royer, Ostiano. Posuit. Quod Bonum, felix faustumque sit !
After the stone was placed in position, the bishop and priest and then-
attending acolytes made the circuit of the building, sprinkling the founda-
tion with holy water, and at the conclusion of the ceremony the bishop ad-
dressed a few well chosen words to the assembled people.
On Sunday, July 17, the new Catholic church was dedicated in a solemn
and impressive manner by the Rev. Jos. Sadoc Alemany, Archbishop of
San Francisco. The edifice is a beautiful structure, purely gothic in archi-
tectural design. It is fifty feet by ninety in the clear, and surmounted by a
golden cross. Twenty-eight stained glass windows, obtained at a cost of
$1 200 admit a softened and subdued light to the interior. The front window
is a masterpiece, and presents figures of the four evangelists, Saints Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John. The interior of the church is handsome and
attractive. Seven beautiful and finely constructed gothic arches span the
auditorium. The pews are not yet all in place, but those already in are of a
novel design and correspond with the interior decoration. The church furni-
ture was purchased at a cost of $2000. A stairway leads through the
tower to a gallery erected in the rear portion of the church and fitted up
for the accommodation of the choir. The building was erected by Terris
& Slaven, contractoi-s, at a cost of $12,500, Bryan Clinch being the architect.
At 11 A. M. the service commenced. The Archbishop, decked in his epis-
copal robes, preceded by the Rev. Fathers Louis Daniels of Vallejo, Cassin
of San Francisco, and Slattery of Napa, escorted by a corps of acolytes,
bearing lighted candles aloft, passed in solemn and impressive procession
through the building, sprinkling its various parts with fragrant h}Tssop, and
on out through the front doors and around the exterior of the structure,
chanting Latin hymns and prayers appropriate to the occasion. A very
large congregation was assembled, many unable to obtain seats, occupying
chairs in the aisles. It is estimated that seven hundred people were
present.
At the conclusion of the dedication ceremony a high mass was said by
Rev. M. Slattery, assisted by other clergy. During the service the Arch-
bishop delivered the dedicatory sermon — a learned and erudite address,
which was replete with advice and counsel. The new church bears the
same name as the old brick structure adjoining it — the " Church of St.
John the Baptist." The efforts of Rev. M. Slattery have been crowned
Napa Township. 265
with success, and much praise is due him for the proud position in which
the Catholic Church Society to-day finds itself.
Christian Church. — The Christian, or as they are sometimes called the
Campbellite Church, was organized in Napa City in 1870. In 1871 the
present fine church building was erected, at the head of Randolph Street,
costing $7000. The first pastor was Rev. Burnett, and he was followed by
Elder C. W. Webb, and he by Elder Thomas Potter. In the latter part of
1874, Elder J. Beardslee took charge of the church and remained over a
year. He was followed by Elder Nathan Potter, and he by Elder B. S.
Gardner.
Tlie German Reformed Church. — This church building was erected in
1873, and is located on Third street, below Seminary street. Rev. Fox took
the position of pastor upon the organization of the church and held it till
1877. Rev. De Geller is the present pastor. As its name would indicate,
its members are mostly Germans, and services are held in both the German
and English languages.
Seventh Day Advent Church. — This church was organized in July;
1873, and the building was erected in the winter of 1873-4, near the site of
the German Reformed Church, at a cost of $2200. The organization was
effected by Elders Loughborough and Cornell, who conducted a series of
tent meetings here, and converted quite a number to their faith. This
denomination does not supply a stated pastor, but are dependent upon their
own members for exhortation, etc., with an occasional sermon from some
itinerant Elder. They believe that the seventh day or Saturday is the
Sabbath of the Bible, hence they keep it sacred. They inculcate strong
principles of abstinence from all that injures, in the way of intoxicating
drinks, tobacco, and even go so far as to prohibit tea and coffee. They
teach principles of hygienic living, and all in all they are accomplishing a
good work. They look for the early reappearance of Jesus Christ upon the
earth, and believe that death is an unconscious state, or death in the absolute
sense of the word, and that at the judgment day the physical body will be
raised, and the wicked will be utterly destroyed, root and branch, while the
saints will inhabit the earth, which will then be freed from all the stains of
Adamic disobedience. Man is mortal in its absolute sense, and immortality
is given only to the saints at Christ's coming.
African Methodist Episcopal Church. — The colored people of Napa for-
merly worshipped with the white people in their regular churches, but at
the time of the erection of the present Methodist Church, they purchased
the old one, (and in May, 1867, they moved it to its present site, on Wash-
ington street. They never had any regular pastor, and now the building is
the abode of bats and mice, being entirely dilapidated.
266 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Public Schools. — A little more than a short quarter of a century ago
there was not a public school in Napa County. Private schools were first
organized, but the public system soon came into general use. Among the
private schools of those early days, may be mentioned one opened by Rev.
J. C. Herron, in October, 1857, which he styied the " Napa Female Semi-
nary." As late as March, 1862, we find the system of private schools still
in vogue, and Rev. P. V. Veeder was in charge at that time of an academy
for boys. But since then, things have as greatly changed in this respect as
in any other. Now there are three large and commodious school buildings
in the city limits. The buildings are placed in different parts of town, so
as to accommodate the scholars to the best advantage. The building in the
northern part of town was erected in the winter of 1880-1, and is an ele-
gant structure. The cost of the property is as follows : lot, $2750 ; building,
$5000 ; furniture, $500 ; making a total of $8250. An attempt was made
to burn the building just as it was completed.
The Central School Building. — This was completed in 1870. The lower
story contains two rooms 26 x 38, one recitation room 15 x 25, and two cloak
rooms 8 x 16, and a hall 16 x 22. In this hall is a double stairway leading
to the second floor. There are also in this hall conveniences for washing.
The second story is divided into two main school rooms, each 26 x 38, with
recitation and cloak rooms the same as on the first floor. The ceiling of the
first floor is fourteen feet, and of the second, thirteen feet in the clear. On
the center of the roof stands a cupola eleven feet square and sixteen feet
high, upon which stands a bell tower six feet square and sixty-four feet
high from the ground. The total cost of the building was $12,600.
Najm Collegiate Institute. — Professor A. E. Lasher, principal of this
institution, has kindly furnished us with the following historical sketch :
The Napa Collegiate Institute is beautifully situated in Napa City, on
a high point of land, commanding a fine view of the town and surrounding
country. The campus of five acres was purchased by Mr. A. H. Hamm,
who erected the main building. The college building is a brick structure
four stories high, containing chapel, recitation rooms, dining-room, and par-
lor, besides private rooms for the gentlemen boarders, all well supplied with
conveniences for warming and ventilation.
The school opened in 1860, with Mr. Hamm as proprietor and principal-
A little less than a year after this, the Rev. W. S. Turner, A. M., a graduate
of Wesleyan University, purchased the property. For nearly seven years
the school was prosperous and had a good patronage. Mr. Turner's arduous
duties were too much for his strength, and he was compelled to seek a
change of labor. He leased the school to Mr. Smith, who conducted it
about a year, after which it was closed for some time, until it was purchased
by six men, viz: Hon. C. Hartson, G. Fellows, N. Coombs, A. W. Norton,
Napa Township. 267
G. Linn, and H. Fowler. These gentlemen greatly improved the building,
adding the porches, covering the walls with cement, and finishing the fourth
story.
In August of 1870, it was purchased by the California Annual Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Conference elected a Board
of fifteen trustees, and the articles of incorporation are dated November 22,
1870.
The Napa Collegiate Institute originated in the conviction of the need
of an institution of learning, under Christian influences, of high grade,
north of the bay. Its rapid growth and great usefulness demonstrated the
wisdom of the conviction. It is under the supervision of the Conference
to insure Christian supervision, but is not sectarian in its teachings or re-
quirements.
In January of 1871, the school was opened with Professor T. C. George,
A. M., as principal, with four asssistants. Professor George acted as prin-
cipal until June of 1874, when he resigned in order to rest and regain his
health. The school prospered under his management, and was well patron-
ized.
Professor L. L. Rogers, A. M., was next elected principal. During his
administration of three years, two new buildings were erected, the princi-
pal's cottage, and the ladies' hall.
In July of 1877 the present principal, Prof. A. E. Lasher, A. M., of New
York State, was elected. During the summer vacation of 1878 the build-
ings were refurnished and put in good order. A commercial department
was organized, and a room on the first floor furnished for this department.
In the vacation of the next year extensive improvements were made in
new buildings and repairs. The growing commercial department demanded
more room, and a fine building for the use of the primary department was
erected. A fine gymnasium and tank -house were built. Water-pipes
were laid to the different buildings, and on the front campus. Bath rooms
were also made in each of the buildings. In the spring of 1880 the grounds
were tastefully laid out with drives, walks, grass plats, shrubs and flowers,
and to-day no grounds in the city are more attractive or inviting. The
institute has a faculty of nine experienced teachers, each chosen with
special reference to his department. There are five regular courses of
study, and seven distinct departments. A diploma is given to students
completing the course and passing the examination. The school has a
most excellent library, which is read and used for daily reference. No
school of similar grade on the coast has as much fine apparatus for illus-
trating the principles of the sciences. The student not only sees the
experiments performed, but must learn to handle the apparatus and
perform the experiment for himself. Additions to this department are
268 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
constantly being made. All members of the art department are first re-
quired to take model and object drawing before they can work with crayons
or colors. The class spend one afternoon of each week in sketching from
nature.
In the commercial department theory and practice ai-e combined. In
the latter the student will receive careful drill in actual business practice,
and will be required to draw up and use in his transactions the various
forms of business paper. Throughout the course the student receives
individual instruction, and thus is not kept back by others of less ability
and application. Commercial law and political economy are required in
this course. The first class graduated in 1874, and each year the number
of the alumni has been increased and now numbers fifty -two.
The institute was one of the first schools on this coast to proclaim its
belief in co-education. To-day the majority of the leading schools of the
State admit ladies and gentlemen. Everywhere under wise Christian
influence, the plan refines and enobles, and is working well. With each
sex occupying separate buildings, and in each building teachers living with
the students, a healthful home-like influence is secured. The improvement
under these conditions in manner, self-reliance and social culture, and the
development of manhood and womanhood is often marked. More than
fifteen hundred students have received instruction in its halls since 1871,
and more than two thousand since its first opening. Old students are
found in all sections west of the Rocky Mountains, and others are scattered
in some twelve States. The Faculty is progressive and energetic ; the
Board of Trustees efficient and liberal. The day is not far distant when,
with liberal endowments and increased facilities, its course of study and
influence will be greatly enlarged.
The Napa Ladies' Seminary. — We are under obligations to Prof. D. W.
Hanna for the historical notes of this institution: The Napa Ladies'
Seminary was established under the auspices of Miss Harris, and conducted
by her as principal during a term of four years. After her resignation,
and an interim of a few months, the school was resumed by Miss Maria
S. McDonald, through whose untiring energy and indefatigable labors it
yearly increased in numbers and influence, by accessions from home and
abroad. Miss McDonald assumed the position in 1864, and conducted the
institution for five years. It is but due to her memory to speak of her
eminent executive ability, her rare art of discipline, her tact and originality,
and more than all, her scholarship and Christian character, all of which
adapted her pre-eminently for the profession she had chosen, and in which
she achieved such signal success. After the death of Miss Maria S. Mc-
Donald, which occurred in 1869, her sister, Miss Sarah F. McDonald as-
sumed the active management of the school, and conducted its affairs in
Napa Township. 269
such a manner as to win for herself and the school an enviable reputation
throughout the coast. For ten years Miss McDonald discharged with fidel-
ity and success the arduous duties devolving upon her. She was succeeded
by her nephew, Mr. F. A. McDonald, who had been connected with the
school for some years previous to his aunt's death, and who managed the
business of the school for two years, resigning his position at the close of
the school year, May 25, 1881.
The school is now in charge of D. W. Hanna, A. M., who has taken hold
of the work with an energy and zeal that warrants success. Having had,
with his wife and daughter, large experience in this work, the future pros-
perity of the seminary is fully assured. The present year opened with
a large increase of attendance, which has been so greatly augmented that
at this time the limit which he has set has been almost reached. The
grounds are being beautified, walks laid out, a large fountain has been
placed in the yard ; bath-rooms have been added, gas brought into the
buildings, and in fact everything put in the very best condition. Neither
have other things been neglected. The corps of teachers is full, and of the
best talent ; a special teacher of elocution has been employed, and a philo-
sophical and chemical laboratory is being added to the other apparatus of
the seminary.
Oak Mound School. — Prof. C. M. Walker, principal of this school, has
kindly furnished us with the following: In the year 1872, a few enterpris-
ing and liberal gentlemen, among whom were Geo. E. Goodman, W. C. S.
Smith, Jesse Grigsby, A. G. Boggs and W. C. Wallace, seeing the necessity
for increased educational advantages for boys, to prepare them for admission
to the State University or for the active duties of life, established a school
under the instruction of Rev. Mr. Blake. The following year they erected
a small but well arranged building in the southern part of the town, and
procured the services of C. M. Walker, A. B., a graduate of Bowdoin College,
Maine, to take charge of the school. The term opened with ten pupils. In
three years the number had increased to sixty. The building was enlarged
to twice its original size, and other teachers employed to meet the growing
demands of the school. The great aim of the Board of Directors is to have
a select and good school.
The curriculum of studies embraces all the English branches, usually
taught in the high schools of the country, together with the ancient and
modern languages. Bookkeeping and business forms also receive special
attention. The school is exclusively for boys and is non-sectarian. It is
in a word, a high school for boys. Many pupils, having completed the
course of study at Oak Mound, have entered the State University or some
Eastern college, while others are filling positions of responsibility in business.
The following teachers are at present employed: C. M. Walker, A. M.,
270 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Principal ; F. 0. Mower, A. B.; Prof. G. Schulte ; Miss Carrie E. Walker.
Special teachers in penmanship, elocution and other branches are employed,
from time to time, as the interests of the school require.
Newspaper Biography. — Under this head the Napa Daily Gazette
published the following: "The first newspaper published in Napa City was
the Napa County Reporter, by A. J. Cox, in 1856, and is at present (1870)
published by Lank Higgins. The next was the Weekly Herald, in 1858,
which ran but a short time as a Democratic paper, and then died. Next
came the Napa Sun, a small weekly paper, by A. J. Cox, in 1859, which
lingered but a short time. In 1861 the Pacific Echo, published by Alex.
Montgomery, came upon the stage. It was run as a Democratic paper (of
the secession caste of sentiment) until the assassination of President Lin-
coln, when it wisely folded its tent and quietly stole away. In 1863 the
Napa Register made its appearance, published by Horrell & Strong as a
Republican paper. In 1866 the Daily Reporter was started by Higgins &
Leach (Lank Higgins and Frank A. Leach). Higgins withdrew shortly
after, leaving the management to Leach & Gregg, which they managed very
successfully for nearly one year. They then sought a better field, and
moved to Vallejo and established the Chronicle. And, not last of all, comes
the Daily Morning Gazette, an independent paper, which was started March
1, 1870, by L. S. Barnes & Co., with W. J. Bowman, editor."
The Register copies the above, and then adds : " This ' Biography ' is
very well as far as it goes, but it is incomplete as it omits the Napa Times,
and to mention several newspaper men who have had quite as much to do
with the papers of Napa County as the persons named, and perhaps a little
more than either of them, or all of them together. It would seem to us
that a newspaper biography for Napa County without the name of R. T.
Montgomery and that of Mason D. Brownson must be about as deficient as
Hamlet with the ghost left out, or Paradise Lost without the devil. These
men have probably performed more newspaper head and hand work than
all the rest combined. R. T. Montgomery became a half owner of the Re-
porter in 1856, a few months after its establishment by Mr. Cox. The
paper was then a small affair of four columns.
" The material consisted of four small founts of second-hand type, an old
Washington hand press, whose platen was 14 x 17 inches, the whole
scarcely more than a dray-load, and the paper was in artwulo mortis, with-
out patronage or support. Indeed, it could hardly claim to be a fully estab-
lished newspaper until the firm of Montgomery & Cox purchased new
material and enlarged the paper, began to publish it regularly instead of
semi-occasionally, and made it a newspaper instead of a sheet more than
half full of dead advertisements, which no one ever read or paid for. Not
Napa Township. 271
until February, 1857, did the Reporter command anything like a decent
circulation or even make its expenses. From that time may be dated its
prosperity and influence as a public journal.
"In April, 1857, Lank Higgins began his apprenticeship under Mont-
gomery & Cox, and remained in the office until April, 1860. On the 6th
of September, 1858, Mr. Cox left the concern, and, in connection with
Frank Farrell, since deceased, started the Napa City Semi- Weekly Sun, which
was published less than six weeks. Mr. Cox removed to Sonoma County
the spring following, and for the past twelve years has neither edited nor
published a paper in Napa County. Mr. Montgomery, in connection with
M. D. Brownson, A. M. Parry and J. I. Horrell, as printers and co-editors
continued to publish the Reporter until October, 1863, when it passed into
the hands of Miner & Higgins, and finally the latter became sole proprietor.
Mr. Brownson was connected with the paper for more than five years, and
was recognized as an able contributor to its editorial columns. In 1870, he
was still doing yeoman's service on the Daily Vallejo Chronicle. At the
same date Mr. Parry was editor and publisher of the Independent, at
Eureka, Humboldt County.
" The Register was started August 10, 1863, by J. I. Horrell, under the
name of the Napa Valley Register. October 20th of that j^ear, L. Hoxie
Strong became a half owner in the concern, and on the 14th day of the
following November, he died of apoplexy. On the same day, less than four
weeks after he severed his connection with the Reporter, Mr. Montgomery
took editorial charge of the Register, where he remained until January 1,
1864. Mr. Horrell then sold a half interest to N. E. White, Mr. Montgom-
ery still contributing to its columns, and at the end of a month he pur-
chased Mr. Horrell's interest in the establishment, and remained a partner
with Mr. White until January 1, 1866, when he sold to the latter. On the
1st of May following, Mr. Montgomery became sole proprietor, and so con-
tinued till October 23, 1869, excepting a period of six months, ending July
1, 1868, during which Mr. White was sole proprietor, and Mr. Montgomery
was connected with the San Fi'ancisco Daily Times.
" It appears, then, that Mr. Montgomery has been connected with the
Press of this county fully twice as long as any other editor or publisher in
the county, and since the days when Napa was a hamlet. The name of J.
D. Lillard, editor and founder of the Herald, must be mentioned, those of
his successors, Wm. D. Townes and Thomas J. Tucker. The Daily Reporter
was not the first daily paper issued in Napa City. The Napa Daily Adver-
tiser was the first, started by R. T. Montgomery, on the 22d day of Sep-
tember, 1866; but the publisher had the sagacity to abandon it after two
272 ' History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Napa Reporter. — The following sketch of this paper has been furnished
us by Mr. John Walden, the present editor :
" The Reporter was the first paper published in Napa County. The first
number was issued on the 4th of July, 1856, by A. J. Cox. R. T. Mont-
gomery became joint proprietor in the following December, and in the next
February new material was purchased. When the paper was first estab-
lished Napa had neither business nor population to support it. During the
first six months it maintained a sickly existence, being' issued sometimes
once a week and at others two and sometimes three weeks would elapse
between issues. It was a small sheet of four columns, with two pages
constant!}' filled with dead advertisements. The subscription list in 1857
did not contain twenty paying subscribers.
" The office was a rickety old shanty about eighteen feet square, next
below the American Hotel on Main street. It was neither ceiled, plastered
nor papered, and the floor was of rough lumber, through which were cracks
an inch wide. In the roof was a large hole, apparently left for a flue or
chimney, through which the rain descended in torrents. There were no
windows except a couple of sashes nailed securely to the wall. It was
with great difficulty in winter, even when wood was obtainable, that the
place could be kept warm enough to work in ; and it often happened that
wood could not be had at any price, in consequence of the horrible condition
of the roads. In the winter of 1856-7 the publisher paid $5.00 for as
much as filled the box of a buggy. It was hauled less than twenty rods
and the seller got 'stalled' on Main street, buggy and horse sinking in the
mud, and it cost him more in 'treats' than the price of the wood to get the
outfit on terra firma. The editorial lodging room was in the garret, and an
iron camp-bedstead and a few blankets comprised the entire furniture.
" The material of the office was on a par with the building. It con-
sisted, all told, of a Washington hand press, foolscap size, with a platen
14x17 inches, on which the paper was printed one page at a time; a small
fount of second-hand Minion, and another of Long Primer. There was no
jobbing material whatever. This press, which is now in the possession of
the Sonoma Pioneers, was brought to San Francisco from Mexico, at the
close of the war, and taken by Mr. Cox to Sonoma, where it was used some
three years in printing the Sonoma Bulletin. He then moved it to Vallejo,
and in the fall of 1855, in connection with Dr. E. B. Eaton, published the
Vallejo Bulletin, for a few weeks. In June, 1856, he brought it to Napa,
where the Reporter was printed on it until February, 1857, when a new
press was purchased, and the office removed to the corner of Third and
Main streets, where Hartson's brick building now stands. On the 6th of
September, 1858, Mr. Cox left the Reporter, and in the division of the ma-
terial the old press fell to his share, and was used for three months by Cox
■ >■' ^
£. $r^k
Napa Township. 273
& Farrell in publishing the Semi- Weekly Sun. Shortly afterwards Mr. Cox
removed his office to Healdsburg, and used the same press in printing the
Review, of that place. Thence the press went to Lakeport, Lake County,
and did service in printing one or two political papers, each of which died
a natural death. Probably its labors are now at an end, as in the hands of
the Pioneer Association it will be kept as a relic of the olden times. Of
this press R. T. Mongomery says : ' The writer (himself ) has earned many
a thousand dollars, and performed many a hard day's work upon it in the
days of high prices, when very common cards and bill-heads were three dol-
lars per hundred, and small sheet posters thirty dollars per hundred.'
" The Reporter was started as an independent paper, and took no part in
politics until the great split occurred in the Democratic party, on the Kan-
sas question, when it became the advocate of the principles of Stephen A.
Douglas. Mr. Montgomery, in connection with M. D. Brownson, A. M.
Parry and J. I. Horrell continued to publish the paper till October, 1863,
it being under their management a supporter of the Lincoln administra-
tion, and an advocate of the principles of the Union party. At this date
it passed into the hands of Miner & Higgins, and finally into the hands of
Lank Higgins alone. The political character of the paper was then changed,
and it became a vehement opposer of the Lincoln administration. In the
winter of 1870, it was sold to W. F. Henning, who still continued it as a
Democratic paper. In October, 1871, R. T. Montgomery purchased the es-
tablishment. Soon, C. A. Menefee became a partner and in August following
became sole proprietor. Shortly after this a half interest was sold to A. A.
R. Utting, and the paper was published under the firm-name of C. A.
Menefee & Co. During this administration the Daily Reporter was estab-
lished, and still continues to be issued in the morning. In 1875, Capt. G.
W. Gift purchased an interest in the paper and continued its management
until he died, which occurred in 1878. The paper is now conducted by
his wife, with John Walden as editor and business manager, and is a bright,
newsy, and well-conducted journal, receiving a just and liberal share of the
city and county patronage. There is also a fine job department connected
with it."
Napa Herald. — In 1858, the Napa City Herald first made its appear-
ance. It was owned by a joint stock company, comprising, the most in-
fluential Democrats in the county, and was a strong advocate of the meas-
ures of Buchanan's administration, and of the Southern view of the slavery
question. J. D. Lillard, a young lawyer from Kentucky, was its first editor,
and he was succeeded by Win. H. Townes and Thomas J. Tucker. The
paper, however, proved unsuccessful, and was discontinued within a few
months. The establishment came into the hands of Frank Farrell and J.
18
274 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Wallace Higgins soon after ; and in 1859, they issued a paper of the same
character under the name of the Napa Times. This paper also died in a
few months from lack of support.
The Echo. — July 20, 1861, Alexander Montgomery commenced the pub-
lication of the Napa Echo, which violently opposed the measures of the
administration of President Lincoln, and every measure taken to subdue the
Southern rebellion. Its circulation and patronage were limited, and in a
pecuniary point of view it was never successful. Its publication was sus-
pended the morning after the assassination of President Lincoln. Mr.
Montgomery then went to Marysville and thence to other parts, and finally
became proprietor of the Mendocino Democrat, and he was in Ukiah in
1880.
Napa Daily and Weekly Register. — In addition to the above general
statements of the history of the Register, we have been supplied with the
following sketch by Mr. G. M. Francis : " The Register was started in Napa
by J. I. Horrell, August 10, 1863, under the title of Napa Valley Register.
In October of the same year, L. Hoxie Strong became associated with Mr.
Horrell in its publication, but his sudden death a few weeks afterward
terminated the partnership thus formed, and the founder of the paper was
again alone in its management. January 2, 1864, Mr. N. E. White bought
an interest in the paper, and at that time its title was changed to The Napa
Register. February 6, 1864, N. E. White became sole proprietor, and R. T.
Montgomery, editor, the paper remaining under this management until
April 28, 1866, when Mr. Montgomery came into full possession. He
enlarged the paper to seven columns, and remained at the helm until Nov-
ember, 1867, when the office was turned over to an association, Mr. Mont-
gomery being retained as editor and business manager. In January, 1868,
Mr. N. E. White again became publisher and proprietor, but in a few months
thereafter, turned the property over to its former owner, Mr. Montgomery.
October 30, 1869, Montgomery sold out to R. D. Hopkins and John M.
Coghlan, the business being conducted under the firm-name of R. D. Hop-
kins & Co. up to October 29, 1870, when G. M. Francis, its present publisher,
purchased Mr. Coghlan's half interest in the paper, shortly after enlarging
it to thirty-two columns. February 10, 1872, G. W. Henning succeeded
Mr. Hopkins as half owner ; May 17, 1873, Charles A. Gardner in like
manner succeeded Mr. Henning ; January 9, 1875, Mr. Gardner sold to S.
M. Tool ; May 8, 1875, Mr. Francis purchased Mr. Tool's interest, and was
alone in the management of the paper from that date to December, 1876,
when H. S. Spalding bought a half interest. The partnership of Francis
& Spalding continued to February 1, 1881, when G. M. Francis again be-
came sole proprietor. The Register was started as a Republican paper, and
from the day of its birth has advocated Republican principles. November
Napa Township. 275
25, 1872, a daily evening edition was started in connection with the
Weekly Register, and has since been published regularly, having been twice
enlarged, and gained a large circulation and extensive advertising patron-
age. An extensive job department is connected with the press-room.
Napa Gold Dollar. — This was a little daily sheet, started in the fall of
1878, by Ebersole. He sold an interest to J. H. Cooper, who eventu-
ally became sole proprietor. Its field was limited, and was finally suspended.
Robert T. Montgomery. — Much of the above historical matter concern-
ing the newspaper history of Napa is from the pen of Mr. Robert T. Mont-
gomery, when not credited elsewhere. No man that ever lived in Napa
was better fitted to write a full and correct history of the Press of the place,
hence we have copied copiously from that chapter in the " Sketch Book."
And in this connection it is fitting and proper that we append a short bio-
graphical sketch of this pioneer journalist of Napa City. He was born in
1821, in Richmond, Virginia. He was apprenticed to the printers' trade,
and followed it all his days, in all its branches, from the case to the tripod.
In the latter position he was at his best, and in it he did a work in Napa
City that will never be excelled and seldom equalled. He had a massive
mind, a quick and keen perception, a good use of language, recognizing the
delicate shadings of words. His expressions were always chaste in his
editorials, and the moral sentiments inculcated always pure. He knew what
was meant by the term gentleman, and such, when he was himself, he
always was. He came to California in 1853, and engaged in school teaching
until 1856, when he connected himself with the press of Napa City. June
10, 1357, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah B. Cox, sister of his
partner, A. J. Cox. The issue of the Reporter of the 13th was printed in
red ink, in commemoration of the event. His journalistic record has
already been fully written up. Poor Montgomery ! No man was capable
of holding a higher and prouder position in his relations, social and intel-
lectual, than he, and none suffered themselves to sink lower. His name is
found on the records of church organizations, financial corporations, tem-
perance societies, and the police court. The demon alcohol possessed him,
and drove him from the summit to the chasm, and he died a vagrant in the
county hospital, on the charity of the people he had so long lived among
and so faithfully served in the discharge of his editorial duties. His death
occurred December i, 1878. Let us draw the veil of utter forgetfulness over
his short-comings, and let only the bright spots of his genuinely true char-
acter live. Requiescat in pace.
Free and Accepted Masons. — Yount Lodge, No. 12, F. & A. M., was
organized January 24, A. D. 1851, with the following charter members : W.
D. Deering, J. M. Small, M. T. McClellan, W. W. Stillwagon, George C.
276 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Yount, Joseph Mount, B. Vines, Thomas Chapman, J. M. Moody, and M.
H. N. Kendig. The officers U. D. were: W. D. Deering, W. M.; J. M.
Small, S. W.; M. T. McClellan, J. W.; W. W. Stillwagon, Secretary, and
George C. Yount, Treasurer. The charter was granted May 15, 1851. The
first officers U. C. were W. D. Deering, W. M.; J. M. Small, S. W.; J. H.
Seawell, J. W.; W. W. Stillwagon, Secretary, and George C. Yount,
Treasurer. The following named members have filled the position of
W. M.: W. D. Deering, J. M. Small, J. H. Seawell, Wesley Vaughn, Ed.
McGarry, J. M. Dudley, Robert Crouch, H. H. Knapp, W. B. Carlton, F.
M. Hackett, T. J. Tucker, Ralph Ellis, William Bradford, F. E. Johnson,
and C. R. Gritman. The present officers are H. H. Knapp, W. M.; A. J.
Hull, S. W.; F. N. Giles, J. W.; P. Van Bever, Treasurer, and F. M. Hackett,
Secretary. The present membership is eighty.
Napa Chapter, B. A. M. — Napa Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M., was organ-
ized U. D. November 10, 1.S60, with the following charter members : H.
A. Gaston, H. H. Knapp, M. L. Haas, O. A. Peck, E. E. Harvey, W. B.
May, D. Spencer, G. C. Yount, W. W. Stillwagon, and F. B. Gilmore. The
first officers were H. A. Gaston, H. P.; D. Spencer, K.; G. C. Yount, S.; H.
H. Knapp, C. of H; W. B. May, P. S.; M. L. Haas, R. A. C; W. W. Still-
wagon, G. M. of third veil, and F. B. Gilmore G. M. of second veil. The
following members have held the position of H. P.: H. A. Gaston, H. H.
Knapp, R. Crouch, R. Ellis, W. Bradford and C. R. Gritman. The present
officers are C. R. Gritman, H. P.; B. Johnson, K; G. Bustelli, Scribe; P.
Van Bever, Treasurer, and D. L. Haas, Secretary. The present membership
is forty-one.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Napa Lodge, No. 18, I. 0. O.
F., was organized November 26, 1853, with the following charter members :
J. D. Stetenius, D. Monnett, Robert Hopkins, E. A. Hazan, J. H. Waterson,
D. C. Tripp. Unfortunately the records of this lodge are lost up to 1855,
hence the first officers cannot be given, nor. any of the N. G.'s previous to
that date. The list of N. G.'s so far as attainable is as follows : C. Page,
J. H. Waterson, G. N. Cornwell, J. M. Dudley, J. M. Wilson, T. Earl, R. D.
Hopkins, J. Cosgrove, R. T. Montgomery, J. -Horrell, J. Butler, P. Hunt-
singer, W. H. Clark, A. B. Walker, G, N. Tuthill, J. Salmunson, J. C. Pier-
son, G. F Reeves, L. M. Corwin, J. Israelsky, W. W. Pendegast, J. N.
Reynolds, W. R. Brown, E. N. Boynton, G. B. Clifford, A. Sampson, R. N.
Steere, A. G. Boggs, H. L. Amstutz, Robert Clark, H. T. Barker, W. Laugh-
lin, L. Chapman, Z. W. Keyes, D. R. McLennan, P. T. Gomer, H. Christian-
sen, C. Levansaler, E. W. Hottel, J. N. Wallingford. T. M. Moody, D. Smith,
J. W. Ward, Jr., J. A. Kane, J. F. Hottel, and D. S. Keiser. The present
officers are : J. B. Newman, N. G; B. Johnson, V. G; W. W. Bachelor, R.
Napa Township. 277
S.; H. L. Amstutz, Treasurer ; and R. Clark, P. S. The present member-
ship is one hundred and thirty-three. The lodge owns a splendid two-story
brick building on Main street, which was erected in 1877. The lot is 44x90,
and cost $5000, and the building is 44 x80, and cost $12,000. The lower
story is used for stores, and the upper one for lodge purposes. The lodge-
room is 36 x 56, with twenty-foot ceiling, and is handsomely furnished.
Live Oak Encampment, I. 0. 0. F. — Live Oak Encampment, I. O. O. F.,
No. 40, was organized April 29, 1879, with the following charter mem-
bers : J. N. Reynolds, L. Chapman, E. Biggs, A. B. Walker, E. N. Boynton,
W. R. Brown, H. Christiansen, T. R. Parke, and J. P. Clark. The first offi-
cers were : J. N. Reynolds, C. P.; W. R Brown, H. B.; A. B. Walker, S. W.;
L. Chapman, J. W.; E. N. Boynton, Scribe ; and E. Biggs, Treasurer. The
following members have served as H. P.'s : J. N. Reynolds, A. B. Walker,
L. Chapman, J. C. Pierson, E. N. Boynton, C. Pearch, J. O. Shafer, E. W.
Hottel, C. Levansaler, Theo. Ellis, C. E. Kiefer, J. F. Hottel, H. Christiansen,
T. M. Moody, J. C. Rowley, F. Salmini, A. Muller, G. Bustelli, and E. Biggs.'
The present officers are : E. Biggs, C. P.; D. Smith, H. P.; R. Clark, S. W.;
J. A. Pedersen, J. W.; J. C. Pierson, Scribe ; and E. W. Hottel, Treasurer.
The present membership is thirty-three.
Independent Order of Good Templars. — We cannot get at the
original records of the first lodge of this order ever organized in Napa. We
find that in April, 1861, Franklin Lodge, No. 36, was in existence, and the
following officers were elected : Samuel Heald, W. C. T.; J. M. Hamilton,
W. V. T.; V. J. Van Dora, W. S.; Miss L. A. Willett, W. T.; Martha C.
Heald, W. F. S.; G. W. Carter, W. M.; Rev. P. V. Veeder, W. Ch.; D. B.
Magee, W. I. G; and R. T. Montgomery, W. O. G.
Aqua Pura Lodge. — Aqua Pura Lodge, No. Ill, I. O. G. T., was organ-
ized November 3, 1879, by Levi Leland, Grand Lecturer, with the following
charter members : James Mason, Ida Dennison, J. Moody, A. T. Stanley, F.
Harris, Z. E. Rowell, S. R. Dickey, Flora L. Allen, E. H. Dennison, Millie
Harris, M. Story, O. Pye, J. Davis, A. Chapman, Mrs. Chapman, R. B. Todd,
Stella Kerfoot, Margaret McCaskell and J. A. White. The first officers
were : J. Mason, W. C. T.; Ida Dennison, W. V. T.; S. R. Dickey, W. T.; A.
T. Stanley, W. R. S. The present officers are : A. J. Cameron, W. C. T..
Mary Pierce, W. V. T.; H. V. Alley, W. R. S.; Ella V. Dunn, W. T. The'
Lodge meets on Saturday evenings, and the present membership is thirty-
seven.
Knights of Honor.— Napa Lodge, No. 1,897, K. of H, was organized
November 28, 1879, with the following charter members: J. H. Boke, F. L.
Coombs, N. Coombs, Levi Coombs, T. V. Chadbourne, T. H Epley, L. H.
278 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Fowler, G. W. Fraser, C. R. Gritman, H. C. Gesford, Ed. Grogan, Z. W. Gar-
field, J. H. P. Gedge, E. Hamm, J. W. Hostetler, F. M. Hackett, B. C. Hartson,
Wm. Imrie, H. Jansen, J. F. Lambdin, T. Lane, O. P. Meyers, F. A. McDon-
ald, T. McBain, J. G Noyes, T. R. Parker, I. N. Pearson, A. J. Raney, J. T.
Smith, George C. Shurtleff, M. L. Stillwagon, A. D. Stockford, J. P. Tru-
body, J. T. Vanderlip, J. W. Ward, Jr., C. M. Walker, G. A. Wright, W.
West, and J. N. Wallingford. The first officers were: C. R. Gritman, D.;
W. W. Hostetler, V. D.; A. D. Stockford, A. D.; F. M. Hackett, Rept.; B. C.
Hartson, F. R; J. N. Wallingford, Treas. The Directors have been: C. R.
Gritman, A. D. Stockford, J. W. Ward, Jr., Dr. J. W. Hostetler, and W.
West. The present officers are : W. West, D.; 0. P. Meyers, V. D.; J. B-
Walden, A. D.; F M. Hackett, Rept.; J. N. Wallingford, Treasurer; and J.
F. Lambdin, F. R. The present membership is sixty, and the amount of
benefit $2000.
Knights of Pythias. — Fidelity Lodge, No. 23, K. of P., was organized
August 6, 1873, with the following charter members: D. M. McClure, J. F.
Pugh, J. Kean, R. M. Swain, W. Bradford, G. Bustelli, S. Reinertsen, C. A.
Menefee, K. Gudmundsen, H. Christiansen, E. Lane, J. S. Howland, C. J.
Carlsen, N. L. Nielsen, W. Overdick, R. N. Steere, J. Musburger, L. N. Zubric,
M. Begelspacher, A. Muller, J. W. Sharp, R. H. Daley, I. Gilchrist, L. N.
Parsons, G. W. Lawrence, M. F. Sherwood, J. J. Martin, I. Fancher, E. New-
felder, W. H. Parsons and L. M. Corwin. The first officers were J. F. Pugh,
P. C; D. McClure, C. C; N. L. Nielsen, V. G; R. N. Steere, P.; J. Kean, K.
of R. & S.; W. Bradford, M. of F; L. M, Corwin, M. of E. The following
members have filled the position of C. C: D. McClure, R. M. Swain, G. W.
Lawrence, C. A. Gardner, J. C. Pierson, H. Christiansen, A. Muller, T. N.
Mount, N. L. Nielsen, W. Overdick, G. W. Olds, W. Mellor and C. Lulwes.
The present officers are : J. F. Lambdin, C. C; C. M. Wiprut, V. C; G. W.
Lawrence, P.; J. Kean, K. of R. & S.; T. N. Mount, M. of E.; H. L. Amstutz,
M. of F.; John Kean has filled the position of K. of R. & S. ever since the
organization of this lodge.
Ancient Order United Workmen. — Fortuna Lodge, No. 13, A. 0. U.
W., was organized December 21, 1877, with the following charter members :
C. R. Gritman, J. W. Ward, Jr., E. H. Bragg, E. S. Gridley, E. P. Mitchell, A.
D. Stockford, C. H. Wilson, D. A. Fraser, T. McBain, J. Mitchell, C. Stuart,
and J. W. Hostetler. The first officers were C. R. Gritman, P. M. W. ; J.
W. Ward, Jr., M. W. ; E. H. Bragg, G. F.; E S. Gridley, Overseer; C. H.
Wilson, Recorder ; A. D. Stockford, Financier ; D. A. Fraser, Receiver ; E.
P. Mitchell, Guide ; C. Stuart, I. W. ; and J. Mitchell, O. W. The following
gentlemen have filled the position of M. W. : J. W. Ward, Jr., C. R. Grit-
Napa Township. 279
man, A. D. Stockford, J. W. Hostetler, 0. P. Meyers, C. B. Stone, B. C.
Hartson, M. C. True, W. F. Henning, W. West and H. Brown, Jr. The
present officers are : Henry Brown, Jr., M. W ; S. P. Westover, F. ; J. W.
Stephens, O. ; J. E. Walden, Guide ; E. S. Gridley, Recorder ; T. N. Mount,
Financier ; B. E. Hunt, Receiver ; J. W. Hoover, I. W. ; A. M. Hardman,
0. W. The present membership is one hundred and thirty-three.
Industries. — The industries of Napa City are quite numerous, as will
be seen by perusing the following pages, and there is no good reason why
they should not be more so. No city in California presents better advan-
tages for a manufacturing point than is to be found here. Transportation,
the ultimatum to be considered in this case, is very cheap, and the shipping
facilities are unexcelled — communication with San Francisco being had
direct by both water and rail. It is in close proximity to the center of
trade, and to tide water. The industrial future of Napa City cannot but
be great if it is properly nurtured, and the requisite amount of encourage-
ment given to men who would invest their capital in that direction in the
place. Very much indeed of this future rests in the hands of the citizens
of Napa ; but judging the future by the past, there is no doubt but that all
will be done that is possible to advance the industrial interests of the city.
Sawyer's Tannery. — This enterprise was begun in 1869 by F. A.
Sawyer, with only one man as his assistant. He had two small buildings,
and only two small vats. In 1870 his father, B. F. Sawyer, came out from
New Hampshire, and entered into partnership with him, under the firm-
name of B. F. Sawyer & Co., which is still the style of the firm-name. The
business was started on Jacks Point, and it was then moved to its present
location at the foot of Grant avenue. They put up a building 30x60
feet, with two shed roofs, sixteen feet wide on each side, the whole length
of the building. They then had ten vats. At this time the firm consisted
of B. F. Sawyer, F. A. Sawyer, and W. H. Woodbury, and they employed
one white man and four Chinamen. The capacity was then one hundred
and twenty-five sheep-skins per day. In 1871 the capacity was increased
to three hundred pelts a day. In March, 1872, A. W. Norton purchased a
half interest in the concern, and the capacity was increased to five hun-
dred hides a day, and also one hundred deer-skins. They then erected a
two-story building, 30x90 feet ; also a bark shed 30x20 feet, making a total
bark shed 30x50 feet. They run along about this way until 1875, when
the capacity of the tannery was doubled. During this year S. E. Holden
was admitted as a partner in the wool branch of the business. About
this time the then foreman of the business, E. Manassee, discovered an
improved method for preparing sheep-skins for glove leather, and in
partnership with the firm, secured a patent for the process. Too much
280 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in the way of commendation cannot be said of the leather prepared
by this method. They then added eighteen feet to the length of the two-
story building, and to run the business twelve white men and seventy
Chinamen were required. They increased the capacity for deer-skins also
to one hundred and fifty a day.
In 1876 they erected a six-story dry-house, 40 x 24, also a two-story
dry-shed, 36 x 90. In 1879 B. F. Sawyer died, but the business continued
in the hands of the same firm until April 1, 1880, when S. E. Holden and
E. Manassee were admitted as partners in the enterprise. The capacity
was then increased to one thousand two hundred sheep and two hundred
deer skins daily. In 1879 they put up a dry-shed, 48 x 90, also a two-
story grading and finishing room, 16 x 50, in the spring of 1880. During
the present year (1881) they have erected a three-story drying-shed, 70x40,
and have put on an addition to the rear of the main building, 68 x 26, and
two stories high, which is used for a wool-pulling room down stairs and a
finishing room up stairs. They have converted the dry-shed, which was
built in 1875.. into a two-story building, which is used for the djTeing and
deer-skin department. They have also erected a wood-shed, 40 x 70, with a
suspension roof ; also a bark house, 40 x 80, with a suspension roof, fourteen
feet high. They have remodeled the building erected in 1870 into a build-
ing three stories high, and one hundred and ten feet long and forty-five feet
wide. They have also put up two tanks holding from thirty thousand to
forty thousand gallons. In 1879 they erected a warehouse, 48 x 55, in
connection with the steamboat landing, which thus brings them into direct
communication with that means of transportation. The buildings of the
concern now cover one and a-half blocks, equal to two and a-half acres of
land. When the business was begun, the bark was ground and the water
pumped by horse-power. In 1876 they put in a ten-horse power engine.
In 1879 it was found inadequate to meet the requirements of the business,
and a twenty-five-horse power one was put in, and at the same time a forty-
horse power boiler. In 1880 they put in another boiler of the same size,
and now all their drying rooms are supplied with steam. Their business is
conducted in a strictly methodical manner, and all the latest improvements
are used. A record is kept of every article handled, so that no matter in
what department it may be its whereabouts is known. Strict account is
kept of the expenses of each department, and of the amount of material
handled, so that any leakage is easily detected. Their capacity is now in-
creased to two thousand sheep-skins and two hundred deer-skins a day. The
firm also deals in wool and heavy hides. They have a warehouse and office
in San Francisco, also an agency for their leather in New York, and one for
their wool in Boston. Their wool is graded into five separate kinds, and is
then baled and shipped to Boston. Their supply of hides comes from the
• Napa Township. 281
whole Pacific Coast, Oregon affording quite an amount of them. In 1881
the firm showed their spirit of liberality by increasing the wages of their
men 14 per cent., and they now range from 75 cents a day for boys be-
ginning to $2 . 75 for foremen.
Napa City Tannery. — This business is conducted under the firm-name
of T. McBain & Co., which is composed of T. McBain, J. F. Zollner, and J.
Even. They began business in 1874, and had a capacity of one hundred
hides per week, which has since been increased to two hundred and fifty.
They handle heavy hides entirely, and have now sixty-five vats. In 1880,
they put in an eigh teen-horse power engine, with a forty -horse power boiler.
Their main building is 100x80, and they erected in 1880, a bark shed, which
is 100x50, and sixteen feet high, and will hold six hundred cords. The busi-
ness at this place was started in 1867, by T. H Algo, who began in a very small
way, and developed it up to what it was when the present owners came into
possession. When they put in their engine they erected a two-story build-
ing 34x50 in which to put it. The most of their tan bark is secured from
the upper end of Napa Valley. The buildings are situated in East Napa,
and north of the river.
Vernon Mills. — This enterprise was set on foot by the Langwell Broth-
ers, and the building was originally located between the railroad track and
the mouth of Napa Creek. In 1859 Messrs. Heald, Cooper and Kester pur-
chased it, and in 1861 it was moved to its present site. The present size of
the main building is 55x60, and four stories high. One half of the ware-
house part is 120x60, and the other half is 30x120. The engine-room and
coal shed is 160x120. The flour warehouse is 30x60, and was erected
in 1880, and is situated on the east side of the main building. There
are four run of buhrs, new boilers put in in 1880, and a forty-horse
power engine. The boilei's are forty-eight inches in diameter, and four-
teen feet long, of which there are two. The capacity of the mill is
from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five barrels. Does custom
and general work. Messrs. Cooper and Kester purchased Heald's interest
in 1869, and Mr. W. K. Cooper became sole proprietor in 1875. The build-
ing is on the north bank of the river in East Napa, and vessels can load
and discharge at the door.
Napa City Mills. — This enterprise was set on foot in 1878 by William
Stoddard. The mills have a capacity of one hundred and twenty barrels
in twenty -four hours. A fifty-horse power engine drives four run of stones.
All the requisite machinery for an establishment of this kind is found here,
and the very latest improvements. The mill is adjacent to the warehouse,
at the foot of Brown street.
Moody's Carriage Factory. — This enterprise was begun by T. M. Moody,
in 1871, and the shops are located on Main street, between First and Pearl.
282 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
He does a general blacksmith, wagon and carriage -making business ; also,
repairing machinery, horse-shoeing, and plow manufacturing. T. G. Green-
field is the wood-worker of the establishment. In the shop there is an iron
turning-lathe run by steam.
Hunter's Carriage Factory. — Located on First street, and business begun
in 1871. Does a general blacksmith, carriage and wagon-making business.
William Topham is the wood-worker.
Wright & Fowler's Carriage Factory. — Located on Third street, near the
bridge, where a general blacksmith and wagon and carriage-making business
is conducted. L. H. Fowler has charge of the iron department, and G. A.
Wright of the wood-work.
Napa Soda Works. — M. Silver, proprietor, corner of Main and Stuart
streets. This business was begun in 1878, and the machinery has a capacit}'
of one hundred dozen a day. The demand for the soda has increased very
much, running as high as six hundred dozen a month.
Napa Coffee and Spice Mill. — B. W. Roberson begun operations in Octo-
ber, 1880, on Main street, near Stuart. The flood of 1881 drove him from
those quarters to his present place on Brown street. He has a rotary coffee-
roaster with a capacity of one thousand five hundred pounds per da}r, and
a mill that will grind the same amount ; also, a spice mill. Machinery is
. run by steam. Supplies the trade of this whole valley.
Napa City Marble Works. — Conducted by Messrs. Newman <fc Wing
who began business in 1878, near the Tulucay Cemetery. They erected a
new building 28x40 in 1881 ; and they do a general business in granite and
marble. They turn out some superb work.
Napa Drain Tile Factory. — W. B. and E. H. Dennison, proprietors, be
gan business in September, 1880. The building is located on Third street,
east of the railroad, and is 52 x 30, with a kiln building 30 x 48, and a dry-
ing room 104 x 26. The clay is gotten in the vicinity of Napa City, and is
of good quality for tiling, but not for glazed ware. The machinery consists
of a tile machine and a portable engine. The machine will mould two
hundred rods of tiling in a day. They mould in sizes from two to six inches.
The kiln is twelve feet in diameter, and fourteen feet high, and made of
brick and stone, and will contain one thousand rods of tile, which requires
three days in burning. They also manufacture flower pots, etc., in their
line.
Napa Cream of Tartar Works. — The cream of tartar manufactory in
East Napa was established December, 1880. The supply of wine settlings
used in making the cream of tartar is obtained from cellars in Sonoma and
Napa Counties. Six or seven thousand pounds of crude tartar — bi-tartrate
of potash — have been made since the opening of the factory, and a much
larger amount will be manufactured next season. Work will recommence
Napa Toivnship. 283
immediately after wine-making shall begin in the fall. The tartar forms
in small, brown crystals, sometimes on a thread suspended in the tanks>
somewhat resembling browm rock-eandy. Other crystals settle to the bot-
tom where they lie loosely, and after being removed are dried in the sun.
It is then taken to San Francisco and refined. The crude article sells for
twenty-two cents per pound ; when it is refined it commands thirty-two
cents per pound. The proprietor, Mr. A. Bertrandias, seems well pleased
with his location and the success attending his labors here.
Bachelder Manufacturing Company. — Was organized as a company in
1876, but J. Bachelder was then and is still proprietor. The manufacture of
pumps, wind-mills and general machinery is made a specialty. He has
lately taken out the wood-working department, and put in a canning busi-
ness. The building is one hundred feet square, two stories and a basement,
with an L 24 x 24. The wind-mills manufactured by this company are
first-class in every respect. Location of works, in East Napa.
Napa Glue Works. — C. N. Souther, proprietor, began business in April,
1877. The works are located in East Napa, just north of McBain & Co's
tannery, and fifteen hundred pounds of glue per week are manufactured,
and more could be done if the stock could be had. The quality of the
product is excellent. The building is 90 x 32, and three stories high. There
is an eight-horse power engine connected with the works.
Napa City Oas Works. — This is the property of an incorporated
company, of which J. H. Goodman is President, and L. R. Parker, Superin-
tendent. The gas is made from coal, and the capacity of gasometer is ten
thousand feet. There are four retorts.
Napa Planing Mill. — Corner of Third and Brown streets, M. A. Schwab
proprietor. Business began in March, 1881. The machinery consists of a
planer, band scroll saw, lathe, circular saws — rip and cross-cut — moulding
sticker, and a fifteen-horse power engine. All kinds of planing and
sticking done ; also fruit boxes made.
Barth's Brewery. — G. Barth, proprietor, is located on the corner of Main
and Stuart streets. The building is a large one, constructed of stone, and
two stories high. There is also a stone bottling house 30x38 feet. The
beer room is 48x60 feet. There is a twelve-horse power engine to drive
the pumps, etc. The malt kettle is on the second floor, and will hold one
thousand gallons. The malt dryer is 20x20 feet, and the fermenting room
is 24x48 feet. The cooler has a capacity of one thousand gallons. There
is also a large beer cellar, which is an excellent addition to the establish-
ment. It is one of the largest breweries on the west side of the Sacramento
River.
Bank of Napa. — Organized September, 1871, with the following
trustees : J. F. Zollner, W. C. Wallace, C. Hartson, E. Stanley, W. H. Nash,
284 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
R. H. Sterling, E. L. Sullivan. A. B. Walker, W. W. Thompson, G. M.
Fisher, R. B. Woodward, H. L. Davis, T. H. Thompson, I. N. Larimer, J.
Lawley, D. McDonald, and D. L. Haas. At that time the following officers
were elected : C. Hartson, President ; W. C. Watson, Secretary and Cashier,
and R. H. Sterling, W. W. Thompson and T. H. Thompson, Finance Com-
mittee. C. Hartson remained President of the bank till January 1, 18S0,
when L. Lewton was chosen to the position which he still retains. W. O.
Watson remained Cashier until January 1, 1881, when C. R. Gritman was
elected to the place, and still retains it. The present Finance Committee is
J. M. Mansfield, J. Preece and M. Shaw. The present Directors are L.
Lewton, C. A. Derby, M. Shaw, J. M. Mansfield, J. Preece, J. Roberts, W.
Maynard, C. Robinson, G. Barth, S. Ewer, S. M. Chapman, D. Smith, Dr. G.
B. Crane, W. A. Trubody, S. E. Holden, J. Harnett, and E. W. Robinson.
The capital stock at the time of organization was $250,000, but has since
been reduced to $186,300, with a surplus of $75,000. A general banking
business is conducted, and the Anglo-Californian Bank of San Francisco,
and J. & W. Seligman & Co., of New York, are its correspondents. The
bank was opened October 2, 1871, in a building on Main street, and their
elegant and substantial structure on the corner of Main and Second streets
was erected in the spring of 1872.
Banking House of J. H. Goodman & Co. — Was established in 1858,
with James H. and George E. Goodman, proprietors. Does a general bank-
ing business, and have correspondents in all the principal cities in the
Union.
Banking House of Seeley & Bickford. —Was established April 1,
1879, and does a general banking business. The proprietors are C. B. Seeley
and L. A. Bickford, and the location is on Brown street, next door to Wells,
Fargo & Co.'s express.
Business Interests of Napa City. — We have collected facts and
figures showing the business interests in Napa City, in the years 1856, 1858,
1860, and 1881, and present them below in a sort of tabulated form, so that
the reader may see at a glance, what has been the business growth of the
place since it was a " hamlet," as R. T. Montgomery was wont to call the
city in the days of its swaddling clothes.
1856. ISM. ISaO. 1881.
General Stores 9 10 12 15
Liquor 3
Hardware Stores 1 1 2
Stationery 1 3 2
Hotels 2 3 4 11
Blacksmith Shops 3 2 5 8
Napa Township.
285
Plow Factory
Wagon Makers 3
Shoe Shops 2
Clothing Stores 1
Meat Markets
Fruit Stores
Vegetable Stores
Saddlers
Tin Stores
Sewing Machine Agent
Drug Stores
Express
Printing Offices
Billiard Halls
Bakeries
Flour Mills 2
Warehouses 2
Livery Stables 3
Churches 1
Saloons 12
Doctors 2
Lawyers 4
Jewelers
Total number of buildings
Votes cast in 1859 826 ...
Ambrotype rooms
Assay Office
Barber Shops
Bag Factory
Banks
Cigar Stores
Dry Goods Stores
Furniture Stores
Fire Companies
Fish Market
Gunsmith
Lumber Yards
Machine Shops
Paint Shops
Public Hall
Restaurants
1858.
1
2
3
3
3
3
1
2
1
1
2
2
3
2
1
2
2
5
10
14
7
16
2
430
3
1
3
1
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
3
1
2
3
2
1
1
2
3
286
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
1856.
Tailors
Schools
Wood Yards
Feed Store
Photograph Gallery
Wine Cellars
Glue Works
Tanneries
Spice and Coffee Mill
Gas Works
Cream Tartar Works ....
Pottery
Marble Cutter
Milliners
Confectioners
Markets
Second Hand Dealer
Glove Factory
Brewery
Soda Factory
Carriage Factories
Dentists
Steamboats. — Since 1850, steamers have plied between Napa and San
Francisco almost, if not quite, continuously. The first steamer to be put in
the trade was the " Dolphin," Capt. Turner G. Baxter, Master, and her first
trip was made in 1850. She was not much larger than a whale-boat, and
her boiler was similar to that of a locomotive. Her passengers had to
" trim ship " very carefully to keep from upsetting. It is said that when
coming up the river, the captain, who is very tall, came in sight long before
the smoke-stack did. Gen. W. S. Jacks still preserves the bell of the "Dol-
phin " as a relic.
The next steamer was the " Jack Hays," which was run by Capt. Chad-
wick, who afterwards lost his life on the " Brother Jonathan." The "Hays"
was brought around the Horn, in pieces, in 1849, on board the bark "La
Grange," and was shipped hence by a joint stock company, of which Mr.
W. W. Wilkins of Bolinas, Marin County, was a partner. The steamboat
was discharged from the vessel at Benicia, where she was put together, and
was the first steamboat that ever made the trip from the latter place to Sac-
ramento. Upon its completion it was called the " Commodore Jones," in
honor of Commodore Ap. Catsby Jones. Her builders soon disposed of her,
Napa Township. 287
and her name was changed to " Jack Hays," under which she got unto her-
self quite a reputation.
In 1856, the steamer " Anna Ahernatha " was run in this trade by Cap-
tain Folger. In April, 1857, the steamer "Sophia" was run to Napa by
Capt. P. F. Doling. The " Vaquero " was run at one time by Capt. Baxter.
The steamer " Express " ran here for a number of years, and is now going
to decay at the old Soscol wharf. In 1859, the steamer " Paul Pry " was on
the route. She was a speedy affair, making the trip in three hours. In
1864, the "Cleopatra" was run by Capt. T. G. Baxter between Napa and
Soscol, in connection with the Amelia, which ran from there to San Fran-
cisco. The steamers " Ellen " and " Emma " are now in this trade. There
have been other steamers here, but their names have been forgotten.
Odd Fellows' College and Home. — In 1871, quite an excitement
prevailed over the location of the above institution at Napa. In the Grand
Lodge the vote stood : for Napa, 445 ; for Sacramento, 82. The citizens of
Napa did all in their power to get it located here, but from some cause it
was decided to take it elsewhere, which was a great disappointment to the
people of this place.
The Fire Department. — Pioneer Engine Company, No. 1, was organized
in April, 1859, by the election of Robert Crouch, President ; E. S. Chesebro,
Foreman ; J. H. Moran, Assistant ; J. W. Hemenway, Second Assistant ;
Harvey Wilder, Secretary; and B. F. Townsend, Treasurer. The first trial
of the engine was on the 6th of June, 1860. Since then a hook and ladder
truck and eight Babcock Extinguishers have been purchased, and altogether
the apparatus is quite efficient and the only thing lacking is a supply of
water. It has been impossible to get a full history of the department,
owing to the absence of many of their records.
COAL. — September 24, 1870, it was reported that a vein of coal four
and one-half feet thick had been discovered.
LIME. — In May, 1866, F. Sage burned a kiln of lime from stone found
in Napa Valley. We do not know anything of the quality of it but infer
that it was not very excellent from the fact that the enterprise was aban-
doned.
FERRY AT SOSCOL. — In an early day the crossing at Soscol was an
important place, and a ferry then did a big business. The first ferry that
we find mentioned was in 1852, when a franchise was granted to H. Lutten ;
and the next was in 1857, when a franchise was granted to E. W. Thurber.
He had formerly lived in Big Valley, Sonoma Couuty, and now resides in
Pleasant Valley, Solano County. In 1858, the franchise was granted to
288 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Valentine Hathaway. In 1874, M. C. True held the franchise, and relin-
quished it, and J. T. Machado obtained a franchise February 1, 1875. The
business amounts to but a trifle now.
DAM AND LOCK.— William H. James got a franchise April 18, 1859,
to construct a dam and lock in the Napa River, at or near Soscol, for fifteen
years. The dam was to be constructed of stone, and to be fifty feet wide.
The franchise was transferred to James H. Goodman, who renewed it May
3, 1861.
WHARF AT SOSCOL.— May 6, 1858, a franchise was granted to S.
and T. H. Thompson, for twenty years, to construct a wharf at Soscol, on
the east side of the river, beginning at the ferry, and extending southward
five hundred feet.
REV. ELEAZER THOMAS, D. D.— This gentleman, who was one of
the Peace Commissioners who met such a cruel and untimely fate at the
hands of the Modoc Indians in the lava beds, April 11, 1873, was at that
time presiding elder of the Petaluma district, and was well known in Napa
City and County, where he had often preached, as a most worthy man and
exemplary Christian.
TULUCAY CEMETERY.— On the 24th day of December, 1858,a meeting
of the citizens of Napa was held for the purpose of providing a burial ground
for the accommodation of the public. James Lefferts called the meeting to
order, and W. S. Jacks was chosen Chairman, and G. W. Towle, Secretary.
A committee of five was appointed by the chairman to prepare a plan of
organization of the Cemetery Association ; to find out as to the quantity
and price of ground that could be purchased ; to suggest a plan of laying
out the grounds ; the probable expense of so doing, and the expense of fenc-
ing the proposed cemetery. The members of the committee appointed for
this purpose were William H. James, C. W. Langdon, A. L. Boggs, N.
Coombs, and W. S. Jacks. The next meeting was on the twenty-eighth of
the same month. The committee appointed at the previous meeting made
their report, which was adopted. A committee of three was then appointed
to solicit subscriptions to be applied to defraying the expenses of surveying,
laying off burial lots, and other incidental expenses that might be incurred
previous to the sale of the lots. A committee of five was appointed to
draft a constitution and by-laws ; to report at the next meeting. This com-
mittee comprised J. Lawley, R. Dudding, Hambleton, A. L. Boggs, and J-
Lefferts.
The committee appointed at the last meeting tor the purpose of prepar-
ing a plan of organization, reported that they had consulted with Senor Don
Cayetano Juarez, the proprietor of land in the neighborhood of Napa City,
Napa Township. 289
and that gentleman had generously offered to donate to trustees, to be ap-
plied for that purpose, a quantity of land suitable for a cemetery, the area
of the whole amount to be twenty-five or thirty acres. The amount finally
donated was forty-eight and four-fifth acres.
The committee recommended that, as soon as the ground was laid off
into lots, and before the sale of any lots whatever, Don Cayetano Juarez
be permitted to select a lot for a family burying-ground, and that a certifi-
cate of such location be presented to him gratuitously. They also stated
that they had examined the land offered and deemed it well suited for the
purposes contemplated, said land being that known as the Tulucay (accent
on the last syllable) Cemetery. The committee also recommended that as a
basis of franchise a subscription list be provided, in which a sum of money
not to exceed twenty-five dollars to each person be subscribed, to be applied
in defraying the expenses of surveying, laying off burial lots, and other
incidentals ; that the amount subscribed be returned as soon as funds are
received from the sale of lots ; also, that the persons subscribing elect five
trustees to receive the deed, to be known as the " Trustees of the Napa
County Cemetery Association." A portion of the cemetery was to be set
apart for the use of the Catholic Church, which was to be selected by
Don Cayetano Juarez. The committee also recommend that the trustees
procure a conveyance of the land, and that a substantial fence be erected
around the cemetery. A vote of thanks was then tendered to Don Cayetano
Juarez for his generous gift.
At the next meeting the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws re-
ported. The constitution provided that the association be known as the
" Tulucay Cemetery Association ;" that the business be transacted by five
trustees, to be elected by the owners of the lots : that as soon as the lots
were laid off a public sale of them take place, proceeds of sale to be applied
to necessary expenses, which being paid, the balance of the money to be
expended in ornamenting the grounds and keeping them in repair. The
trustees are to be residents of Napa County ; none of the officers to receive
any salary except the Secretary, who, on receiving and filing a deed to a
lot, shall recive a fee of fifty cents. The first Board of Trustees elected
consisted of N. Coombs, A. L. Boggs, J. Lefferts, Smith Brown and J.
Lawley. Sixty-six persons subscribed in sums ranging from five dollars to
twenty-five dollars, at the opening of the subscription list.
On the ninth of April, 1859, a public sale was held at the cemetery
grounds, the price of each lot having previously been fixed at $10. June
14, 1859, the stone wall which had been recently completed around the
cemetery was accepted, said wall being one hundred and eleven and two-
thirds rods long; and an order was drawn on the Treasurer for the sum of
$558.75, being at the rate of $5 per rod. The cemetery grounds were sur-
19
290 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
veyed by N. L. Squibb May 30, 1865. A. L. Boggs having removed from
the county, J. F. Lambdin was elected trustee in his place, and George
Fellows was elected to fill the place of J. Lefferts, resigned. December 17,
1865, J. F. Lambdin was authorized by the trustees to contract with J.
Henckle for one year's service at a price not to exceed $550, Henckle to
board himself, and find his own tools, and to work for said association, and
take general charge of the cemetery under the direction of the trustees.
Trustees Lambdin and Fellows were appointed a committee to purchase one
hundred trees, and superintend the planting of them. J. F. Lambdin was
also elected Treasurer of the association.
March 10, 1869, J. F. Lambdin was authorized to contract with C. Cha-
bol to care for the cemetery at $12.50 per month, he to have all he could
make by digging graves, and caring for lots. At this meeting the price of
lots was fixed at $20 each. At a meeting of the trustees held August 1,
1873, the President was authoiized to convey to the Supervisors of Napa
County the tract marked "Poor" on the plat of the cemetery. April 16,
1874, Jesse Grigsby, J. A. McClellan, C. H. Allen and A. G. Boggs were
chosen trustees of the association, and L. Bruck, clerk. April 10, 1876,
it was resolved that lots purchased be paid for in advance, and that prices
for parts of lots should be as follows : one-fourth lot, formerly sold at $5,
should now be held at $7.50; one-half lot, formerly $10, raised to $12.50;
and so on in proportion. A contract was entered into with William Keeley,
by which the trustees bind themselves and their successors in office to care
for lots 23 and 24, block 73, the property of said Keeley, as long as the
association had an existence, for the sum of $100, paid to them by said
In the spring of 1877 a wind-mill was erected, and a tank constructed,
containing three thousand gallons, also laid two thousand feet of iron pipe.
In June, 1877, G. Barth and A. G. Boggs were appointed a committee to
negotiate with the bank of Napa, for $650, to pay the indebtedness incurred
for improving the Cemetery grounds. The Independent Order of Odd-
Fellows purchased block one hundred and eleven, for $237.50. The present
trustees are A. G. Boggs, J. A. McClellan, W. C. S. Smith, G. Barth and
Jesse Grigsby, and T. F. Raney is Secretary.
NAPA STATE ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.— Mr. J. B. Stevens has
kindly furnished us the following: With the view of providing for further
accommodations, for the care and treatment of the insane in this State, the
Legislature at the session of 1869-70, passed an Act authorizing the appoint-
ment of a Commissioner to visit the principal insane asylums of the United
States and Europe, for the purpose of obtaining all accessible and reliable
information as to the management, the different modes of treatment, and
Napa Township. 291
the statistics of insanity, especial attention being called to the asylums of
Great Bi-itain, Ireland, France and Germany. In pursuance to the provisions
of the Act above referred to, Governor Haight appointed as such Commis-
sioner Dr. E. T. Wilkins, who at once entered upon the duties assigned him;
and during his investigations, he visited one hundred and forty -nine insane
asylums. Forty-five of these were in the United States, one in Canada,
fifteen in Italy, three in Bavaria, seven in Austria, eleven in the German
States, two in Switzerland, thirteen in France, eight in Belgium, three in
Holland, twenty-four in England, ten in Scotland, and seven in Ireland.
During these investigations a number of plans of asylums were pro-
cured, and from these the plans of the Napa Asylum were selected, Messrs.
Wright & Sanders, of San Francisco, being the architects.
The Commissioner made his report of his investigations to the Govenor,
December 2, 1871, and on the 27th day of March, 1872, an Act was approved,
providing for the appointment of a Commission, to select a site for the
erection of an institution for the care and treatment of the insane, and
making an appropriation of $237,500 towards the erection of the building.
In the spring of 1872, Governor Booth appointed as the Commissioners
to select the site of the proposed asylum, Judge C. H. Swift of Sacramento,
Dr. G. A. Shurtleff of Stockton and Dr. E. T. Wilkins of Marysville ; and
on the 2d day of August of that year said Commissioners submitted their
report to the Governor, having selected Napa as the site for the new
asylum.
At the session of the Legislature of 1873-4, a further appropriation of
$600,000 was made for the completion of the asylum, but that sum being
insufficient for the purpose, the Legislature of 1875-6 made a further
appropriation of $494,000.
Section 9, of the Act of March 27th, 1872, provided that the plans and
specifications of this asylum should be upon the basis of accommodating
not exceeding five hundred patients at any one time. On the 31st day of
May, 1878, there were five hundred and one patients in the Asylum, and at
the time of the meeting of the Legislature on the 5th day of January, 1880,
the number had increased to eight hundred and eight, rendering it necessary
that further accommodations be provided. Consequently at that session of
the Legislature an appropriation of $20,000 was made for the purpose of
fitting up and furnishing the attics in the rear of the amusement hall and
over the laundry building, which work has been completed, giving accom-
modations for one hundred and eighty patients.
At the session of the Legislature of 1881 a further appropriation of
$18,000 was made for fitting up and furnishing the attics over the extreme
north and south wings of the building for the accommodation of one hun-
dred and forty-six patients.
292 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The asylum is located about one and one-half miles south-east of Napa
City. The building faces the west, and consists of a center building with
wings extending on each side, which are exactly alike ; the division for
the sexes being equal. The center building consists of the office, library,
Superintendent's private office, public sitting room, and officer's apartments.
In the rear of which are the amusement hall, drug store, trunk-room, dining-
rooms, kitchen and store-room.
There are twelve wards on each side of the center building, besides one
on the fourth floor, and one in the attic of the center building, two in the
rear of the amusement hall, and one over the laundry building.
Each of the wards, included in the wings, are divided as follows : At-
tendant's room, dining-room, pantry, clothes-room, bath-room, wash-room,
closets, one dormitory, intended for six beds, one room, 10 x 10, intended for
two beds, and thirteen rooms 8 x 10, intended for one bed each, every room
being lighted by a large window.
The corner-stone of the building was laid in the month of March, 1873,
and the first patient was admitted on the 15th day of November, 1875,
since which time, up to the first day of July, 1881, two thousand nine
hundred and fifty-five patients have been admitted, one thousand four
hundred and forty -three have been discharged, four hundred and fifty-eight
have died, and thirty-three have escaped, leaving in the asylum one thousand
and twenty-one patients.
The officers of the asylum are : Trustees, Benjamin Shurtleff, M. t).,
President ; J. C. Martin, A. G. Boggs, F. E. Johnston, and N. D. Rideout
Treasurer, C. B. Seeley. Resident officers, E. T. Wilkins, Resident Physi-
cian ; L. F. Dozier, Assistant Physician ; F. W. Hatch, Jr., Assistant Physi-
cian ; J. B. Stevens, Secretary ; J. M. Palmer, Steward ; J. T. Johnston,
Steward's Clerk ; Mrs. E. F. Arey, Matron ; John Hawkes, Supervisor ;
Eliza Kennedy, Supervisoress ; George R. Walden, Druggist.
NAPA SODA SPRINGS.— The early history of these springs is full of
storm and cloud. Here was a valuable piece of property situated on public
land, and naturally several claimants sprang into existence. Amos Buckman
dated his time of settlement at the springs August 10, 1855. George O.
Whitney located a land warrant on the property June 13, 1859. John
Henry Wood dates his settlement on the place at August 17, 1860; and
Smith & Grigsby claim June 10, 1863, as the date of their location. Buck-
man was for a long time in undisputed possession. He prevailed upon E.
L. Sullivan, a gentleman of means, to advance a considerable sum of money >
and also Captain Willard Allen did likewise. In the course of time the
ownership was claimed by the three men jointly. In the winter of 1855-6
a small hotel building was erected by these parties, with Buckman as Su-
Napa Township. 293
perintendent and resident partner, which was located only a few rods to the
northwai-d of the present bottling house, on the first " turn out " in the road.
This was a very " cheap " affair, as it is testified to a being a cloth-lined and
papered house, and its size must have been not very great, judging from the
foundation site.
In the August following, a fire broke out in the hills back of the springs,
and some sparks were carried through an open window into the house,
which was utterly destroyed. About this time Charles H. Allen, of Napa
City, began to project with the water, to determine what would be the re-
sult of bottling it up. He went to work and manufactured a small zinc
gasometer, being himself a tinner by trade, and with this he collected quite
an amount of gas. He then put in pipes and so arranged them that the
force of water would charge a cylinder with water and gas at the same
time. He charged a cylinder, and brought it to Napa, where he made a
connection with a bottling machine, and thus was bottled the first soda-
water from the now justly celebrated springs, and from this humble begin-
ning the business has increased to about three hundred dozen bottles a day
during the summer season. The water was found to be excellent, and to
possess good keeping and medicinal qualities, and Messrs. Allen & Buckman
foresaw the grand possibilities of the future of the place, both from the
revenues to be derived from the bottling of the water, and the establish-
ment of a health and pleasure resort.
The next thing to be done was to get a good title to the property ; but
in this Mr. Buckman failed. From the " Report of the Register and Re-
ceiver of the United States for the San Francisco Land District," made in
1864, we quote :
"Amos Buckman claims to have made a settlement as a bona fide pre-
emptor, on the land claimed by him, as early as the 10th day of August,
1855, and to have continued his occupation down to the present date * *
The contestant, Wood, claimed that said Buckman never entered upon said
land as a pre-emptor ; that he never had or manifested * * any desire
to become a pre-emptor * * ; that such rights as he claimed were those
of an equal partner and joint owner with one Willard Allen and Eugene L.
Sullivan, whose rights and interests in said land * * said Buckman
always acknowledged and respected down to the latter part of the month
of October, 1856 ; that such joint ownership was for the purpose of specu-
lation merely, and not for agricultural purposes ; that after said last date,
said Allen sold out to said Buckman and Sullivan * * *.
" From his (E. L. Sullivan's) testimony, it appears that said Willard
Allen was the first person. to occupy and improve said land claimed by said
Buckman ; that said Allen was upon the land as early as 1854, and con-
tinued to hold and control it, and all the improvements thereon, down to
294 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the 25th of October, 1856 * * *; that Sullivan continued to advance
money for improvements until he had furnished $20,000 ; that upon said
land were soda springs, which constituted its chief value ; that the im-
provements consisted in improving the springs, building a hotel * * *
the building of a barn, out-houses and roads ; that all this was accom-
plished prior to the 1st day of August, 1856 ; that about this date said
hotel was destroyed by fire * * and on the 25th day of October, 1856,
the sale was perfected and the title-papers passed (from Allen to Buckman
and Sullivan). Said Allen was to have $5000 ; the property was then
valued at $30,000 * * *.
" From a review of all the testimony, we find : First — That Amos Buck-
man did not enter at any time, before or after the 1st day of March, 1856,
upon the land claimed by him, in good faith, with any intention to pre-
empt said land, or to appropriate it to his own exclusive use or benefit.
Second — That, prior to the 25th day of October, 1856, said Buckman never
had more than one-third interest in the said land claimed by him, and that
he recognized the ownership and occupancy of the other two-thirds in Allen
and Sullivan. Third — That said Buckman entered upon the same for the
purpose of speculation merely, and not for agricultural purposes ; that said
land is made up entirely of volcanic mountains, hills and rocks, * *
wherefore we find that Amos Buckman is not a bona fide pre-emptor,
* * and that he is not entitled to enter the land claimed by him. * *
" There being no prior claim to said land other than that of Amos Buck-
man, which was held to be invalid, it became the duty of the Register to
make the proper entries, and certify the land over to said State, which duty
he has performed. Therefore, practically, it is unnecessary to decide on the
merits of the pre-emption claims of Woods, Smith and Grigsby, as, inde-
pendent of any and all evidence, they must be rejected. Nevertheless, we
beg leave to call the attention of the department to the testimony * *
which, in our judgment, establishes the fact that neither the claimants,
Wood, Smith or Grigsby, entered upon their respective claims in good faith
as pre-emptors, but merely for speculative purposes."
The testimony taken before the Register was transmitted to the Land
Commissioner at Washington, who decided it in favor of the claimant
Buckman. The matter was taken from this tribunal, as a finality, to the
Secretary of the Interior, who decided that it was State land, and so the
clouds were lifted from the title, and the present proprietor, Colonel J. P.
Jackson, has a perfect and complete title. He purchased the property in
1872. The contest over this property was long, fierce arid bitter, and it is
the greatest wonder that somebody was not killed. It is stated that Dr.
Wood was shot at one night while passing down the road. The torch was
freely applied to the improveme7rts made on the premises, and the parties
Ctfigk^- ^^rrJ^f^
Napa Township. 295
lived right upon the premises, each watching the movements of the other
all the time. When Dr. Wood had his title cleared up he set about to im-
prove the place, and planted a number of trees and did some grading ; he
also erected a large stone bottling-house.
The present improvements, which are elegant and substantial, have,
with the exceptions mentioned above, been placed there by Col. Jackson,
and a full description of them will be appropriate in this connection. We
will begin with the most striking feature of the premises, the mammoth
rotunda. It is constructed of stone, rough hewn, and rests on the backbone
of a ridge which puts out from the mountain side some distance below the
level of the road. It is two stories high in front and four in the rear.
The front presents a facade, while the main body of the building is circular,
and was so designed by the proprietor to gain the double object of gaining
the most space possible inside a given extension of walls, and to cause it to
comport with the natural surroundings. All of Nature's lines are curvi-
linear— and angles in the midst of Nature's works would be out of place.
The entrance to the building is through a wide hallway which leads to the
rear. On either side and adjoining the entrance are elegant rooms intended
for the use of the attendants about the place. Beyond these we enter the
circular body of the building, on the outer edge of which are arranged
eighty stalls, in which there are three thicknesses of floor. The upper one
is of three-inch plank, and the seams are pitched and calked as tightly as
the deck of a vessel. Near the center is a grate trap, and the floor is so
laid that there is a slight declivity towards the trap. The mangers are
self-feeders, the supply coming from above, where the feed is stored. Inside
the stalls is a drive-way, and inside of that is a bank for saddles, serving
also to separate the drive-way from the central area which is designed to
be the receptacle of carriages. This bank has four openings at opposite
sides for convenience of ingress and egress. The upper story has the halls
and rooms in front similar to the lower story. The space occupied below
for stalls and drive-way, will be utilized here as a store-room, while the
inner circular area makes an excellent skating rink. The water from the
roof is conducted in pipes to the sewers underneath the stalls, and serves
the purpose of flushing them out. We now descend to the first under-
ground story, which is to be used principally for stable purposes. We
descend again and find ourselves in the basement, which is ultimately de-
signed to be a wine cellar. The natural declivity of the ground is such
that the casks may be placed in tiers one above another so that the wine
may be drawn with a syphon from one to another without disturbing the
casks at all. The painting and graining and all carpenter and other work
about this building has been done with as much care and excellence as
though it were a mansion for human beings of noble birth instead of a
habitation for man's best friend of the brute creation — the horse.
296 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The next thing brought to our notice is a large shed for the reception of
the teams of transient visitors. It is open to the north, but closed at the
west, south and east, so that the horses may be thoroughly protected from
the winds and sun. Strong iron rods extend from the posts downward, and
are anchored to large rocks at a depth of twenty feet. Next in order comes
a stone building, containing three very large rooms which are furnished with
elegant suits of furniture. They each have a fire-place, and the walls are
adorned with handsome paintings. The next building contains the kitchen
and dining-room on the lower floor, which is on a level with the road on the
west side of the buildings. We ascend an iron stair-way and reach a green-
sward terrace, from which the upper rooms are entered. They consist of a
dining-room, reading-room, etc. On the west side of this building there is
a veranda, from which one of the most beautiful landscape views in Cali-
fornia may be had. The lower stoiy of the next adjacent building is used
for bottling purposes. As the water comes from the springs it is passed
under a gasometer, and the gas is retained in that while the water passes on
into a reservoir. A hydraulic engine operates a compound pump, which
forces the gas and water together again, one suction pipe leading to the
gasometer and the other to the reservoir. The union is effected just beyond
the pump, and the associated mass is led into two copper cylinders each with
a steam gauge to indicate the pressure of the gas, and a water gauge to show
the amount of water. The gas remains so thoroughly incorporated with
the water that no agitator is necessary in the cylinder, as is often the case
when mineral is being bottled. From the cylinders the water is conducted
to the bottling machine, where, "by a simple twist of the wrist," a bottle is
filled, corked and fastened with the patent wire cork-fastener, and the
amount that may be bottled in a day is wholly dependent upon the skill
and celerity of the operator. In the upper story of the building, reached
from the terrace mentioned above, is a pleasant suite of rooms.
To the north of this building, and within a few yards, are two of the
soda springs from which drinking water is obtained. A neat brick awning
is erected over each of them, surmounted with a dome-shaped ventilator.
Between the last building and the first spring a wide stone stairway leads
to the garden, in which will be found almost everything that grows in a
semi-tropical climate. Oranges and lemons thrive well, indeed, as is evinced
by the fruit-laden trees to be seen there now. The delicate rhododendron
or oleander grows to be a handsome tree, while a Japanese persimmon is as
thrifty as if to the manor born. Oak, fir and other native woods are stand-
ing just as Nature planted them, to which have been added eucalyptus,
Monterey cypress and pride of China trees. In the garden there is a spring
that comes up through a fissure in the rock, just as Nature has left it. A
basin has been scooped out as a receptacle for the water, and the rock ledge
Napa Township. 297
has been hewn away so as to leave a raised block of solid stone containing
the basin.
The grounds are artistically arranged, and flowers and shrubs grow in
profusion. In the forks of a great oak there is a platform with seats and
railing around it, which is known as " Lovers' Retreat." It is reached by a
stairway, and is an acoustic curiosity from the fact that the slightest sound
about the place can be heard in it. If it were vice versa it probably would
not deserve the name of Retreat. In the cosiest places seats have been
placed, from some of which the prospect is most beautiful, comprehending
in one view the foot-hills just below, the wide expanse of Napa's most lovely
valley, then the mountains beyond, and the vista finally ending with the
lofty proportions of Mt. Tamalpais piercing the sky, like a giant sentinel on
some grand old Titan fortress on the outer bulwarks of creation.
The Club House, lately completed, and is a paragon of perfection.
The building is of hewn rustic stone, which gives it a beautiful outward
appearance. It stands on an elevation commanding a view of the entire
grounds. The approach consists of wide steps leading up to an open tower
which serves the double purpose of entry and portico. The outer corners
are supported by stone pillars, and the inner surfaces are all curvilinear.
The hallway is capacious, and extends entirely through the building. On
the left of the hall at the entrance is the bar-room. Back of this is a raised
dais and a bowling alley eighty feet long. The stairs pass up from the rear
end of the main hall ; and on the newel post there is a figure holding a
flambeau, which, when the gas is lighted, proves a verity. At the rear of
the main stairs is a ladies' private entrance from the dais leading to the room
in the south-east corner of the building on the lower floor. This is exclu-
sively a ladies' room, and has a bagatelle table in it. Between this room and
the front room on the right of the main hall is a folding door, which, when
occasion demands, will permit of the two rooms being thrown into one.
This front room is used as a gentlemen's billiard room. Ascending the
stairs we find five handsome rooms for the accommodation of guests which
have all the modern conveniences, and are furnished in excellent style.
There is a main hall up stairs which is the counterpart of the one below.
The front opens out upon a verandah. All the appointments about this
building are as perfect as mechanical ingenuity can make them, and the
sewerage is complete. Bath-houses are provided for the accommodation of
the guests. The climate is most excellent here ; being elevated, the air is
light, pure and revivifying. We have said already that the scenery is
lovely, but it must be seen to be appreciated, and new prospects are pre-
sented from every vantage ground. The feebler people can find abundance
of level ground for exercise, while the more robust can find mountains to
climb to their hearts' content, and for rambling just for the pleasure of the
298 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
thing, there is an ample and excellent field. Mr. L. Kelley of the Palace
Hotel, is the present lessee of the Springs.
The analysis of the waters of these springs is as follows :
Temperature, degrees G8
Grains.
Residue from the evaporation of a gallon G8.76
Bicarbonate of soda 13.12
Carbonate of magnesia 26.12
Carbonate of lime 10.83
Chloride of sodium 5.20
Subcarbonate of iron 7.84
Sulphate of soda 1.84
Silicious acid 62
Alumina 60
The following splendid description of this property was published first
in the California Horticulturist:
" These springs are located at the head of a canon in the mountains
which form the eastern boundary of the Napa Valley, six miles northward
from Napa City. From this point, and about eight hundred feet above the
level of the valley beneath, the artists Keith and Virgil Williams trans-
ferred to their canvas the natural beauties of a landscape so rich in tower-
ing peaks and green -enameled vale, sinuous creeks and open bay, russet-
brown hill-side and grain-veneered field, that their pictures form the most
pleasing gems in some of our best art collections. The valley below, for
twenty-five miles, with its rectangular fields of varigated crops, looking
like an elongated chess-board ; the bay, reflecting from its sun-lit waters the
white-winged sails of the world's commerce ; and the mountains in Contra
Costa County, with Tamalpais, King of the Coast Range, presenting in con-
trast his graceful outline to Diablo's heavier front, form together a series of
contrasting beauties which may well claim to be unmatched for sublimity.
And, as if to leave no doubt upon this point, there arises over and beyond
all these, the great sea view, which gives the final and a kingly grace to this
country-seat, thus ocean-bound. Such daily sights as these made Alexan-
der Smith a poet, and tend to dispel all narrowness from the soul of the
spectator. This illimitable stretch of vision, which allows no earthly ob-
ject to stay it, but at the horizon blends with the spacious heavens, where
the setting sun seems to bathe himself in the deep ere he rainbows the
Orient with his pathway of fire, truly " lends enchantment to the view,"
and gives additional zest to rural enjoyment and the life Arcadian.
" Looking to the local pictures which make the place attractive, we find
groves of patriarchal trees, the live oak (Querent ugrifoliu) and the black
Napa Township. 299
oak (Quercus Sonomensis), with boughs gracefully festooned with the gray
Spanish moss or the ' dark druidical mistletoe,' and which command respect
for their stately pre-eminence, dignity of strength, and inviting fullness of
shade, constituting them elders amid the modern growths — a barrier to the
tempest and a solace from the sunburst.
' Not a prince
In all that proud old world beyond the deep
E'er wore his crown as loftily as these
Wear the green coronal of leaves with which
His grace has crowned them. '
" Other trees of lesser growth, with tops as wide-spread as those that
grace the English lawns, some having arms gnarled and shaggy, and others
with boughs that droop as gracefully as willows or the Eastern elm, adorn
the open grounds.
" The Eucalyptus (Australian gum) towers high above its neighbor, the
mountain pine, in its graceful aspiring. The Italian cypress adds an exotic
charm to the natural scenery, and the palm tree, the almond, the olive and
the orange (growing from seeds here sown), give variety to the view, and
testify at once to the semi-tropical mildness of the climate and the generous
fertility of the soil.
"Along the ravines and gulches, and overshadowing the walks, are the
Buckeye (jEscuIus Calif omica), redolent of perfume ; the brilliant laurel
(Areodaphne Califomica), a fine evergreen, with fragrant leaves ; the ash
(Fraxinus Oregana) ; the large-leaved maple (Acer macrophylla), and,
most magnificent of all, the madrona (Arbutus Menziesii), with bright
green waxen leaves ; these, with the flesh-tinted manzanita, constitute the
forest scenery of these mountain sides.
" Of the beautiful flowering shrubs are the Ceanothus (California lilac);
the Spvrcea; the sweet-scented and favorite Calycanthus, with color of a
deep claret; the dog- wood (Cornus), conspicuous for its snowy white
flowers ; the snowberry (Symphoricarpus); the Azalea Occidentalis, having
deliriously sweet-scented white and yellow flowers in profuse abundance ;
the chestnut (Castanea Chrysophylla), and the wild rose.
" Of climbers, among many others, we only name the wild California
grape (Vitis GaUformca), forming natural and most graceful bowers, as con-
tinuous and shady as those of the far-famed banyan tree ; the virgin's bower
(Clematis), and the honeysuckle.
" California bulbs grow here in great abundance and rich variety. Of
the finest are the Cyclobothra, the Calochortus, the lily, the brodidas, the
iris, and others of truly charming colors.
" Most attractive of all the flowering plants are the columbine (Aqui-
legia), the ever-pleasing red larkspur (Delphinium nudicatde), the Cali-
300 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
fornia poppy (Eschscholtzia), the lupin, the evening primrose (CEnothera),
and the monkey flower (Mimuhis glutinosus).
" Along the shady hill-side the ground is literally covered with our fine
California ferns, such as the Polypodium, the Adiantum, the Pelloea, the
Gymnogramme, the graceful Woodwardia, and the Aspidium. Over a
wide extent of wall, on fences and house-sides, the slow-growing ivy and
climbing roses extend themselves. The lemon verbena — not a flower-pot
plant as in the East, but here a bush six feet high — emits the fullness of its
grateful fragrance ; the loquat invites by the immaculate purity of its white
blossoms ; and the scarlet berries of the madrona dotting hill and roadside>
engage the sight by the conspicuous brilliancy of their coloring.
" Numerous living springs of fresh water burst from the mountain sides
at such an elevation as to send the natural flow over the entire six hundred
and forty acres which constitute the Springs property ; and throughout the
year this water is as cold as though it flowed over subterranean beds of ice.
Indian relics found here in abundance indicate that these were chosen spots
by the aboriginees; and doubtless, countless times the western Leather-
Stocking has here brushed aside the leaves, and quaffed the sparkling cur-
rent at its fountain.
" Along one side of the property a mountain brook gathers the hill-side
offerings of congenial springs, as it curvets and frets itself through canon
passes — now loitering to gather fresh strength against a temporary embargo,
and then dashing away in a white gush of waterfall — now with swift
current dancing about the beds and eddies of sycamore-guarded banks,
and again filling the deep rock-encircled pool (where the speckled trout
coyly display their beauties, and anon hide themselves away,) whose
crystal waters temptingly invite to a grateful bath. On the other boundary
a rocky gorge resounds with the ripple of numerous streamlets, until the
swelling torrent's of winter's rain sends the combined waters raging over a
perpendicular fall ninety feet in height, a miniature Niagara.
" Inviting paths, miles in extent, lead with gentle grade to the various
points of interest ; now to a grottoed cave and anon to a mountain grove ;
here to a vine-covered bower, and there across a rustic bridge, beneath
which living waters leap and sparkle, and terminate at last at the summit of
Castle Peak, beneath whose outlook rolls the whole broad panorama of
Napa Valley. Reservoirs dug from their rocky beds, holding each two
hundred thousand gallons, gather the waters for domestic use, and the stone
quarried from the spot supplied the material for the buildings that adorn
the premises. An orchard in full bearing furnishes varied and abundant
fruit, and the vineyard, of choicest selection, has proved its merit by the
numerous premiums from our State fairs that already indorse its wine.
"But the feature which most peculiarly distinguishes this favored spot,
Napa Township. 301
and makes it therefore especially attractive, is its mineral springs, which
have been famous for their curative powers. From the hidden treasury of
Nature's chemistry in her subterranean laboratories, a perennial flow of
about four thousand gallons daily is developed, mingling iron, soda, mag-
nesia, lime and muriate of soda with free carbonic acid gas in such happy
combination as to impart pleasure, health and physical improvement as the
result of their use. From one of these springs is poured forth the article
well known in the commercial world as " Napa Soda." The water is
bottled and sold just as it flows pure from Nature's laboratory, with all her
sparkling freshness still upon it. No adulteration mars its native, health-
giving and tonic properties, and its long and continuous use in the market
attests its merit. The same elements are held in solution which give to the
Carlsbad Springs in Bohemia their rank as the first in the world.
"A hotel is now projected for these springs in place of one destroyed
some years since by fire ; and in addition to the natural beauty of the situa-
tion, the genial, even mildness of the climate and the attractions of artful
ornamentation, one of the greatest, if indeed not the first consideration in
the minds of visitors, will be the medicinal qualities of these waters, that
strengthen for active life the hand, the heart and the mind."
We can not better close this sketch than by a quotation from the golden
letters engraved by Imperial decree above the springs at Carlsbad, and
which are also inscribed on a marble tablet and placed over one of the
springs at this place :
"To suffering man from Nature's genial breast
A boon transcendent ever mayst thou flow.
Blest, holy fount, still bid old age to know
Reviving vigor ; and if health repressed
Fade in the virgin's cheek, renew its glow
For love and joy ; and they that in thy wave
Confiding trust and thankful lave,
Propitious aid, and speed the stranger band,
With health and life renewed, unto their native land."
ATLAS PEAK. — Among the charming resorts in Napa County, but few,
if any, excel Atlas Peak. From the report of the " Committee on the
establishment of a State Hospital for Consumptives," we quote as follows :
" This region, situated on the ridge of the Coast Range of mountains, east
of Napa Valley, has of late years attracted considerable attention, on
account of its equability of temperature, its freedom from fogs, or from
harsh winds, the dryness of the atmosphere, and its supposed advantages as
a residence for the consumptive. Its elevation is about fifteen hundred
feet ; its mean winter temperature is fifty degrees ; its summer temperature
seventy-four degrees, and its mean annual relative humidity only forty-five
per cent., or fifty-one in winter and thirty -nine in summer. It is within
302 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
twelve miles of the city of Napa, easily accessible from the entire central
portion of the State and from the coast, and the soil is well suited to the
cultivation of grain, fruit and vegetables. The climate of this ridge is re-
markable for its healthf ulness ; no malarial diseases are known there ; there
is an abundance of pure water ; the atmosphere, though sometimes warm
for a short period at noon, is never oppressive ; the evenings are agreeably
cool and invigorating ; the winters are mild, and excellent facilities are
afforded for camp life and out-door exercise at all seasons of the year.
" Taking into consideration all the facts presented * * and when
other things are equal, the relative accessibility of the different localities
visited, the committee feel justified in awarding a preference to Atlas
Peak."
Messrs. A. V. Evans and J. W. Harker each have a fine place on Atlas
Peak, and the former has grown some of the finest fruits and vegetables to
be found in Napa County, while the latter has an excellent young vineyard,
and proposes to plant very largely. The soil is very deep and rich, being
composed of volcanic matter chiefly. There is an excellent mineral spring
near the peak, and others may be developed. The view from the peak is
unsurpassed, except, perhaps, from Mount St. Helena. Many have already
reaped the benefits of a sojourn at the place, and from year to year the
number will increase, and we are sure we are not saying too much when
we assert that it is destined to be one of the chief sanitariums of California.
OTHER RESORTS.— There are several other places of resort in Napa
Township, but the principal ones are the Hudeman place, and Mount
Veeder; all of which are lovely places and well worth visiting.
Yount Township. 303
YOUNT TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY.— Yount Township is bounded on the north by Hot
Springs and Knox Townships, on the east by Yolo and Solano Counties, on
the south by Napa Township, and on the west by Sonoma County. July
17, 1873, the Board of Supervisors established the following boundary lines
for this township :
Beginning at a point on the Sonoma County line, described as a begin-
ning point of Napa Township ; thence northerly along said county line to
a point due west from the head of Dry Creek ; thence in a straight line to
the middle of the bridge on the county road, across the slough known as
Bale Slough, near the residence of Thomas Chopson ; thence in a direct line
to the middle of Conn Creek, in front of William Dinning's house ; thence
up said creek to Chiles Creek ; thence up Chiles Creek to Moores Creek ;
thence up Moores Creek to the line of La Jota Rancho ; thence along said
line northerly to the line of Chiles Rancho ; thence along the western and
northern line of said rancho to corner number one of said rancho ; thence
northerly along the ridge west of Berryessa Valley to the old line between
Lake and Napa Counties ; thence easterly along said line to the eastern
boundary of Napa County ; thence southerly along said line to the north-
west corner of Napa Township ; thence along the northern line of said
township to the place of beginning.
TOPOGRAPHY.— The topography of the township is varied, as is
natural in a mountainous country. The western boundary line is located
on the summit of a range of mountains. Passing to the eastward we come
to Napa Valley, which is much wider in this township than in the one
above. We then come to a range of mountains lying on the east side of the
last named valley, and running parallel with it, but in this township it is
intersected laterally by Conn Valley. To the east of this range lies Chiles
Valley, and then we come to another range of mountains. To the east of
this lies the broad and fertile Berryessa Valley, and the eastern boundary
line, like the western, lies along the summit of a mountain range.
GEOLOGY. — Much indeed might be written under this head in this
township, but only a cursory glance can be given here. Beginning on the.
western side, we find the mountains formed of very old rock, some going
back as far as the Devonian period. There is also more or less of creta-
304 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ceous sand and limestone to be found. The mountain range just east of
Napa Valley is all of volcanic formation. In Chiles Valley we come to the
sandstone formation again, the mountains lying on the east side of it being
formed chiefly of it. There are many peculiar formations also, in that
vicinity, and a wide field for geological research is opened. Gypsum occurs
in greater or less bodies here. In the Berryessa section it is principally
limestone and sandstone, of the cretaceous age. The ridge to the east of the
valley is all composed of coarse sandstone of that age.
SOIL. — The soil of this township is generally very good indeed. No
better soil for the production of vegetables, fruit or cereals, need be desired,
than can be found in the Napa, Chiles and Berryessa Valleys. The soil of
the first named valley is better adapted for fruit perhaps than for cereals
but that of the last named is exceedingly well adapted to the production
of cereals, as is evidenced by the enormous crops of grain which are annually
produced in that section. All the mountain land in this section is of that
peculiar formation, which is so well adapted to the growth of the vine, and
the time is not far distant when extensive vineyards will cover all those
mountain sides.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this township is on a par with the entire
county — it is simply grand. In the Napa Valley it is somewhat cooler than
in Hot Springs Township, as the trade winds have freer access to the lower
end of the valley. In Chiles and Berryessa Valleys, the days are somewhat
warmer than in the Napa Valley portion of the township, during the sum-
mer season, but the nights are always cool and delightful.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this township are varied, extending
through all the grades of fruits, grains and vegetables. The soil is so greatly
diversified in the different sections, that almost everything which can be
produced in a semi-tropic climate can find a congenial place in which to
grow. Vines are as thrifty as there can be any use of being, and the quality
of the wine produced by Mr. Groezinger and othei-s is second to none in the
county.
TIMBER. — We may virtually say that there is no timber in this town-
ship. The common oaks grow to their ordinary size here; firs are small and
very far apart, while bull pines are about the most common trees in the
woods. Smaller trees flourish, but their are no bodies of timber that will
make lumber in the township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— To Yount Township belongs the honor of
having the first white settler that ever located in Napa County. That
grand old pioneer of pioneers, George C. Yount, came into the valley in the
s»:e
^^^^L^^^^
Yount Township. 305
year 1831, and in 1836 built a small house on the tract of land afterwards '
granted to him and known as the Caymus Rancho. This was a peculiarly con-
structed house, being two stories high, and built of logs. The lower story
was about nine feet square, and the upper one was about fourteen feet
square. The lower part was used for a sort of fortress or block house, while
he lived in the upper portion. At that time the valleys and mountains
were all full of wild Indians ; and how he managed to escape all their at-
tacks, and to live among them in that early day, is decidedly a mystery.
He treated them with uniform kindness, however, and soon had a strong
band of friends about him who would fight harder for him than they would
for themselves.
It is not now known who was the next settler after George C. Yount ;
but in 1849 the following persons lived in Napa Valley within the limits of
this township : Yount, of course, resided on the Caymus Rancho, and he
had constructed a fine, large adobe house by this time. Bartlett Vines, a
son-in-law of Yount, lived at the upper end of the township, and about one
mile below Dr. E. T. Bale's place. He lived on the west side of the valley,
in a small redwood house. Charles Hopper lived on the opposite side of
the valley from the Yount place. He had a family consisting of his wife,
one boy and several girls. James Harbin, the locator of the Harbin Springs,
and father of Matt Harbin, lived about half a mile below Hopper's place.
He had a family consisting of a wife and several children, and they lived
in a log-house. The Groezinger estate at present comprises a part of the
Harbin place. Capt. John Grigsby lived on the east side of the valley, and
on the west side of the river and near it, and just about west of the Napa
Soda Springs.
Passing over into Berryessa Valley we find that the first settlers there
were Jose- Jesus Berryessa and Sisto Berryessa, two Spaniards, to whom
this whole valley was granted in 1843. This tract comprised eight leagues,
and contained thirty-five thousand five hundred and fifteen and eighty-two-
hundredths acres. They built an adobe house there at a very early date, the
remains of which can be seen in Mr. A. Clark's corral at the present time.
It had been razed to the ground long before the Americans begun to visit
the valley, and its existence was unknown until Mr. Clark discovered it
when leveling down the hillock which the debris had made. They erected
another house, a part of which is still standing, and in a good state of pres-
ervation, near Mr. Clark's house. Here may be seen a grand contrast. On
the one hand is the adobe house of the Spaniards, which was the best they
had or desired to have. It was to them the ultimatum of buildings. On
the other hand, and in grand contrast with it, is the handsome, stately, and
elegant mansion of Mr. Clark. The first is the culminating point of archi-
tecture of the Spanish regime, and the latter is the height of American
20
306 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
genius. The first American settlers in the valley were Captain Hardin, John
Adams, Willam Moore, Edward Cage, and Andrew Wester, all of whom
came in before the grant was divided. Following the adobes spoken of
above as being erected by the Berryessas, was one built by Mr. Wester,
which is still standing, and one put up by Captain Hardin. After the di-
vision of the grant, R. C. Gillaspie erected the first house for J. H. Bostwick,
and Ezra Peacock built the first house in Monticello.
Wonderful stories come down to this generation of the deeds of the
Berryessas in those far away days. What a grand place that valley must
have been in its primitive glory ! Just imagine for a moment that we are
suddenly dropped into the midst of it on one of those glorious spring morn-
ings which so often come to the valley at that season of the year. Look
where we will, and one grand scene of vernal splendor meets our gaze, be-
sprinkled with myriads of multi-colored flowers. The mountains are walls
of living green, surrounding the valley like a grand frame to the picture.
The bright sun bathed the scene with a flood of golden light, and balmy air
stirred the growing vegetation into a rythmical motion. To be for years
the beholder of such a rare scene of grandeur and beauty, to breathe the
fragrant air and bask in the silver sunlight, with the copious supplies of
mother nature showered upon them with a lavish hand, and at the expense
of little or no exertion on their part, was enough to make the dwellers in
the land an indolent people. Truly, theirs was the beau-ideal of an Arca-
dian existence !
Of the many stories referred to above as coming down to the present
time we will give room for only one. All old settlers will remember the
famous brigand and outlaw known as Joaquin, who was the terror of all the
country in bygone days. It is stated that at one time he was the guest of
the Berryessas, either by force or by invitation, and while he was there an
American came to the place on his track, as a large reward was offered for
his head. As the American rode up to the door Joaquin stepped into an
adjoining room. The American alighted and smoked a cigarette with Ber-
ryessa, and cautiously inquired concerning the highwayman. Berryessa
disclaimed any knowledge of his whereabouts, of course, and then pro-
ceeded to question the American concerning the latest news of his desperate
deeds. The garrulous Yankee sat there and spun yarns concerning the
brigand's deeds, and wound up by stating that he was then in quest of him,
as a large reward had been offered for him. Suddenly the door opened,
and Joaquin presented himself, with a pistol in each hand. He said : " I
am Joaquin; prepare to die!" and with that he emptied both pistols into
the man's body.
Yount Township. 307
TOWNS. — There are only two towns in this township : Yountville and
Monticello ; and we will take them up in the order in which they were
settled, beginning with
Yountville. — This place was originally known as Sabastojiol and it
retained that name until May, 1867. The town-site was chosen on the
south line of the Caymus grant and the name of Yountville was given to
it, but a lot of houses were built outside of the limits of the grant and the
people who lived in that portion of the town desired to have it called
Sabastopol. This will account for the two names which the place has had.
The first place of business in the town was a store, which was erected in
1855. In 1856 the Sabastopol Exchange Hotel was erected by Davis Wise,
and Clayton built the hotel known as the White House. J. H.
Robinson had a blacksmith shop in the place also at that time. These
buildings are all still standing. In 1856 or 1857 B. W. Arnold built a store
in the town.
Business Interests. — There is at present in the town of Yountville, one
store, one saloon, two hotels, two blacksmith shops, one tin shop, two shoe
shops and the population is about one hundred and fifty.
Independent Order of Good Templars. — Yountville Lodge, No. 385,
I.O.G.T., was organized March 11, 1881, with the following charter members :
Dr. S. C. Brown, J. H. Potts, J. W. Blair, D. Z. Hawkins, Fred. Muller, D.
A. Cassaday, A. J. Morton, Mrs. S. D. Moore, Miss Flora Church, Mrs. Ada
Holland, L. Grigsby, S. Winter, Rev. T. J. Weil, W. B. Stephens, Miss Lillie
Moore, Miss Nannie Hawkins, Miss Minnie Ellis, Mrs. L. Cassaday, A. Mc-
Laughlin, W. D. Johnson, Theo. Hook, Willie Ellis, Miss Lillie Hook, Henry
Hook and Charles Schovell. The first officers were : J. H. Potts, W. C. T.;
Mrs. S. D. Moore, W. V. T.; W. B. Stephens, Secretary; and Miss Flora
Church, Treasurer. The present officers are : J. H. Potts, W. C. T. ; Mrs-
S. D. Moore, W. V. T. ; S. Winter, Secretary ; and D. Z. Hawkins, Treasurer-
The present membership is forty.
Baptist Church. — The following sketch of this church has been kindly
furnished us by the pastor, Rev. T. J. Weil :
This church of the Lord Jesus Christ, was organized May 14, 1874, after
the model of the first church of Jerusalem, which was organized by the
Apostles. The principles that governed the church of Jerusalem were
adopted by this church. Some of these are : It was a local organization ;
the membership were all professedly regenerate in heart before being im-
mersed ; immersion was the profession, on the part of the member, of the
faith of the Gospel by which he was saved ; the Lord's Supper was observed
as a local church ordinance, to remember Christ only. Thus do we sustain
the claim of Apostolic succession, by succeeding to the principles of their
church government laid down in the New Testament, which is under Christ,
308 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
our only rule of practice and faith. Rev. J. E. Barnes, pastor of the Napa
City Baptist Church, preached to the people once a month in the meeting-
house of the Christian Church. When through preaching on the morning of
organization, an invitation was given to those desiring to form or organize
a Baptist Church to remain. Brethren Charles Hopper, Francis Clarke,
Wm. T. Ross, Sisters Eliza Rector, Rosa Mayfield, Elvy Clarke, C. Ross, V.
E. Brown, Martha Forrester, F. Fawver. The church adopted, what is
known as the New Hampshire Church Covenant. Brethren Charles Hopper
and Francis Clarke were elected Acting Deacons ; Brother S. C. Brown,
Clerk and Treasurer. This organization was to be completed at the next
regular appointment, second Lord's Day in June, 1874. At this meeting
Sister Francis Davis was received as a candidate for immersion, then to
church membership; Sister Ann Poston and Brother J. H. Potts were
received by letters ; Brother Jas. R. Davis by church experience.
The second Lord's Day in August, 1874, the church resolved to make
application to the Pacific Association, to meet with the Santa Rosa Baptist
Church in September. The messengers to the Association were Deacon
Charles Hopper, Brethren J. R. Davis, J. H. Potts and Sisters V. E. Brown
and F. Davis. Sister E. Clarke died January 19, 1875.
In September, 1875, a series of meetings were conducted by Rev. J. E.
Barnes, lasting until October 7th, when the following candidates were im-
mersed : Bro. S. H. Hill, Sister Louisa Hill, Bro. William Upchurch ; Bro.
Thos. Johnson and wife were received by letters. November 14th Sister
E. Griffin was received as a candidate for immersion, and the ordinance ad-
ministered. Sister Louisa Burkett joined the church by letter.
This closed Bro. Barnes' services with the church. Brethren Brown
and Davis were appointed to visit Baptists through the valley, with the
view of employing a minister as local Baptist missionary. Bro. Brown was
ordered to correspond with Rev. E. B. Hatch as to his willingness to enter
this field. At a subsequent meeting Bro. Hatch was duly elected, and com-
menced his labors as pastor January 16, 1876. In March, 1876, the
advisability of building a house of worship was discussed. Bro. Potts was
appointed in company with Mr. George Linn, to call on Mr. Groezinger, to
solicit from him a lot for said building.
May 21st Bro. A. B. Hill was received as a candidate for immersion,
and the ordinances administered. Bro. Potts reported to the church that
Mr. Groezinger would donate half of a lot on Main street, second from
Slough, and that Mr. George Linn and himself would donate the other
half. This offer was accepted, and a committee appointed to solicit contri-
butions for building purposes. The Grangers' Hall was then rented and
service held there until the meeting-house was ready. September 13, 1876,
the meeting-house was dedicated to the worship of God. Sermon preached
Yount Township. 309
by Rev. R. Parshall, prayer by Rev. Joseph Roberts, reading of Scripture
by Rev. S. A. Taft.
October 22d a series of meetings were commenced by State Missionary
Rev. C. A. Bateman. October 31st, Rev. C. A. Bateman being called away,
Rev. R. Parshall took the lead. November 10th Sisters Mollie Fawver,
Annie Drew, Susan Potts, Carrie Church and Minnie Davis were received as
candidates for immersion. December 2, 1876, Bro. A. Pottell, Bro. C.
Burkett, Sister Nettie Fairman received as candidates for immersion. De-
cember 6, 1876, Rev. E. B. Hatch, Sister Laura Hatch, Sister Lida Hatch
received by letters.
January 6, 1877, Bro. D. Z. Hawkins joined by letter ; Bro. T. B. Hopper
and Sister Mary Hopper joined by church experience. February 3, 1877,
Bro. J. H. Potts elected Deacon. March 3rd, Bro. E. A. Parker received by
letter. Sister Nina Dozier, received as a candidate for immersion. April
11th, Brethren Jas. R. Davis, Jno. Finnell, J. H. Potts, elected trustees.
April 20, 1877, Pacific Baptist Association met with this church. April
25th, a series of meetings commenced by Rev. C. A. Bateman. April 28th,
Bro. C. Hopper and Bro. W. Hopper received for immersion. May 3rd,
meetings closed; Sisters Julia Hawkins and Luella Hatch received for
immersion. May 5th, Bro. Jno. Fawver received for immersion. May 6th,
Sister Sallie Hughes joined by letter. June 30th, Brethren F. Griffin, S. C.
Brown, E. A. Parker, were elected deacons-. July 17th, Brethren Griffin,
Parker and J. H. Potts were ordained deacons. July 11th, 1877, Sister
Kate Eubank was received by letter. April 7, 1878, Sister C. McKissick
received by letter. May 4th, Bro. F. Griffin elected treasurer, Bro. S. C.
Brown, clerk. May 8, 1878, Bro. J. Rassmussen received for immersion.
January 4, 1879, Bro. S. Johnson and wife received by church experience.
May 5, 1879, Brethren F. Griffin, J. R. Davis, D. Z. Hawkins elected trus-
tees. D. Z. Hawkins elected treasurer. Not able to report any special
work of grace, yet our course has been steadily onward. Four have united
with us by immersion. We enjoy the labors of our pastor only one-half of
the Sabbaths, and he is obliged to be absent a large share of the time. Our
Sunday School, which is conducted as a Union school, numbers sixty-four(
and is prosperous. Our congregations are good, and a weekly prayer meet-
ing is well sustained. We owe eight hundred dollars on our church
property.
During a large part of the year we were in a very languishing condition,
but a few felt with the Psalmist, that it was good at all times to give
thanks unto the Lord. Have maintained the weekly prayer-meeting. On
the seventh of October, 1879, our pastor, Rev. E. B. Hatch, was forced by
circumstances to relinquish this field of labor. On the 16th of March, 1880,
Rev. T. J. Arnold commenced a series of meetings with us. The church
310 ■ and Lake Counties — Xapa.
-was aroused, annas convicted and converted. The church invited Bro.
Theo, J. Weal, an unordained mini-: 7 B>e pulpit, -with a view to
fill the pastorate. In due time the church unanimously called Bra Theo.
3 to ordination. A council, consisting of Cornell Baptist Church of
Tallejo. Baptist Church of Dixon. Xapa C::y Bsrtist Church. Revs. J. T.
Prior, J. B. Hartweil. T. J. Arnold, and J | invited for his ex-
amination and ordination, as -well as that of two deacons just elected, viz.,
Bro. James R Davis. Bro. F. W. Ellis.
This council in part convened Septeiz \ 18£ and after a careful
and critical examination, proceeded with the ordination of candidates. Dur-
ing the month of September, death claimed for his own. our Senior Deacon.
Bro. Charles Hopper. Our indebte-dness was §1300. of which S300 has
been paid. Bro R G Eubank was immersed by our pastor. Rev. Theo. J.
Weil, his first candidate.
On the first Sunday of April 1SS1. the Union Sunday School ceased to
Our Baptist Sunday Seho: . . and under favorable auspices,
the following officer- S r.ient. Deacon S. C. Brown: Yiee-
Supermtendent, Deacon James R. I S .ry and Treasurer. Rev. Theo.
J. Weil Deacon James R Davis has resigned and Deacon F. W. Ellis ap-
pointed Vice Superintendent T: .- :_mittee. Deacon F. W. Ellis
and Bro. George K. Drew, succeeded in t _ : 5800, by
tiie efibrte of the members and the kind aid of friends of Christianity, who
gave liberally. The church now, July, 1SS1. numbers sixty members.
Christian Church. — Weareunl the fol-
lowing sketch of the Christian Church in Xapa County : and as thai s
tlisman makes his home and headquarters at Tountville. we have given the
-:.:::. '- \ '---■: — :ii= :. — -:.:t
The first sermon of the belief of the Disciples of Christ or ■ Christian
Cbareh," preached in Xapa County, was I : J. P. McKorkle
in 1853, at the place now known as the town of Tountville The preaching
took place under a large madrona tree, near the : : — 71 ere were few
churches in those days, and few public meetings of any kind : henee. the
announcement of preaching in the neighborhood always drew a
Elder McKorkle labored more or less in this valley for more than twenty
years. Principally through his labors congregations were organized at
SI >:.:^na and Berryessa About the year a. D. 1 S60
Nathan Porter (now deceased), moved to the valley, and located near Xapa
He preached at various places in the valley for several years. March
the 26th, 1865, a small organisation was effec: y two
HnTes west of Naji Wen G. Burnett and W. H. Pea
Hder Pendegast was the father of the Hon. W. W. Pendagast of Xapa,
whose untimely death was so deeply deplored by the citizens of Xapa and
Yount Township. 311
of the whole State. In 1870 the little society meeting in Browns Valley
resolved to move their organization to Napa. They secured the hall now
occupied by the Napa Reporter, and there they held their first meeting
in the city of Napa. The following named persons constituted the charter
members of this new organization : G. W. Deweese and wife, J. L. Marshall
and wife, Elder Nathan Porter and wife, W. S. Smith and wife, J. N. Pear-
son and wife, J. C. Wilson and wife, Mrs. Sarah Young, Mrs. A. E. Inman,
and perhaps one or two others. Elder Burnett preached for them one year
one-fourth his time. At the beginning of 1871, Elder J. W. Webb, present
editor of the Lompoc Record, was called to take charge of the church.
On the 16th of April of the same year, he was formally installed in the
work. From this time dates the beginning of the church's progress.
During the summer of this year a lot was purchased on the corner of Ran-
dolph and Pearl streets, and the present church edifice was erected, at a
cost of S6800. In February, 1873, the new chapel was opened for sen-ice.
Elder Webb preached the opening sermon. Since that time the church has
had Elders Burnett, Porter, Webb, Gardner, J. 0. Beardsley and Ware, in
the order named, as pastors. Elder Ware is now on his second year.
The church is now in a very prosperous condition, is free from debt, and
has a flourishing Sunday School ; the membership, though not large, is quite
up to the average of churches in towns of like size in California. There have
been one hundred and seventy persons received into the fellowship of the
congregation since its organization and there have been ten deaths.
Moxticello. — To E. A. Peacock belongs the honor of building the first
house in the town of Monticello, which he did in the fall of 1866. This
was a dwelling house. B. F. Davis put up another dwelling house and also
a blacksmith shop in the fall of 1866. The blacksmith shop was the first
place of business in the town. In the spring of 1867, David Tally erected a
hotel building, which is now known as the Fitch Hotel. In the same spring
I. N. Van Nuys started a store. In the spring of 1868, Robert Thompson
built a hotel on the opposite side of the street from the Tally House. In
1867 Beebee started a blacksmith shop.
Business Interests. — The present business interests of Monticello com-
prise two hotels, one store, two blacksmith shops, one saloon, one carriage
and paint shop, one doctor and one shoe shop. The population is about one
hundred.
BERRYESSA VALLEY.— -As stated above this valley was named after
the Berryessas, to whom it was granted by the Mexican Government. It
passed through several hands, the history of which is not now known, and
finally one Sholtz became proprietor, and he disposed of it to Messrs. J. H.
Bostwiek, John Lawley and J. M. Hamilton. They decided to place it upon
312 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the market in 1866, and had it surveyed into sections for that purpose. In
November, 1866, Abraham Clark brought the first load of lumber into the
valley. There were twelve hundred and twenty-three feet of lumber on
the wagon, which he brought over the top of Wild Horse Mountain with
four horses. He was moving in from Sonoma and he concluded the road
over the mountain was too rough, so he brought the next load, consisting of
household goods by way of Suisun Valley. At that time there were living
in the valley S. Buttoff, J. Finnell, R. C. Gillaspie, McCall, H. Marshall,
J. Coleman, J. Smittle and Houghton. In 1867 the whole of the
valley was taken up and settlers were more numerous then than they are
now. The valley is about ten miles long and about three miles wide, and
has been converted from the wild pasture lands which the settlers found
there in 1866 to one massive field of waving, smiling grain.
There were three adobe houses standing in the valley when the settlers
came in : one built by the Berryessas, where A. Clark now lives ; one built
by Capt. Robert Harding, where P. D. Grigsby now lives, about five miles
north of Monticello ; and one where Andrew Wester now lives, about
the same distance south of Monticello. The one at Clark's place was ninety
feet long and twenty feet wide, one story high, and contained five rooms-
The one at Grigsby's was some smaller, while the one at Westers was about
sixty feet long and twenty feet wide.
From the Napa Register we quote as follows : " Berry essa is the land
of wheat ; from north to south and from east to west, through all its length
and breadth does its surface echo to the rustle of the plant that is to be
golden with the staff of life. For fifteen miles its surface stretches away,
an unbroken, waving mass, that glistens in the sunlight, and nods and bends,
and toys and wrestles, and grows strong in the rustle of the waving breeze.
" Berryessa, as the ' Rancho de las Putas,' containing eight sitios de
ganada mayor, or square leagues, was granted to Jose* de Jesus Berryessa
and Sisto Berryessa, November 3, 1843, by the Mexican Government, under
the broad seal of Manuel Micheltoreno, ' Governor of the Calif ornias.' May
21, 1852, Maria Anastasia Higuerra de Berryessa and Maria Nicolasa Higuerra
de Berryessa, wife of the aforesaid grantees, petitioned the Board of Land
Commissioners for a title to the tract. After due process the patent was
granted January 5, 1853.
" It was not to be expected that the grantees would long hold their
princely possessions. The proverbial improvidence of pioneers generally,
and the Spanish race particularly, was too much for that, and the rule found
no exception in this case. Piece by piece it frittered away — for a few
hundred dollars here and a few thousand there; and they do not, after all,
seem to have thriven on the sales, for in June, 1860, we find a deed recorded
from John S. Sterark, Sheriff, to Edward Shultz, to satisfy a judgment of
Yount Township. 313
$1653, of the last remaining interest of Sisto Berryessa and his wife in
and to all that splendid property. Where they had once owned as far as
the eye could reach, had had cattle almost literally on a thousand hills, had
reigned supreme over a tract of nearly forty thousand acres, and could say
to this man 'go and he goeth, and to that, come and he cometh;' they
were sold out of house and home for the paltry debt of less than $2000.
Sisto passed his last days in a rude cabin in Steele Canon, where he died a
few years ago. Let us hope that the distinctions of property make no dif-
ference with him now, and that he sleeps in his nameless grave as peacefully
and as well as if all the broad acres of ' Rancho de las Putas ' still stood in
his name on the record books of Napa County."
The following succinct and yet complete description of Berryessa Valley
was written by a lady resident of that section for Messrs. Smith & Elliott's
Napa Illustrated. " One of Nature's peerless gems set in a frame ' rock-
ribbed and ancient as the sea,' is Berryessa. The tourist, wending along
the tortuous length of a seemingly endless mountain grade, entranced at
every turn by new beauties, suddenly finds himself looking out upon a
scene of smiling, restful beauty, hard to believe in. This valley is a little
oblong basin, nestled between grand old mountains, which lift their proud
heads protectingly above the happy homes of scores of farmers. The
village of Monticello is near its southern end, Putah Creek skirts the west-
ern edge of the valley, and finds an outlet through the picturesque canon
which takes its name from the creek. There are two outlets for the travel
and freight of the valley. The first is a substantial grade built across the
mountains, a distance of twenty -four miles to Napa City, the other down
Putah Canon to the town of Winters, a distance of sixteen miles from
Monticello. There are two schools in the valley proper, and others in the
adjacent canons. There are two church organizations, but as yet no build-
ings. The yield of small grain is very large and has never failed. Winter-
sown wheat averages twenty-five to thirty-five bushels per acre, and the
yield from fallow land is simply enormous. The corn crops are always
excellent. Hay and barley are produced in abundance, vegetables come in
early and are very fine. Fruits are more or less nipped by the late frosts.
The climate though warm in summer is exceedingly healthful, the atmos-
phere being light and dry. The winters are similar to those in other
portions of the county, except that the frosts are a little more severe."
The following is an extract from the Vallejo Chronicle :
" We take the stage from Napa and ride ' over the hills and far away '
until we reach Monticello, the little village at the southern end of the
valley. A straggling village it is, with its one store, post-office, two
hostelries, school-house, ubiquitous Chinese wash-house, and the dark
accessories of every California village — saloons. The inhabitants are
314 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
most kindly, but they do like to know where you cut your first tooth and
how old you were when you were born. But farther up the valley widens
in every sense, and such a lovely valley it is! — broad fields 'dressed in
living green,' foot-hills beautiful with tender grass, and grand old moun-
tains that stand as sentries on either side, over which sunshine and shadow
play these fair April days. Putah Creek runs along by the foot-hills on the
western side and affords opportunities for boating and fishing at some
points, and is a desirable locality for romantic rambles, if one is so inclined.
It was Thackeray of pleasant memory who wondered that any should live
single where there were ' shady lanes,' and it is surprising, when there are
not only ' shady lanes ' but winding brooks, and such ! The ranch-homes
here overflow with plenty, and wear an air of comfort and hospitality.
Their hearths are wide and their larders never bare, as many a hungry
tramp can testify. The whole valley was once owned by Senor Berryessa ;
and it is said, furthermore, that by the ill-luck of one night it ceased to be
his. He has passed into the future, and sleeps all still on a knoll by the
roadside far down the valley. I often wonder if he ever looks down on
the broad acres of which he was once autocrat, and when the grain is
brightening them, and the larks sing, and children trip to school, if he
knows the old adobe house, which was once his home, still stands, and is
full of interest, with its low rambling rooms, thick walls and deep window
seats. I fancy I can hear the echoes of the merry-makings it has known
in its ' salad days,' and through the mist of years I can see the dark-eyed
seSoritas and gallant senors who once held revelry there."
CHILES VALLEY.— This is a lovely little valley, high up in the moun-
tains, lying between Berryessa and Napa Valleys. It was named for Col.
Joseph B. Chiles, who led a party of thirty daring men across the plains in
1841, among whom were Charles Hopper, the Kelseys and many others,
mention of whom will be found in the body of this work. Ben Kelsey's
wife accompanied the party, and was thus the first white woman who ever
came over the Sierra Nevada Mountains into California. He visited the
valley in 1842, but the Catacula grant was not ceded to him until Novem-
ber 9, 1844. His first house, which was the first one ever erected in the
valley, was built about that year, and was made of rough logs, and was
15 x 20 feet in size. It is still standing, but is housed in to protect it from
the ravages of the tooth of time. The Colonel guards it with jealous care
as a relic of by-gone pioneer days. William Baldridge was at first a partner
with him, and he built the mill in the valley in 1848. The valley is now
settled very thickly, and with a veiy enterprising and intelligent class of
men, who have done much to develop its resources.
A writer in the Napa Register gives the following interesting historical
^^^^^-X^J^^^
Yount Township. 315
sketch of Chiles Valley : " Across a slight divide from Pope Valley, reached
by the grade starting in at Van Arsdale's, Chiles Valley is reached, which is
named after one of California's pioneers. In 1841, Col. J. B. Chiles, then
a citizen of Missouri, read an account, written by Dr. Marsh, then living at
the foot of Mount Diablo, of the wonders of the California climate and
productions, and with thirty companions, (John Bidwell and others), he
started out to find the land where winters were always as pleasant as sum-
mers in their own State. They reached the Pacific slope in safety, and the
next year Chiles and others returned for their families. They came out
again in 1843, and then Chiles commenced exploring for a vacant tract of
desirable land to get a grant of. The next year — 1844 — after examining
the country thoroughly, from Monterey north, he located upon the fertile
valley which has since borne his name, and at once applied for a grant of
it from the Mexican Government, which he received under the name of the
' Rancho Catacula,' an Indian name.
" At that time all the land in Napa Valley was taken up. Dr. E. T. Bale,
had it from Calistoga to Bale Slough, George C. Yount from this to Dry
Creek, and Nicolas Higuerra, Cayetano Juarez and others thence to the tide-
land ; even Pope Valley was gone, William Pope having located upon it with
his Spanish family two years before. The grant of Catacula included two
leagues, one square league in the lower part of the valley, and the balance
extended up the valley to near its head. The Colonel settled at the present
site of the old family house, at the head of Chiles Canon, and the original
dwelling, a log-house, is still standing, though removed a short distance
from its first location, and converted into an out-house. It is now carefully
roofed in and preserved from the weather, a relic of the pioneer days. In
the same year the large adobe house, which is 46 x 60, still the family man-
sion of the place, and in an excellent state of preservation, was begun, as
also the mill, which, through various mutations and improvements that have
completely obliterated the original structure, has survived the lapse of a
third of a century, to rise at this late day into one of the important enter-
prises of the country, and supplying, under its favorite Catacula brand, the
breadstuffs of all the country around.
" The beginning of this mill was in consonance with the general rude
order of things in those days of primeval California. A rude wooden block
procured from the woods was mortised by William Baldridge, who is still
living near Oakville, into a tub wheel, and a shaft running from this, had
on the other end of it one of the stones that did the grinding. Probably no
other than a pioneer of Chiles' stamp, accustomed from early boyhood and
wild adventures to accommodate himself to every emergency, could have
fashioned from these rude materials the requisites of a flouring" mill. But
to him the elements of nature were as the tools of civilization, and he could
316 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
find abundance where the child of a more advanced age would be as help-
less as a babe. Col. Chiles was a very large man, being over six feet in
height, and of a commanding presence."
CONNS VALLEY.— This is a lovely little dale lying to the east of
Napa Valley, and latterly in the range of mountains which skirts the latter
valley on the east. It is neither very wide nor very long, but is indeed a
charming place. It was named after John Conn, who came into it at an
early day. It is not known now in what year he came there, but it was
evidently somewhere back in the '40's. He was at one time very wealthy,
owning a large tract of land and much stock, but the fiend of intemperance
obtained possession of him, and made a total wreck of his manhood and his
fine estate as well. His last days were spent in the county hospital, and in
May, 1864, he was removed from earthly scenes by what he doubtless con-
sidered the kindly hand of death.
GORDON VALLEY. — This is a small valley lying on the eastern side
of Napa County, and was named after William Gordon, a pioneer of 1843.
Gordon first settled on Cache Creek, and his place was one of the land-
marks of the country before and for several years after the discovery of
gold. It is not now known when he came to Gordon Valley to reside, but
certainly at an early day, as he was the first settler in it. He died in 1876
at his residence in Cobb Valley, Lake County. The valley is a rich and fer-
tile section of the county, and many most estimable citizens reside there.
CAPT. JOHN GRIGSBY.— This old pioneer citizen of Yount Town,
ship came to California in the spring of 1845, coming in company with
John York, Benjamin Dewell, David and William Hudson, W. B. Elliott,
William B. Ide, Mrs. Delaney and sons, Messrs. McDowell, Ford, John
Brown and others. At Fort Laramie, John Grigsby was elected captain of
the company, and they arrived at Sutters Fort in October. Capt. Grigsby
located soon after on a place near the Napa River, and a little south-east of
where Yountville now stands. At the breaking out of the Bear Flag War,
he was among the very first to take active measures in the matter ; and it
was he, in company with W. B. Elliott, who went to Sutter's Fort to hold a
consultation with Fremont in regard to the matter, before the movement
was inaugurated. It fell to his lot to take charge of the first prisoners of
war captured by the Bear Flag Party at Sonoma, and to convey them to
Sutters Fort. These prisoners were M. G. Vallejo, then Commandante
General of Upper Calif ornia, the late Capt. Salvador Vallejo, Victor Prudon,
who held the commission of Colonel in the Mexican army, Jacob P. Leese,
brother-in-law of the Vallejos, and Alcalde of Sonoma. Capt. Grigsby was
placed in charge of these prisoners, with only five or six men to guard
Yount Township. 317
them. An attempt was made to rescue the prisoners near Napa, as they
were on their way from Sonoma to Sutters Fort ; but owing to the cool
presence of mind of Capt. Grigsby, the attempt was thwarted. He threat-
ened to shoot his prisoners rather than to suffer them to be rescued by the
Mexicans ; and the would-be rescuers were warned off by General Vallejo,
and the prisoners were safely conducted to their destination. The Captain
was afterwards in command of a company in Fremont's battalion, and
served for six months, being one of the most efficient and trustworthy offi-
cers. He was discharged honorably from the service at Los Angeles on the
receipt of the news of the treaty of peace. He was one of the first settlers
and farmers of Napa Valley, and was permanently identified with many of
the enterprises of the early days. He was one of the early members of
Yount Lodge, F. & A. M. In 1861 he returned to the East, and was said
to have spent most of his time in Texas. He died in March, 1876, in Mo-
selle, Franklin County, Missouri, at the advanced age of seventy.
REDWOOD FALLS. — Among the natural curiosities of Napa County
probably none are more worthy of mention than these falls. They are
romantically located about twelve miles from Napa near the head of Mill
or Napa Creek, in the redwood belt of Napa County. Striking the stream
a few hundred feet above the upper fall, and following it down, we find
ourselves walking upon a solid body of stone, with walls of rock rising
perpendicularly on either side to a height reaching from ten to fifty feet,
and not more than five feet apart. This rocky chasm leads to the upper
fall, which is a nearly perpendicular descent of fifty feet, and it must make
a magnificent waterfall in the winter season when the stream is swollen.
The rocky, precipitous walls tower high above the falls, and as one looks
up and down from the head of the falls, he sees little but a clear-cut rock
forming the walls of the deep abyss. Retracing our steps and making a
detour down the line of the stream, its bed is reached at a point a few
rods below the lowest of the three falls. This fall is some twenty feet in
height, and its head is reached by a little hard climbing up a short, cir-
cuitous path. We then find ourselves at the foot of the middle fall, in the
most picturesque little grotto imaginable, bounded by precipitous stone
walls, apparently from thirty to one hundred feet in height. The middle
fall makes a descent of some twenty-five feet perpendicularly, and at its
foot there is a pool some six feet across and nearly twenty feet in depth. A
few square yards of solid rock constitute the floor of this rocky chamber. A
visit to this romantic spot will well repay any one.
YOUNT MILL. — This mill is located about half a mile to the north-east
of Yountville, and was erected by George C. Yount in 1853, or thereabouts.
318 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The building is a large and substantial one, and has undergone but little
changes since it was first erected. When it was built it was truly a mam-
moth structure. It is run by water power and with a wide overshot
wheel. There are two run of stones in the mill, and the capacity is about
thirty barrels per day. The machinery is all first-class in every respect.
The flour from this mill used frequently to receive the premium, and the
mill was long known as "The Star of the Pacific Premium Mill." Mr.
Yount conducted the mill till his death, in 1865, when Fred. W. Ellis
leased it for five years. In 1870 he purchased it and has since conducted
it in a most successful manner.
Hot Springs Township. 319
HOT SPRINGS TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY.— This township is bounded on the north by Lake
County, on the east by Knox Township, on the south by Yount Township,
and on the west by Sonoma County. July 17, 1873, the Board of Super-
visors of Napa County established the following as the boundary lines of
Hot Springs Township :
Beginning at a point on the western boundary of Napa County, due
west from the head of Dry Creek ; thence along the line of Yount Town-
ship, north-easterly and northerly, to the old line between Napa and Lake
Counties ; thence westerly along said line to the middle of Putah Creek ;
thence up said creek to the present line between Lake and Napa Counties :
thence along said line, southerly and westerly, to the north-west corner of
Napa County ; thence south-easterly along the line between Napa and So-
noma Counties to the place of beginning.
TOPOGRAPHY. — The topography of this township is very simple in
its main features. In the center lies the beautiful Napa Valley, skirted on
either side by a high range of mountains. Piercing these ranges are a host
of lateral valleys and canons. Napa River runs through its entire length
and affords an outlet for its water-shed.
GEOLOGY. — This township presents many very interesting geological
features, many of the most interesting being outside of the study of the
rocks and their formations. The study of the lava-flows, the mineral
deposits, and the extinct volcano of St. Helena would furnish subject-mat-
ter for a whole volume. The lava-flows from St. Helena came out quite
early in the earth's existence, and the rocks found under them are all of
very ancient origin. There is a great deal of volcanic matter around St.
Helena, of course, and all the adjacent mountains, and this is true of both
sides of Napa Valley in this township. There is some sandstone on the
western side, of the Tertiary period, and some sand and limestone of the
same age on the eastern side. There are a host of fissues and dikes in the
mountain sides here, which resulted from the eruptions of St. Helena, and
some of them are filled with lava, but many of them are filled with detritus
and ai-e now lovely quartz leads in which more or less precious metal is
being found. The action of ages, yea, eras, has entirely obliterated all
320 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
evidences of a crater on the summit of St. Helena, but the lava and scoria
which it vomited forth all over the face of the county is still visible on
every hand.
SOIL. — The soil in the upper end of this township is generally quite
good, but is light in many places, even in the valley. It is a loam in most
places near the center of the valley. It is mostly made up of volcanic
products, hence it is white or reddish. It is often cold and not so very pro-
ductive, and in the summer time gets very hard, and in the winter is rather
impervious to water. There are a few spots -of adobe, especially on the
eastern side, near Mount St. Helena. South of the Lodi Ranch the soil as-
sumes a different character, and becomes warmer, lighter, more friable and
more productive. Here the valley is mostly a rich loam, and is well
adapted to all kinds of products. Flanking the foot-hills the soil is of a
gravelly nature, and mostly of a volcanic formation also ; hence is better
adapted to the growth of grapevines. In all the mountains of this town-
ship, the soil is of the whitish or reddish caste, which betokens a volcanic
origin, and is remarkably well adapted to the production of wine grapes.
The time is not far distant when all these mountains will be covered with
vines, and even now large vineyards are being planted on Howell Mountain.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this township is superb throughout, being
mild, warm and gentle. At the upper end of the valley it gets quite warm
during the summer season ; still the heat is not oppressive. The air is light
and dry, so that the heat does not become burdensome. Farther south, in the
vicinity of St. Helena, the weather gets quite warm during the summer,
but there is generally a breeze blowing, which serves to make one feel more
comfortable than at Calistoga, although the thermometer may indicate the
same degree of temperature. In all this section the nights are mostly cool
and pleasant, and, in fact, it is a joy to exist during the delightfully lovely
moonlight nights of the summer months. Sometimes the wind comes howl-
ing down from the north, and then are " the days of our discontent," for
this wind is like a sirocco, scorching and withering everything in its path-
way. But, fortunately, these visits of the fiery north wind are not fre-
quent, and never of more than three days' duration, and generally of not
more than one. In the winter season it gets quite cold at the upper end of
the valley, and snow is on the brow of St. Helena for many days during
that season. It does not get cold enough, however, to interfere with the
growth of grapevines to any great extent, and it is claimed, and with
apparently good grounds, that there is frost in Napa City oftener than in
Calistoga. There is what is known as the thermal belt, about half way up
the mountain sides, where it is much warmer than it is either in the valley
Hot Springs Township. 321
below or on the mountain tops above. Here figs, oranges and delicate
flowers grow unmolested by the frosts.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this township are varied, comprising
fruits, vegetables, cereals, berries and grapes. The soil is so varied in its
nature that it is capable of producing almost all varieties of things that
grow out of the ground to very good advantage, indeed. It is, however,
especially adapted to the growth of the grapevine, as is evidenced by the
fact that the St. Helena Vinicultural District .stands at the head of the
grape-growing sections of California, both as to quantity and quality, and
especially the latter. The wines produced in this district stand to-day at
the head of the wine product of the world, and it is yet in its infancy, and
the time will come when it will be unmatched. The products of this town-
ship are not confined to what grows out of the ground alone, but there are
vast mineral bodies here which are destined to yield large returns to the
labor and skill of man. Silver and quicksilver abound and gold and iron
are found. The items of cord wood and tan bark are not to be overlooked
in this connection, both of which are largely represented in the list of
exports.
TIMBER. — This township is fairly represented in the line of timber,
there being oak, pine, fir, redwood, cedar, alder and laurel in it. The oak
is represented by the usual varieties in California, viz : the live, mountain,
white and black oaks. Of pines, there is the " digger " or " bull," with
perhaps a few white trees on St. Helena. Of firs, there are the white and
red, both stately trees and much used for lumber. Of redwoods, there have
been quite extensive forests in the days gone by, but they have long since
been cut out, and only their fast decaying stumps remain to tell us where
the mighty monarchs of the forest once stood. Young trees are growing
up to take the places of the fallen giants, but it will take at least a century
for them to get to be the trees their ancestors were. The other kinds of
trees are inconsiderable, and a mention of them is all that is required.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— To that hardy old pioneer, John York, now
a resident of St. Helena, belongs the honor of being the first white settler
in Hot Springs Township. On the 15th of April, 1845, he, with his wife
and one child started overland for California. At Independence, Missouri,
he joined a company of which the following were members: Benjamin
Dewell, now of Lake County, John Grigsby, David Hudson, William Hud-
son, W. B. Elliott, late of Lake County, but now deceased, William B. Ide, Mrs.
Delaney and sons, Messrs. McDowell, Ford and John Brown. This company
arrived at Suffers Fort in October of that year, under command of Capt.
John Grigsby. Later that same fall, Mr. York, in company with David
21
322 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and William Hudson and W. B. Elliott, came to Napa Valley and stopped
a few days at Yount's ranch. He then proceeded to Calistoga where he
erected a log cabin, which was the first building in that part of the country.
He also put in the first crop of wheat ever sown in the vicinity of Calis-
toga, and doubtless north of Yount's place.
We do not know whether or not William B. Elliott went there that fall,
but he did very soon afterwards. He had a family consisting of his wife
and several grown sons and daughters, one of whom is now Mrs. Benjamin
Dewell, of Upper Lake. The experiences of this pioneer family would make
a whole book, if fully written up. While here at Calistoga in that early
day, with no neighbors but wild Indians, bears and California lions, it was
no uncommon thing for the wife and children to remain alone for days at a
time, while the father and older sons were away on hunting or other expe-
ditions. They lived in a tent, which of course afforded no protection from
the nightly intrusions of the grizzly. This brave woman was not the one
to succomb to the ravenous attacks of the huge monsters without adopting
some expedient to escape an encounter with them. At such times she would
take the children and veritably roost in the trees, high above the reach of
bruin. A scaffolding was prepared in the forks of a mammoth oak tree,
and on this she would make her beds and she and her children would sleep
safely if not soundly. The bears would make nightly visits to the place
and eat up every scrap that could be found. She did not fear the visits of
the daytime, for she could easily mount to her perch in the tree, and fetch
his bearship to the ground with a well-directed shot from the rifle, which
she could handle as well as a man. Such was the life those pioneer women
led, and all honor is their due for the noble courage they displayed in facing
the dangers they did.
Among other eai-ly settlers in this township may be mentioned William
Fowler and his sons William, Jr., and Henry, who came there in 1846 and
purchased four thousand acres of the " Aqua Caliente " grant. William
Hargrave, who was a partner with them in the stock which was put on the
place, John Cyras, F. E. Kellogg, R. P. Tucker, David Hudson, William
Hudson, L. Keseberg, a survivor of the ill-fated Donner party, Col. M. G.
Ritchie, Arch. Jesse, William H. Nash, James Harbin, Enoch Cyrus, all of
whom came there in 1846. In 1847 S. J. Tucker, J. W. Tucker and G. W.
Tucker, located about three miles south of Calistoga. In 1850 William
Moore and William Dinning, and in 1852 Peter Teale settled near Calis-
toga. There are other names which should be included in this list, but they
are not obtainable now as they have passed out of the memory of the old
pioneers. This list comprises about all, however, who came in previous to
is.*i2 and became permanent settlers.
Through the kindness of Messrs. J. H. McCord, John York and others,
Hot Springs Township. 323
we are able to give the names of all the settlers in the township in 1849
and their locale. Beginning at the head of the valley the first settler was
John Cyrus, who lived in a log house about one and a half miles north-west
of Calistoga, on the road leading to Knights Valley. He had a wife and
six children. The next place was occupied by the Fowlers, William, Sr.,
William, Jr., and Henry, and their associate, William Hargrave. Their
house was a log one, and stood just at the foot of the mountain west of
Calistoga. Calvin Musgrove also lived on the premises with his wife. The
next place was owned by Wells and Ralph Kilburn, and they lived about
one mile south of Calistoga. They both had families, and both lived close
together. About a mile south of the Kilburn place a man by the name of
Owsley lived in a frame house. He had a log-house at first, but in 1849
he had built a frame one. He had a wife and eight children. He had the
oldest orchard in that end of the valley.
William Nash was the next settler that we come to passing down the
valley, and his place was about half a mile south of Owsley's. He had a
family, consisting of a wife and fourteen childreen, and lived in a split-
board house. M. D. Ritchie lived half a mile south of Nash's place. He
had a wife and five children, and lived in a log-house. Reason Tucker
lived across the road from Ritchie's place, in a split, redwood board house ;
he had a wife and three or four boys. Irvin Kellogg lived about half a
mile south of Tucker's, in a frame house. He settled there in 1846, and
had a wife and seven children. David Hudson lived up on the hills, about
half a mile west of where the Berringer brothers now have their vineyard,
and also owned the land on which it is now planted. He had a family,
consisting of a wife and one child, now Judge Rodney Hudson, of Lake
County. His house was built of split redwood, and was located on the
north side of Hudson Creek. John York lived on the south side of Hud-
son Creek, and further up in the hills. He had a wife and two or three
boys, and lived in a split redwood house. Dr. Edward T. Bale was the last
settler who lived in this township, going south, as we have done. He had
an adobe house, about three miles south of where St. Helena now stands
and what is still known as the Bale place. It is stated that he came to
California in 1832, as a ship-carpenter on a whaling vessel, which he there
deserted. He was married to one of the daughters of Nicolas Higuerra,
and died in 1849 or 1850. He received a grant for the Rancho 'Came Hu-
mana from the Mexican Government, and did much to start the ball of im-
provement to rolling in Napa Valley.
L. Keseburg, who was one of the pioneers of this township, was the last
man rescued from the Donner Camp, and he is the man about whom such
horrid stories are related in the sensational papers concerning his relations
with Mrs. Donner, and his connection with her death, etc. It is not our
324 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
purpose here to review this matter, and only mention it to call to mind the
wonderful privations which those early pioneers were called upon to endure,
and to what dire extremities they were sometimes driven. Nothing but
the records of God will ever reveal all that occurred at that fearful place,
and it is time that the mantle of charity was drawn over the whole affair.
Put yourself in his place, kind reader, and say to yourself, what would you
do ? Life is sweet to all, and self-preservation is the first law of nature.
A man may be willing to lay down his life for his own wife in almost any
exigency, but he will not starve in the heart of the Sierra Mountains,
thirty feet under the snow, while there is a weaker party to succumb.
Neither robbery nor rape could possibly have been his prompting motive,
when death from sheer starvation was staring him in the face. There is no
evidence that he did commit any act of violence, and as he says he did not,
he must have the benefit of the doubt.
Among other characters who floated to the surface in an early day in
the vicinity of Calistoga was Peter Storm. This old pioneer was born in
Christiansend, Norway, in September, 1799. When he was fourteen years
of age he left his home and followed the sea until he came to California in
1833, having traveled over many parts of the earth. His life in the early
days of California was full of adventure. While he lived in this county
he followed hunting and trapping mostly in this and Lake and Mendocino
Counties. He was a member of the Bear Flag Party, and many believe
him to be the man who made the Bear Flag. Such, however, is not the
case. There is a flag in existence which is known as the Storm Bear Flag
and which was made by him, but it was made several years after the occa-
sion of using the first Bear Flag, and was designed in imitation of the
original, and was used on the occasion of some celebration of Admission
Day in Napa or Sonoma.
In November, 1873, Rev. Asa White of the Methodist Church died in
Calistoga. He was the pioneer preacher of California, coming here in 1849.
He held his first services in a tent on Powell street, San Francisco, and he
built the first Methodist Church ever erected in that city on Powell street.
Col. M. D. Ritchie came into the township in 1850. He was born in
Pennsylvania April 19, 1805, went thence to Indiana at a very early day,
and thence to Illinois, where he engaged in the Blackhawk War, having
command of a regiment during that time, and hence his title of Colonel. In
1846 he crossed the plains to California, there coming with him in the
same train his son-in-law, Hon. John S. Stark, who was afterwards Sheriff
and County Judge of Napa County. Col. Ritchie settled in Sonoma
County, where he resided until 1850, when he came to Napa County, and
located in Ritchie Canon. He remained there until 1865, when he moved
to Napa City, where he resided until August 20, 1874, when he died, being
S. </. faufc-^, fr.&.
Hot Springs Township. 325
then in his seventieth year. He was a Justice of the Peace in Hot Springs
Township for several years, and was also an Associate Justice for Napa
County at one time.
TOWNS. — The two principal towns in this township are Calistoga and
St. Helena, both of which are lovely, thriving places. There are some em-
bryotic places along the line of the railroad, which may in time spring into
quite villages. For convenience we will consider Calistoga first, and then
pass on southward, taking the places in their regular order as they come.
Calistoga. — The beautiful town of Calistoga is situated in the upper
end of Hot Springs Township, and near the head of Napa Valley, and is
the terminus of the Napa Valley branch of the Central Pacific Railroad. It
has become famous on account of its medicinal springs, its great mining re-
sources, fine scenery and lovely climate. To Samuel Brannan belongs the
honor of being the founder of the place, and in this connection we will in-
corporate a biographical sketch of this gentleman, which we find in Mr.
Menefee's " Sketch Book :"
" Samuel Brannan was bom at Saco, Maine, in 1819, and there spent his
youth and received his education. In 1833 he moved to Lake County, Ohio,
and was apprenticed to learn the printing business, but did not serve out
his full time. In 1836-7 he was infected with the great mania for land
speculation that so raged in those years throughout the whole Union. But
he did not succeed so well in this land-jobbing arrangement, and soon re-
turned to the press, and for the next five years traveled from town to town,
and from State to State, experiencing the grim delights (fully known and
realized only by his fraternity) of a journeyman printer. During these
five years of toil and vicissitudes he learned much of the world, that was
afterwards used to advantage. In 1842, having become acquainted with
Joe Smith, the great Mormon Prophet, he connected himself with that sect,
and for years labored in disseminating its doctrines. He was for a con-
siderable time engaged in publishing the Mormon organ, the Neiv York Mes-
senger. In 1846, having heard so much of the Pacific Coast, he determined
to come here, and, if possible, establish a colony.
" He chartered the ship ' Brooklyn,' fitted it up for passengers, and
invited adventurers to embark with him. Two hundred and thirty -six pas-
sengers, about sixty of whom were women, and forty children, embarked.
These passengers were mostly, if not entirely Mormons. Mr. Brannan at
that time, most likely, entertained the idea of planting this Mormon colony
on the coast, gradually growing powerful, till this coast should be in posses-
sion of the sect, and an independent government established. Mr. Brannan
provided a liberal outfit for his colony for a new country. Among the articles
supplied was a printing press, types, and a stock of paper, machinery for
326 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
flour mills, and various agricultural implements. The ' Brooklyn '
from New York on the 4th day of February, 1846, and five months after
touched at the Sandwich Islands, where provisions, arms and ammunition
were purchased for the colony, and they arrived at Yerba Buena, (now San
Francisco) on the 31st of July of the same year. His colony settled on the
sand hills back of Yerba Buena, and all their business was carried on under
the firm-name of S. Brannan & Co., until 1847, when the concern dissolved.
In 184G Mr. Brannan erected two flour mills in that place, and in January,
1847, he commenced the publication of the pioneer paper of San Francisco,
the California Star. This paper was the parent of the Alta.
" Mr. Brannan was also engaged in farming in the San Joaquin Valley
and in merchandise at Sutter's Fort. In the first he failed entirely, but in
the latter succeeded beyond expectation. The discovery of gold drew
crowds to California, and his store was the only one in the whole Sacramento
Valley, so that fabulous prices could not only be asked but obtained. It is
stated on good authority that during 1848 and 1849 the average monthly
sales reached the enormous sum of $150,000. At the same time Mr. Bran-
nan was a large speculator in town property in the then infant city of
Sacramento ; and, owing to the unprecedented rise in real estate there,
caused by the great mining excitement, he found himself suddenly possessed
of vast wealth. In 1849, in addition to his business as a land jobber in
San Francisco and Sacramento, he embarked in merchandising with China,
and in 1851, purchased extensive property in the Sandwich Islands. In
nearly all of his early business transactions in California he was eminently
successful. Indeed, it seemed that, Midas like, whatever he touched turned
to gold, till he was considered the richest man on the coast.
" In 1859 Mr. Brannan came to Napa Valley and purchased of Capt.
Ritchie a square mile of land at Calistoga, on which tract are situated the
famous Hot Springs. Soon after he purchased other lands from Messrs.
Fowler and Hargrave, till his landed possessions about Calistoga exceeded
two thousand acres. It was his design to make this place, called by him
the Saratoga of the Pacific, a great watering place. His expenditures for
buildings, laying off of grounds and other improvements at this place has
probably not been less than half a million dollars. Mr. Brannan has spared
no efforts to make his chosen town of Calistoga and the whole upper part
of the county prosperous. He has, since permanently locating there, added
largely to his landed possessions, and has ever been liberal to actual settlers
and those desiring to carry on trade and business, calculated to enhance the
value of property by making the community more prosperous.
" Since locating in Napa Valley, Mr. Brannan has continued his various
business affairs, but it seems that his talisman is gone, for of late years
serious financial reverses have overtaken him. He has, since the foundation
Hot Springs Township. 327
of the State Government, taken deep interest and performed an active part
in all public measures."
Added to his financial troubles was the great clod of marital infelicity,
which eventually led to a separation between himself and wife, and a divi-
sion of the property. He had a regal estate in Santa Clara County, in
which he resided for years. Lately he has gone into a grand land sche?ne,
Mexico being the scene of his operations. He has got a claim on a vast
domain of land there, and as soon as he gets his title perfected he expects to
open it for settlement, and intends establishing a colony there. That is the
key that will open the doors of that rich and grand country to American
settlers. A few colonies established on a thoroughly good basis there,
would do much to insure success and establish confidence. We do not know
that he expects to colonize it solely with Mormons, but it is possible that he
is working in the interests of that sect, who doubtless know and feel that
they have about had their day on free American soil.
In April, 1868, an event occurred in Mr. Brannan's life, which it is
proper to record in this connection. It would seem that he had gotten into a
dispute about the ownership of a mill, to which some parties laid claim, and
one night as Brannan was approaching the mill he was shot. The following,
taken from the Register, of Napa City, will detail the particulars of the
affair : " Brannan had arrived at Calistoga on Thursday, the evening of the
affair, and from evidence it appears, that while in the store, at the premises,
some remarks were made about taking the mill. Brannan turned to the
defendant, McDowell, and asked to go to the mill. He replied, ' all right.'
After some further parleying, Brannan started out of the store in the direc-
tion of the mill, accompanied by Swift. There were some six or eight in
the crowd leaving the store, but only Brannan and Swift advanced nearer
the mill than some hundred or more yards. It was shown that no one of
those leaving the store was armed, and that none of the party, with the
exception of Brannan, Swift and Garrett, went upon the mill grounds.
Brannan commenced advancing- towards the mill, but was ordered by some
one in the mill to halt. They continued, however, to advance until within
some fifty or sixty feet of the mill. Snyder, as Brannan was advancing,
asked Brannan what he wanted. Mr. Brannan replied, ' I want the mill.'
Snyder said ' You cannot have it, I have possession of the mill and intend
to hold it.' Brannan then said ' I will come in the daylight and take the
mill.'
" While standing in this position, and after some person in the mill had
requested Swift to stand to one side, the firing commenced. At the time
they were ordered to halt, Quinn, oneof the defendants, remarked that if
they, Brannan and Swift, advanced a step further, they would blow their
brains out. And Lee, defendant, also said, ' If you come a step further I
328 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
will put a hole in you.' Some one in the mill said, ' Step aside, Swift,' then
an expression by one of the mill parties, ' Give it to the s — of a b — h ;'
then came two or three shots. Swift said, ' I am shot.' After he was shot
an order was given by Snyder, ' Come away, boys.' Brannan turned and
walked towards Garrett, who was standing in the rear, and eight or ten
steps to one side, and remarked, ' I am shot.' Brannan then walked a step
or two and fell. After he fell some two or three shots were fired. He was
then taken to the road-side, being dragged there by one or two men, and
found to be unconscious ; his clothes were very bloody, and he was bleeding
very freely from a bullet wound in the neck. The coat that he wore was
all riddled with shot, all showing that the firing was upon Brannan while
he was in the act of retreating. Mr. Brannan received some eight shots in
all upon his person. One wound, the most dangerous one of all, was in the
neck. It came from the right and rear and entered upon the right side,
passing the trachea and oesophagus, injuring the 'Adam's apple.' One
passed obliquely through his right arm about four inches above the elbow.
One close down to the hip, passed from the rear and right to left of the
spine.
" It was shown that the defendants had heard that Brannan intended to
take possession of the mill, and had armed themselves for the purpose of
resisting any such attempt ; that they had shot-guns, revolvers, and that
one or two of the defendants left Brannan and his party and ran to the
mill and got the others in readiness for receiving Brannan. No shots were
fired by Brannan, or any one with him, and no one of the party leaving
the store was armed. Some thirty shots in all were fired from shot-guns and
revolvers. Right away after the first firing Brannan commenced walking
back to the place where he fell, and had gone some fifteen or twenty steps
when he dropped. The firing commenced from the mill. The evidence of
some two or three witnesses fastened the order to ' fire ' or ' come away,
boys,' upon the defendant Snyder ; and the words, ' Give it to the s — of a
b — h ' upon defendant Larbig."
In this connection the Register has this to say editorially concerning Mr.
Brannan : " Mr. Brannan has done more, perhaps, than any one or two other
men, for Napa County — has expended his means freely and extensively in
developing the resources of the valley, and should his death follow from his
wounds, his place would not be filled. It is only now, when death seems
about to rob us of him, that his good qualities are recognized and appre-
ciated according to their real merits."
In 1866 Messrs. Henry Gettleson and M. Friedberg came to Calistoga and
erected a store building 20x36, one-story high, and put in a stock of goods.
This was the first place of business ever opened in the place, and they came
at the solicitation of Mr. Brannan. There were no improvements or build-
Hot Springs Township. 329
ings there then, other than those which Brannan had erected in connection
with the springs. The Fowler house stood across the creek to the west, and
the store was located about midway between the two places, and about in
the heart of the present town. Mr. Friedberg is still in business in the
original building, which stands on the north side of the main street of the
place, and just east of the Lodi Stables.
The name of Calistoga was given to the place in the fall of 1867, by
Mr. Brannan. It was his boast that he was going to make the place the
Saratoga of California, so he just spliced the names and called it Cal(is)toga,
the middle syllable being inserted for euphony. The place had already been
previously called Hot Springs by the few Americans, and Agua Caliente by
the Spaniards and Indians.
While Messrs. Gettleson & Friedberg may justly claim the priority of
doing business in the town proper, a man by the name of Woodward must
really come in for the honor of having the first business place in that part
of the valley. He had a small store, and kept the post-office, near the
Fowler House, when the former gentlemen arrived there.
G. B. Clifford built the Lodi Stables in 1868. Messrs. Letter & Chesebro
built and opened a saloon in that year. Then the railroad reached the
place, and a number of business places sprang into existence, and a number
of people settled in the place. At the time of the completion of the rail-
road there was an excursion train, which brought three thousand people
into the place, and Mr. Brannan tendered the visitors a grand reception. J.
M. Finley, an old miner, was the first man to make the discovery of quick-
silver in this section, and he located the Great Western Quicksilver Mine,
in Lake County. But, as is usual, the locator never reaped any great
benefit from his discovery, and he fell from a bridge and was drowned
some years later, dying a poor man. The first hotel in the place was built
by Mr. Delosh, and he called it the Mountain House.
Calistoga Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. — Calistoga Lodge, F. &
A. M., No. 233, was organized March 21, 1874, with the following charter
members: John D. Crittenden, L. H. Hopkins, H. H. Mitchell, H. Get-
tleson, F. P. Nicholson, James Mitchell, D. J. Gloyd, C. A. Demick,
W. P. Boyce, J. T. Noel, William A. Hopkins, T. H. Rickman, W.
F Fisher and J. A. Chesebro. The officers U. D. were: J. D. Crit-
tenden, W. M.; L. H. Hopkins, S. W.; H. H Mitchell, J. W.; H Gettle-
son, Treasurer ; and F. P. Nicholson, Secretary. The charter was granted
by the Grand Lodge October 24, 1874, and the first officers elected U. C.
were : F. P. Nicholson, W. M.; J. Drysdale, S. W.; C. A. Demick, J. W.; H.
Gettleson, Treasurer; and J. T. Noel, Secretaiy. The following named
gentlemen have been honored with the position of W. M.: J. D. Crittenden,
F. P. Nicholson, J. S. Fruits, L. H. Hopkins, J. R. Wright, W. N. Harley. E.
330 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
B. Wooley, and J. C. Wright. The present officers are : J. C. Wright,
W. M.; J. B. Brown, S. W.; N. Conner, J. W.; H. Gettleson, Treasurer ; and
F. A. Freeman, Secretary. The present membership is thirty-five, and the
lodge is in a prosperous condition.
Calistoga Lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Felloius. — Calistoga Lodge,
I. 0. O. F., No. 227, was organized August 8, 1874, with the following
charter members : H. H. Nunnally, Enoch Snow, T. T. Walker, J. Cyrus, C.
A. Menefee, C. W. Northupp, J. D. Crittenden, W. D. Owsley and G. W.
Gullaver. The first officers were T. T. Walker, N. G; J. Cyrus, V. G.; C.
W. Northupp, Treasurer ; C. A. Menefee, Secretary. The following gentle-
men have filled position of Noble Grand : T. T. Walker, J. Cyrus, C. A.
Menefee, W. D. Owsley, S. W. Collins, George Lillie, Charles Lillie, 0. P.
Cash, B. F. Bradshaw, M. Murphy, 0. H. Linscott, G. W. Weeks and James
Yarrington. The present officers are James Yarrington, N. G.; R. P. John-
son, V. G.; R. Decker, Treasurer ; A. M. Gardner, Recording Secretary ; and
S. W. Collins, Permanent Secretary t The present membership is forty-five,
and the lodge is in a healthy condition. The meetings are held in a
very nicely furnished hall.
Monroe Lodge Independent Order of Good Templars. — Monroe Lodge,
I. 0. G. T., No. 368, was organized December 3, 1879, with the following
charter members, W. R. Teale, J. H. Blunt, J. Muir, Annie Jewell, Mary
Tucker, Helen Bryant, J. H. Downey, W. M. Ingram, C. L Cole, E. S. Mur-
phy, William L. Ames, O. H. Linscott, F. B. Lardner, M. Murphy, L. S.
Cherry, J. McFarling, J. W. Cyrus, Mary A. Cyrus, Fannie Downey, Mrs.
M. E. Mather, Mrs. W. S. Bryant, Grace W. Jewell, Mrs. E. B. Butler, E.
Light and W. S. Bryant. The first officers were, J. McFarling, W. C. T.;
Fannie Downey, W. V. T.; Grace W. Jewell, W. S.; W. R. Teale, W. A. S.;
E. Light, W. F. S.; and James Cyrus, W. T. The present officers are W. B.
Crossis, W. C. T.; Miss H. E. Bryant, W. V. T.; F. B. Lardner, W. S.; Miss
E. Downey, W. A. S.; F. Athearn, W. F. S.; and Miss M. Cyrus, W. T. The
present membership is forty -five, and the lodge is increasing in numbers and
interest all the time. The meetings are held in the elegant hall of the Odd-
Fellows.
Presbyterian Church. — The Presbyterian Church at Calistoga was or-
ganized by Rev. Thomas Fraser, Synodical Agent on the Pacific Coast for
that denomination, January 28, 1871. The organizing members of this
church were : A. Safeley, Mrs. Margaret Safeley, Miss I. G. Safeley, Miss
A. R. Safeley, Thomas F. Towle, Mrs. Josephine Towle, J. I. Logan, Mrs.
U. J. Logan, Mrs. Ann M. Fairfield, J. G. Randall, M. Garnett, Mrs. Cath-
erine A. McDonald, Mrs. Lizzie McCrory, John McCausland, Mrs. Rachel R.
McCausland, Mrs. Annis F. Wass, Miss Lizzie R. Wass, Gallen M. Fisher,
Mrs. Susan F. Fisher, Miss Florence Fisher, John Wass, Mrs. Eliza A. Wass,
Hot Springs Totons/rip. 331
J. R. Wright, Mrs. E. Wright, Austin J. Roberts, Mrs. Mary A. Tavor, Miss
E. Tavor. Rev. C. H. Crawford worked the church up, and was instru-
mental in its organization. In June, 1873, Rev. James Mitchell took charge
of the church in connection with the Presbyterian Church in St. Helena,
preaching in both places every Sabbath, alternating the morning and even-
ing services. He has served the people very acceptably indeed, and has
built up strong churches in both places. When he came to Calistoga the
church was not in a very prosperous condition, but now it is nourishing.
They have a building which is 54x32 in size, and of very handsome
architecture. It was erected in 1872, at a cost of $2300, and the lot and
furniture added made the cost of the property $3000. The present mem-
bership is forty-seven, and gradually increasing. There is a Sunday School
connected with the church, but it is small, the attendance being about fifty.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The following historical sketch of the
Calistoga Methodist Episcopal Church has been kindly furnished us by the
present pastor, Rev. M. D. Buck :
In 1868, under the labors of Rev. W. S. Bryant, the foundation for the
church was laid in Calistoga. Soon after, the railroad company needing the
lot, purchased it. Sam Brannan gave another lot, and in 1869 the church
was completed. The society has been served by the following pastors :
1869-70, W. C. Curry; 1870-1, G. W. Henning; 1871-2, H. B. Shel-
don ; 1872-3, R. M. Williamson ; 1873-4, William Gordon ; 1874-6, H. C.
Tallman. During this time a parsonage was built ; 1876-7, A. R. Sheriff;
1877-8, J. F. Burkholder; 1878-9, S. Kinsey; 1879-81, M. D. Buck. In
1880 the parsonage was sold, and a debt of $800 on the church property was
canceled. The value of the church and lot is $1000. The building will
seat one hundred and fifty persons. The society numbers sixty members.
It has, during most of its history, been united with the society at St. Helena,
and under the charge of one pastor. The first trustees were William
McDonnell, Peter Teale and Alonzo Hopkins.
Calistoga School. — The building was erected in 1873 at a cost of
$6000, and is a model of neatness and good taste. There are two depart-
ments, and the attendance is about two hundred and twenty-five. The
best of teachers are employed, and good schools are always maintained.
Calistoga Flour Mill. — This mill was erected in 1880 by a joint-stock
company, of which Mr. E. B. Wooley was President, and W. H. Harley Sec-
retary. It is 40x80 and two stories high, and cost $8000. There are three
run of stones, two for wheat and one for corn, and it has a capacity of fifty
barrels every twelve hours. There is a forty-horse power engine in the mill,
and all the latest improvements in the way of machinery, and the flour
manufactured at this mill is second to none in the State. Mr. William
Hansen is the present lessee.
332 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Business Directory. — The business interests of Calistoga are as follows :
One bakery, three livery stables, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops,
three stores, one furniture store, one carpenter shop, one confectionery, one
tailor shop, two hardware stores, two meat markets, one barber shop, two
hotels, one saddlery, two millinery stores, one jeweler, one drug store, one
carriage shop, one paint shop, three doctors, one real estate agency, one
newspaper, and five saloons.
Calistoga being the terminus of the railroad, is consequently the point
from which numerous stage lines diverge. From here there is a stage line
running to Lakeport, one to Lower Lake and Sulphur Bank, one to Harbin
Springs, one to the Geysers, one to Kellogg, and perhaps others, but these
are the main ones. The place presents a very lively appearance during the
summer season upon the arrival of the passenger train from San Francisco.
Scores of tourists are rushing helter-skelter, seeking for the stage they are
to take, or inquiring for routes and desirable places. All this makes busi-
ness for the hotel men and livery men, not to mention the enormous stage
business that is done Mr. W. F. Fisher, the owner of the two Lake County
stage lines, keeps the best of stock and drivers upon his routes, and when one
of his large passenger wagons, with six horses attached to it, filled to over-
flowing with passengers and baggage, swings into the street, and starts out
upon the " keen jump," as the drivers say, it presents a fine sight.
Calistoga has a post-office, and Wells, Fargo & Co. express office, and
has telegraphic communication with San Francisco, and with all points
along the line extending from that place, through Lake County to Colusa.
" THE BUNGALOW." — Among the places of summer resort and resi-
dences in Napa County, the home of Mrs. Lillie Hitchcock Coit stands in
the front rank. She owns about three hundred and twenty acres of splen-
did valley land, situated about four and a half miles south-east of Calis-
toga. It is all valley land, very rich, and is kept in a high state of cultiva-
tion. On the place there are from three to seven acres of orchard, and
about sixty acres of vines, among which are some very choice varieties.
The proprietress is a fine stock fancier, and on the place may be found some
of the best blood in Napa County and in the State. In cattle she has fine
specimens of Jersey Downs and Durhams ; in horses she has the little mare
" Tom-boy," which captured a premium in San Francisco in 1874 ; also a
fine four-in-hand team, over which she draws the reins with an ease and
grace that would cause the envy of any Jehu. Her house, the " Bungalow,"
is her pride, however — and well it might be. It is constructed just as the
houses in India are. There is a verandah entirely around the building,
with two main halls passing through it at right angles. There are four
rooms, one in each corner, and the doors of them open upon the verandah.
Hot Springs Township. ,» 333
The rooms are each painted a different color, and are furnished in a quaint
and almost fantastic style. The doors are made of stained glass, and there
is a cupola to the building which is truly unique. Here Mrs. Coit lives in
almost regal splendor, and entertains her hosts of friends who annually
visit at her most hospitable home.
ST. HELENA. — St Helena is the next town we come to passing south-
ward, and it is much larger than Calistoga, being the second town in size in
Napa County. It is located nine miles south of Calistoga and eighteen
miles north of Napa City, and in the heart of Napa Valley, and in the
very center of the great St. Helena wine-producing district, hence its
present status is one of extraordinary activity, and its future is assured
to be a grand one. Some time previous to 1853, and about that time,
Henry Still, an Englishman, purchased a tract of one hundred acres of the
Bale grant, lying on the west side of what is now Main street, St. Helena,
and extending from Sulphur Creek to Madrona avenue. In that year he
built a small split-redwood building, which was only just one grade
above a shanty, and put in a stock of goods. A Mr. Walters seems to
have had some connection with the matter, but not as a partner in the
land, or if so, Still purchased his interest soon after. Still also had a small
split-board dwelling. The store was located just west of the present site of
the hay scales, or on the rear end of the first lot south of the Palace Hotel.
He had foresight enough to see that this was in the heart of a rich agricul-
tural section, and he rightly surmised that the time would come when there
would be a flourishing town grow up around the nucleus which his store
had formed. To- be sure to give the embryotic place a good footing he
made the liberal offer of donating to actual settlers a lot on which to build
and start business. This was in 1855, and among those who accepted the
offer was Mr. John Kister, who erected two buildings on the lot near the
north-west corner of Spring and Main streets, now occupied by the Van
Tassel Hotel. One of these buildings Mr. Kister used for a dwelling and
one for a shoe shop. He dealt in all kinds of leather.
In 1855, also, A. Tainter erected a building just south of Still's store,
which was used for a hotel, and was the first hotel in the place. This was
a small story and a-half rough redwood building. In the spring of 1856,
he sold out to Hiram Louderback. During this year, H. Dickson and John
Howell put up and opened a blacksmith shop on the lot now occupied by
the Palace Hotel. Robert Catherwood (or Calderwood) moved a building
to the lot on the north-east corner of Spring and Main streets, in which he
opened a wagon and carriage making establishment. This was also in 1856,
and Still gave him the lot for the building. Still had the first well ever in
the place, and Mr. Kister dug the second or third. Kister's lot was the first
334 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
one in the town that was fenced with palings. In 1856, also, Christian
Turkeldson erected a store building where Potter's blacksmith shop now
stands, which was the first building to be erected on the east side of the
street. This was a good substantial building. In the fall of 1857, W. A.
Elgin erected a small building for a store just opposite the termination of
Spring street, and he conducted the mercantile business in that place for
some time.
In 1858 David Fulton erected a story and a-half building just opposite
the Van Tassel Hotel, and began the saddlery business. This building is
now occupied by Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express. In the spring of 1857,
H. Dickson erected a dwelling-house. Mr. Kister is authority for the state-
ment that to Messrs. Henry Still and William Taylor belongs the honor of
naming the town, stating that a party was in Still's store one night, when
the subject of a name for the town came up for consideration, and the name
of St. Helena was suggested by those gentlemen, and finally adopted by the
entire party, and since then the name has been St. Helena. Mr. Menefee,
in his " Sketch Book," says that " the infant town was christened St.
Helena from the name given to the division of Sons of Temperance estab-
lished there about this time (1856)." We give both versions, either of which
seems probable, and leave the reader to judge between the two, or to find
the true. In 1860 the hotel erected by Tainter was destroyed by fire.
The first school-house in the place was located on the bank of York
Creek, near Mr. Ewer's present residence, and was a small, rough affair.
Its date of erection is unknown, but in 1858, or thereabouts, the building
was moved to the town-site proper, where it was used for school purposes
until the erection of the present commodious building. The first church in
the place was erected by the Baptists in 1857. The second hotel was
erected in 1862 by John Wolf, on the same site as the first one, and it met
a similar fate, being destroyed by fire in 1866, and was never rebuilt. In
1865 Mr. Ramperdahl completed the National Hotel, now the Van Tassel.
In 1867 J. Vich erected the large and commodious brick building, the
St. Charles Hotel, now known as the Palace. In 1881 Mr. Alstrom
erected the fine wooden structure, to which he has given the title of
Windsor Hotel. The present population of St. Helena is about one
thousand four hundred.
Incorporation of St. Helena, — We have thus followed the growth of
the town of St. Helena from its swaddling clothes, as it were, up to the
time it was prepared to take upon itself the duties and to wear the laurels
of an incorporated city. The act incorporating the town of St. Helena
was approved March 24, 1876, and when the second centennial year rolls
around, and all the American people are rejoicing and holding bi-centennial
celebrations, the good people of the then great metropolis of the upper
Hot Springs Township. , 335
Napa Valley will join in a double celebration, the one for the Nation and
the other for its own centennial existence as a corporate city, and on
that occasion a copy of this History of Napa and Lake Counties will be
brought upon the platform, and some grand mogul of the place will open
to these pages and read the early history of the great city. The mon-
ument mania may strike the valley about that time, and a great marble
or granite shaft may be erected on the site of the first building, with the
date of erection and the builder's name cut in the enduring rock.
Sections one and two of the Act of Incorporation read as follows :
Section 1. The people of the town of St. Helena, Napa County, shall
be a body politic and corporate, under the na7ne and title of the " Town of
St. Helena."
Sec. 2. The corporate limits of the town of St. Helena shall be as
follows : Commencing at a point in the center of Napa River in a direct
line north-easterly from the continuation of the westerly side of Sulphur
Spring avenue (being the easterly line of Dr. G. B. Crane's homestead) ;
thence south-westerly in a direct line to the end of Sulphur Springs avenue
in the county road ; thence following the said westerly and northerly line
of said Sulphur Springs avenue until the intersection of said line with the
line of the Tracey survey in the foot-hills ; thence north-westerly, follow-
ing the line of said Tracey survey until the same intersects that part of A.
B. Forbes' land, which lies easterly of said Tracey line ; thence easterly
along the line between said Forbes' land and J. York's land to the York
Creek ; thence up York Creek to the said Tracey line ; thence northerly
along said Tracey line to a point opposite the most westerly boundary of
Charles Krug ; thence north-westerly to said Krug's westerly line ; thence
on said line to the center of Napa River ; thence down said river to the place
of beginning. The said territory shall form a separate road district in Napa
County.
Section 3 provides that the Boai'd of Trustees shall consist of five mem-
bers ; the other officers of the corporation shall be a Treasurer, who shall be
ex-offLoio Collector ; a Marshal, who shall be ex-ojfi,cio Assessor. Elections
shall be held on the second Monday of April in each year.
In accordance with the provisions of the last section referred to, an
election was held on the second Monday in April, 1876, when the following
gentlemen were chosen to fill the respective positions indicated. Board of
Trustees : David Cole, H. A. Pellet, D. 0. Hunt, W. T. Simmons, and G. C.
Fountain ; Treasurer and ex-oflicio Collector, D. B. Carver ; Marshal and e.c-
ojficio Assessor, J. H. Allison. The first meeting of the Board was held
April 17th, at which time H. A. Pellet was chosen as Chairman, and Charles
A. Gardner was appointed Clerk. N. M. Bonham was also appointed to the
position of City Attorney, and M. G. King as City Engineer. A jail was
erected in June of that year, at a cost of $158.
336 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The election which was held in April, 1877, resulted as follows : Trus-
tees, W. T. Simmons, D. Cole, D. O. Hunt, J. J. Dickinson, and J. R. Kettle-
well ; Treasurer, L. Lazarus ; Marshal, S. G. Clerk. Charles A. Gardner
was again appointed to the position of Clerk of the Board.
In April, 1878, the election resulted as follows : Trustees, H. A. Pellet,
J. L. Berringer, W. T. Simmons, W. A. Elgin, and J. J. Dickinson ; Treas-
urer, L. Lazarus ; Marshal, J. H. Allison ; Charles Young was appointed
Clerk of the Board.
In 1879 the officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows : Trus-
tees, J. J. Dickinson, W. A. Elgin, W. T. Simmons, H. A. Pellet, and J.
Allyn ; Treasurer, L. Lazarus ; Marshal, J. H. Allison. Charles Young was
retained in the position of Clerk by the new Board.
The election of 1880 resulted as follows : Trustees, W. T. Simmons,
W. A. Elgin, J. Allyn, H. A. Pellet, and A. Tonola ; Treasurer, L. Lazarus ;
Marshal, J. H. Allison. Charles Young was still retained as Clerk of the
Board, a position which he filled until September 1st of that year, when F.
E. Dickinson assumed the responsibilities of the position.
In April, 1881, the following officers were elected : Trustees, H. A.
Pellet, Owen Wade, W. E. York, G. K. Gluyas, and J. C. Potter ; Treasurer,
L. Lazarus; Marshal, J. H. Allison. F. E. Dickinson still holds the position
of Clerk of the Board.
The charter to the city was granted by a special Act of the Legislature,
and is a well written document, containing only those provisions which are
calculated to advance and develop the best interests of the town. Matters
have moved along very smoothly under it from the first, though it was
deemed advisable to have it revised in a year or two after its adoption.
Much work has been done in the way of grading the streets, sewerage, etc.
In that line, under city government, the town of St. Helena has developed
from a country village, with ungraded and poorly drained streets, into a
city with all those things that go to give a place the air and appearance
of a city.
St. Helena Baptist Church. — The Baptist Church at St. Helena is the
oldest church edifice in the town, and that denomination is the oldest Chris-
tian organization in the place, and dates back almost, if not quite co-equal
with any organization in the county. In 1857 Hiram Louderback donated
a lot for the purpose of a church-site, to the Baptist Home Missionary
Society. John Cyrus, Henry Owsley and David Fulton were the first
Trustees. A suitable building was erected on the lot donated, which, in
the fall of 1872, was moved to the rear portion of the lot and thoroughly
repaired.
The following excerpts from the records of the church, which have been
kindly furnished us by Mr. J. W. Sayward, the present church clerk, give
a good synopsis of the workings of this organization :
7 4£
Hot Springs Township. 337
The first record is dated January 24, 1S50. On this date an organization
was effected by adopting the articles of faith of the regular Baptist Church
of Napa, and it was called the United Baptist Church. Stephen Riley was
Moderator, and James M. Case, Clerk.
July 25, 1850, the doors of the church were opened for receiving mem-
bers and three were duly received.
August 22, 1850, the doors of the church were again opened and three
members received ; officers same as above.
September 25, 1852, a business meeting was held and W. A. Rector was
chosen Deacon, S. Riley, Moderator, and J. M. Case, Clerk. May 22, 1853,
the church met for business and agreed to send S. Riley, C. S. Grigsby,
Thos. Lensley, Bradis Williamson and A. Rector to the Pacific Association.
July 24, 1853, a meeting was held after services, and it was agreed to
release Rev. S. Riley from the pastoral charge of the Napa Church. William
Rector was the clerk at this time.
August 27, 1853, Rev. A. A. Guernsey was called to the pastoral care of
the Church of Napa.
The next entry is dated, Napa Valley, September 10, 1854, and is as
follows : The brethren of the Baptist faith, convened in the school-house in
Hot Springs Township, and organized the Sharon Baptist Church, the Rev.
Stephen Riley presiding, and William Pendleton acting as clerk pro tern.
The same articles of faith and church government of the First Baptist
Church, Napa, were adopted. The following persons united with the church
at this time : William Hudson, from Santa Rosa ; Enoch Cyrus, by letter ;
Mrs. Cyrus, by letter; T. J. Porter, Henry Owsley, Mrs. Francis Owsley,
Mrs. (or Miss) R. E. Owsley, by baptism ; W. H. Pendleton, by letter, from
Sacramento ; Lucinda York, William Rector, Mrs. Rector, Stephen Broaddus
and Mrs. Broaddus. (It would seem from the above that the original church
organization had ceased to exist from some cause or other, and that this was
a resuscitation of it.)
November 19, 1854, the Sharon Baptist Church held a business meeting,
and a license to preach the gospel was granted to William H. Pendleton.
March 10, 1852, William Hudson was chosen clerk.
July 8, 1856, John Cyrus and wife and William H. Nash, were admitted
as members, by baptism. The church seemed to be growing and prosperous
under the care of Rev. Stephen Riley, as pastor ; William Hudson was the
clerk.
August 9, 185G, five more members were added by baptism.
December 13, 1856, the church had a business meeting and elected Henry
Owsley, David Fulton, William Rector and John Cyrus, as trustees for the
purpose of erecting a church building at St. Helena. At the same time
William H. Nash was appointed treasurer.
22
338 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
June 13, 1857, D. G. Lowell and Henry Owsley, were elected deacons of
the church.
September 12, 1857, John Cyrus was chosen clerk.
In February, 1858, Rev. T. R. Franklin was received by letter, from Six
Mile Mission, and he was elected pastor for one year. S. Riley was modera-
tor, and John Cyrus, clerk.
May 8, 1858, a business meeting of the church was held, and it was
voted that the name of the church be changed from the Sharon Baptist
Church to the St. Helena Baptist Church. The records show that the
church was now in a prosperous condition, and that additions were made at
almost every monthly meeting, either by baptism or by letter. The officers
remained the same as above.
In September, 1858, D. G. Loveall was elected clerk. At this meeting
collectors were appointed to collect outstanding debts against the church
and house, and they were to act as a committee for the purpose of raising
the funds with which to meet those debts.
In October, 1858, under the pastorate of Rev. T. R. Franklin, and assisted
by T. V. Parker, a protracted meeting was held for nine days, and at the
next meeting of the church in regular session, thirty-one members were
added by experience and baptism.
November 13, 1858, Bro. John Cyrus resigned his clerkship. Rev. S.
Riley also resigned his pastorate upon the same date, and Henry Owsley
was elected moderator, and J. V. Porter, clerk pro tern. The question then
arose as to whether this should be a free or close communion church, and
was voted upon in favor of the former, but upon a reconsideration of the
motion, it was declared a regular close communion Baptist Church.
In January, 1859, the church elected Rev. J. Barns, pastor, S. Riley,
moderator, and John Cyrus, clerk pro tern. At the regular church meeting
in March, Rev. Barns was appointed moderator for the first year, and John
Cyrus was elected clerk. The sum of $71 .75 was raised to remove church
debt. In April of 1859, Andrew Hudson was appointed to raise funds to
remove the entire debt. In December, 1859, Rev. J. D. Brown accepted
the pastorate, John Cyrus continuing clerk.
In 1864, the church elected J. Roberts, moderator, and J. R. Franklin,
clerk pro tern.
In 1869, Rev. J. P. Hungate assumed care of the church as pastor, with
John Cyrus as clerk. On November 12, 1869, the church elected Deacon
Henry Owsley, Flemming Spencer, Eban Hilton, P. H. Summer and J. W.
Sayward as trustees of the property belonging to church.
Nov. 16, 1871, Rev. C. W. Henas commenced holding union services and
continued about three years.
In October, 1875, C W. Henas acted as pastor ; J. W. Sayward, clerk.
Hot Springs Township. 339
February 6, 1876, the church, assisted by the State Missionary, Rev. C.
A. Bateman, was resuscitated, and the first communion was held, as a close
communion church, that had been held for several years. On vote, the
church united with the San Francisco association, and received the hand of
fellowship to the same.
Rev. C. W. Henas resigned as acting pastor on January 6, 1877, and Rev.
J. H. Teal supplied the church, commencing February 4, 1877.
December 18, 1877, Dr. Frost of San Jose, delivered a lecture for the
purpose of raising means with which to reseat the church.
January 6, 1878, Rev. J. E. Ambrose of Colorado, assumed the pastorate
and resigned September 8, 1878. The church was then regularly supplied
by Rev. 0. C. Wheeler, D. D., L.L. D, Rev. Dr. Pearson, Rev. C. A. Bateman
and others.
June 29, 1880, Rev. J. A. Fisher of Chicago Theological Seminary be-
came pastor.
July 10, 1881, Rev. J. A. Fisher resigned the pastorate, and at present
the church is without a pastor.
Methodist Episcopal Church.— The following historical sketch of the
M. E. Church at St. Helena has been kindly furnished by the present
pastor, Rev. M. D. Buck : In the year 1853, by the faithful labors of Rev.
James Corwin, the " White Church " was built on Father Tucker's farm,
half way between St. Helena and Calistoga, these centers of influence then
unborn. The church took its name from the fact that it was the only
painted house in upper Napa Valley. The whole of Napa and Sonoma
Counties was then embraced in one preacher's work. Rev. Messrs. S. D-
Simonds, J. W. Brier, E. A. Hazen, Jas. Corwin, J. J. Cleaveland, Colin
Anderson, Walker, Lassiter, Speck and Jacobs preceded W. S. Corwin, who
built a parsonage in St. Helena in 1863. Methodist services were then held
in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Rev. A. C. Hazzard was the next
pastor and he was succeeded by Rev. W. N. Smith, who was appointed to
the St. Helena work in 1865.
In 1867, by the labors of Rev. W. S. Bryant, the present church and
parsonage buildings were erected, the former parsonage being sold. The
Trustees under whose management the edifice was erected and the improve-
ments made, were William McDonnell, Peter Teal, J. B. Risley, and John
Howell. Since that time the following clergymen have been in charge of
the church: 1869-70, W. C. Curry; 1870-1, G. W. Henning; 1871-2, H. B.
Sheldon; 1872-3, R M. Williamson; 1873-6, William Angwin; 1876-7,
J. W. Bluett; 1877-8, J. F Berkholder ; 1878-9, S. Kinsey; 1879-81, M.
D. Buck.
The church-building has been improved from time to time. The main
portion is 30x40 feet, and is capable of seating one hundred and fifty
340 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
persons. It is valued at 82500, and the parsonage at $600. The property is
free from debt. The society numbers sixty members.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — The Cumberland Presbyterian
Church at St. Helena was organized August 17, 1863, by the election of a
Board of Trustees consisting of Thomas B. Townsend, L. Murray, and A. J.
Hudson. The minister under whose labors it was organized was the Rev.
Y. A. Anderson, who came from Missouri in 1855, and died May 19, 1862.
The corner-stone of the church-edifice was laid with Masonic ceremonies,
July 14, 1860. Speaking of this occasion, Mr. Menefee, in his "Sketch
Book," says :
" At the laying of the corner-stone of the (Cumberland) Presbyterian
Church, there was the grandest time that the town had ever before known.
People came from Sonoma, Napa and other places to witness the laying of
the corner-stone, and hear the oration delivered on the occasion. The fol-
lowing are some of the articles placed in the corner-stone : A copy of the
Naj)a County Reporter; the confessions of faith of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church ; names of the members of the church, and of the Sunday-
school ; Constitution and By-Laws of the Sons of Temperance, and of the
Temple of Honor, and also of the Masons ; a copy of the ' Cumberland
Presbyter;' a church paper published at that time in Santa Clara County,
and some pieces of coin."
This building was 40 x 70 in size, and was an elegant structure. In
1873 a spirit of jealousy, or perhaps it is better to say, of pure cussedness,
developed itself in somebody's bosom, and on the 26th of July of that year
an attempt was made to destroy the building by fire. That it was the work
of an incendiary there can be no doubt, for bags saturated with coal oil
were fastened all the way up the belfry rope, and the fire communicated to
these combustible articles. Fortunately, the fire was discovered and extin-
guished before any great damage was done. But this was not to be the last
of the fiend's diabolism, for in February, 1874, the building was completely
destroyed by fire, never to be again rebuilt by that body. We know noth-
ing of the causes which led to the ill feeling towards this denomination, but
must join with all respectable people of all denominations and faiths in
censuring the cowardly deed that destroyed public property to vent private
or personal spleen. They have no organization in St. Helena now.
Presbyterian Church. — The Presbyterian Church at St. Helena was
organized May 30, 1874, with the following organizing members : J. I.
Logan, Mrs. U. J. Logan, J. Cleghorn, Dr. C. F. A. Mitchell, Mrs. L. G.
Mitchell, Mrs. Mary Green, L. Spear, Mrs. Eliza Spear, Mary A. Penwell,
M re. Sophia Hunt, Miss Jennie Carson, R. F. Lane, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Lane,
Philip Elting, Mrs. Clarinda Mills, Mrs. Phrebe A. Woodhurn and Miss
Mamie Gluyas. The organization was effected by Rev. James Mitchell,
Hot Springs Township. 341
under the auspices of the Home Missions in connection with the Presby-
terian Church.
Upon the organization of the church the house of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church was rented for half the time, and in a few days there-
after that building was destroyed by fire. Whether or not this transaction
had anything to do with the actions of the incendiary is not known, but it
is presumable that it did not, as the first attempt to burn the church had
been made several months anterior to the organization of the Presbyterian
Church. It will be noticed also that there is a discrepancy in the dates
given above. We cannot reconcile this difference, as both statements are
from good authority. The date on which the Cumberland building was
finally destroyed by fire was taken from the files of the papers of that
date, and the date of the organization of the Presbyterian Church was
given us by Rev. Mitchell from the church records, and he is our authority
for the statement that the Cumberland building was leased by the other
body, and the fire occurred subsequently.
After the Cumberland house was burned the Presbyterians used the
Baptist building for services until January, 1876. In October, 1875, they
began the erection of their present handsome structure on the lot on which
the Cumberland building had stood, and which this church had subsequently
purchased; and the dedicatory service occurred January 30, 1876. This
building is 34x52 and cost $4000, and with the lot and furniture cost
$5000. Rev. James Mitchell, who is an earnest and effective worker, and a
graduate of one of the best theological schools of Europe, has remained in
charge of the church ever since its organization ; and some idea of what he
has accomplished may be had from the following figures : There have been
baptized, since the organization of the church, seventy-five persons ; received
into membership, one hundred and fifty-four ; present membership one hun-
dred and eighteen. Upon one day there were forty accessions to the church.
A Sunday school was begun under the auspices of this church at the
time the new building was dedicated, which has ever since been in a very
prosperous condition, having an attendance of one hundred and forty schol-
ars. Mr. J. I. Logan was the first superintendent, and Mr. J. Mixon has
filled that position for the past four years.
Seventh-Bay Advent Church. — The church of Seventh-day Adventists
of St. Helena was organized May 16, 1874, by Elder J. N. Loughborough,
with twenty members, as follows : John Mavity, Amelia W. Mavity, James
Creamer, Hannah Creamer, Emory J. Church, Millard Church, Hugh Hack-
ney, Elizabeth Carter, Sarah J. Anthony, Sarah Spencer, Ruth C. Cruey,
Mary Ann Stephenson, Anna Boyd, Margaret Cooper, Martha Hudson, Em-
ily H. Wood, L. Thomson, Thomas Barry, Samuel Jacks, Julia Jacks.
They have at present a membership of fifty-six, and are in a nourishing
342 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
condition. They have a property which cost about 82000, and is free from
debt.
Catholic Church. — The pulpit of this church has always been supplied
by the pastor of the church at Napa. It is not known just when services
began to be held here by the Fathers, but about 1866 a building was erected
by the Rev. Father Peter Deyaert. This answered their purpose until May,
1877, when the present structure was begun under the supervision of Rev.
M. Mulville. Rev. Father M. D. Slattery completed the building, and it was
dedicated March 28, 1878. It is in size 30x60, cost $3500, and is a very
nice edifice.
Schools. — The first school in St. Helena was held in a small building
erected for the purpose, which was situated on the bank of York Creek,
near the present site of Mr. Ewers' residence. About 1858 this building
was moved to near the center of town, and was still used for school pur-
poses. Since then a substantial, though not elegant, structure has been
erected, and there are now four departments, which are under the super-
vision of a competent and efficient corps of instructors.
Free and Accepted Masons. — St. Helena Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 93, was
organized at Sabastopol (Yountville), U. D., November 24, 1855, with the
following charter members : S. Rosenbaum, J. W. Deering, George C. Yount,
J. M. Wright, J. J. May, S. S. Christian, William Baldridge and J. R.
Hazelton. The first officers U. D. were : S. Rosenbaum, W. M.; J. W.
Deering, S. W.; George C. Yount, J. W.; J. M. Wright, Treasurer, and J. J.
May, Secretary. The charter was granted May 8, 1856, and the name of
the lodge was then Caymus. The lodge was moved from Yountville to St.
Helena June 3, 1865, and the dispensation to change the name to St. Helena
was granted by the Grand Lodge at its next session after the removal of
the lodge. The first officers U. C. were : J. J. May, W. M.; Ed. Evey, S. W.;
George C. Yount, J. W.; J. M. Wright, Treasurer, and William Baldridge,
Secretary. Just after receiving the charter the lodge erected a building,
and the hall was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The following
named gentlemen have been honored with the position of Worshipful
Master : S. Rosenbaum, J. J. May, Ed. Evey, Ed. L. Levy, George C. Yount,
William H. Holliday, James Allfrey, William J. Clayton, S. Mead, F. D.
Evarts, John H. Allison, D. B. Carver, C. F. A. Mitchell and W. T. Sim-
mons. The present officers are : D. B. Carver, W. M.; W. W. Bradbury,
S. W.; J. E. Straus, J. W.; J. C. Weinberger, Treasurer, and Charles A.
Gardner, Secretary. The present membership is fifty-three, and the order
is in a prosperous condition. They have a very nicely furnished hall,
which they rent.
Independent Order of Odd -Fellows.— St. Helena Lodge, No. 167,
I. O. O. F., was organized January 31, 1870, with the following charter
Hot Springs Township. 343
members : Alexander Korns, S. C. Penwell, H. A. Pellet, John S. Adams, C.
E. Davis, H. G. Wymaii and J. I. Logan. The first officers were : S. C.
Penwell, N. G. (who died during his term of office); Alex. Korns, V. G.; J-
S. Adams, Secretary, and C. E. Davis, Treasurer. The following gentlemen
have filled the position of N. G.: S. 0. Penwell, H. A. Pellet, J. C. Adams,
C. E. Davis, G. W. Montgomery, P. Hastie, J. Mavity, W. L. Wilson, J. K.
Hall, W. A. C. Smith, J. E. Straus, C. T. McEachran, J. S. Kister, W. M.
McCormick, W. A. Field, John McFarling, Theodore Van Tassell, N. A.
Morford ; S. T. Hammond, F. E. Dickinson, P. G. Hottell, W. W. Lyman
and F. Pellet. The present officers are : F. Pellet, N. G; J. Haskins, V. G.;
Theo. Van Tassell, Secretary and Permanent Secretary, and G. A. Stamer,
Treasurer. The present membership is eighty-nine, and the lodge is in a
flourishing condition, and they have a nicely furnished hall.
Independent Order of Good Templars. — St. Helena Lodge, No. 271,
I. O. G. T., was organized July 17, 1879, with the following charter mem-
bers : Mrs. A. L. Spire, Mrs. A. A. Inman, Miss Allie Warren, Miss Jessie
Elgin, Mrs. Mary Howell, Mrs. Clara D. Mills, Mrs. Minnie Van Deworker,
Miss Kate E. McGeorge, Mrs. L. Cooper, Miss Florence Mills, J. E. Lawson,
M. L. McCord, F. Mixon, W. H. Armes, B. F. Kettlewell, G. M. Larder, R.
Bussenius, W. A. Mackinder, Rev. James Mitchell, Miss Lizzie Beach, Mrs.
Elizabeth F. Beach, William F. S. McGeorge, W. H. C. Reese, Miss Grant
Elgin, Miss Annie Dixon, H. E. Conver, J. O'Brien, Miss Mary Cole, Miss L.
Bennett, Miss Josie Risley, and Rev. S. Kinsey. The first officers were
B. F. Kettlewell, W. C. T.: Miss Josie Risley, W. V. T.; W. A. Mackinder, W. S
G. W. Lander, W. F. S.; Mrs. A. L. Spires, W. T. The present officers are
W. A. Mackinder, W. C. T.; Miss Jessie Elgin, W. V. T; W. F. Nixon, W. S
Miss Lena Davis, W. F. S.; and B. F. Kettlewill, W. T. The present mem-
bership is fifty.
Ancient Order United Workmen. — Eureka Lodge, No. 15, A. O. U. W.,
was organized December 31, 1877, with the following charter members:
J. H. Allison, H. E. Alden, H. F. McCormick, G. H. Brown, Charles Young,
H. J. Lewelling, J. E. Straus, W. L. Phillips, H. A. Pellet, Theo. Van Tassell,
L. W. Eby, J. N. Faulkenstein, T. Greer, J. Greer, W. W. Bradberry,
George Lander, A. C. Rampendahl, J. S. Fruits, 0. C. Blaney, L. H. Mc-
George, A. C. Simpson, G. W. Fisher, James McGee, and J. Hall. The first
officers were : J. H. Allison, P. M. W.; J. E. Straus, M. W.; George Lander,
Foreman ; W. L. Phillips, 0.; H. F. McCormick, R.; G. W. Fisher, Finan-
cier; Charles Youngs, Recorder. The following members have filled the
position of M. W. : J. E. Straus, H. E. Alden, H. F. McCormick, George
Sander, S. P. Conner, and Charles A. Gardner. The present officers are:
Charles A. Gardner, M. W.; M. Braghler, Foreman ; W. T. Simmons, O.; D.
B. Carver, Receiver ; Charles Youngs, Recorder, and J. H. Steves, Financier.
344 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
American Legion of Honor. — St. Helena Council, No. 431, A. L. of
H., was organized February, 17, 1881, with the following charter members:
J. I. Logan, C. E. Davis, J. H. Allison, H. A. Merriam, Theo. Van Tassell, W.
A. Mackinder, J. E. Straus, J. C. Mixon, F. E. Meilenz, F. E. Dickinson, A.
Patterson, James Cruey, Mrs. F. M. Woodward, Mrs. M. E. Mixon, James A.
Allison, C. N. Hale, H. E. Alden, M. C. Cook, C. F. Rice, W. J. G. Davison,
W. W. Lyman, and C. H. Butler. The first and present officers are : J. I.
Logan, C; W. W. Lyman, V. C; Theo. Van Tassell, Secretary ; and J. E.
Straus, Treasurer. The present membership is twenty-four. It is a bene-
ficiary order, and the amount of benefit ranges from $500 to $5000, accord-
ing to the age and the degree of which deceased is a member.
The Fire Department. — St. Helena Hose Company, No. 1, was organized
August 28, 1878. The officers for that year were J. Haskins, Foreman, and
E. J. Levy, Secretary. For 1879, S. Risley, Foreman, W. A. Bingham,
Assistant Foreman, and J. A. Allison, Secretary. The present officers are
S. Risley, Foreman, J. A. Allison, Assistant Foreman, and W. A. Bingham,
Secretary. The appliances of the company consists of one hose-cart, six
hundred feet of hose, hooks, ladders, lanterns, axes, etc. The company now
numbers twenty-two members. There are ten hydrants in St. Helena, and
the head of water is strong enough to force a stream over the highest build-
ing in town.
St. Helena Water Company. — This company was incorporated July 19,
1877, with the following directors: S. Ewer, Charles Krug, J. S. Berringer,
G. K. Gluyas and J. York. In 1879, D. B. Carver succeeded J. York as
director, that being the only change that has ever occurred in the Board.
S. Ewer has been president, and Charles Krug, secretary of the company
since the date of its organization. The water is taken from York Creek,
just within the limits of the corporation, and led in a flume about one-fourth
of a mile, from the creek to the reservoir. The reservoir covers about ten
acres, and is formed by throwing a dam across a ravine. This dam is about
forty feet high, and three hundred and twenty feet long, and gives to the
reservoir a capacity of about twenty million gallons. If the dam were made
ten feet higher it would have a capacity of about fifty million gallons. The
fall from the reservoir to the town is one hundred and seventy feet, hence
the head is very strong indeed. The principal main is six and eight inch
pipe, and is about one and a half miles long, and there is about three miles
of sub-main and service pipe. The stock of the company was divided into
twenty-five thousand shares, held at $10 each, of which two thousand were
issued. The works have cost about $26,000, and one assessment of $2 on
the share has been levied. There have been three dividends of one per
cent, each declared, and the finances of the company are now in a prosper-
ous condition. It is a notable fact that St. Helena is the only town or city
Hot Springs Township. 345
in Napa County, which is supplied with city water, which is only one of the
many evidences of enterprise which her worthy citizens have evinced over
her neighbors.
Banking House. — The private banking house of W. A. C. Smith was
opened for business in February, 1876. It does a general banking and col-
lection business and has for correspondents the Bank of Napa, Napa City,
and the banking house of Lazard Freres, San Francisco.
St. Helena Star. — The first number of this sprightly journal was issued
September 23, 1874, by DeWitt C. Lawrence. The present proprietor,
Charles A. Gardner, purchased it in January, 1876. It is a six-column folio
and is all printed at home. On Tuesdays Mr. Gardner issues a small edition
which he calls a The Junior, for circulation in St. Helena, which virtually
makes it a semi-weekly. In the office there is a hand press and a jobber.
The following handsome compliment we find in the Napa County Vini-
culturist, which we endorse and append in this connection :
" We desire to say a word for our local press, the St. Helena Star, to the
enterprising editor and proprietor of which our community owes much of
its present prosperity. Mr. Gardner, in this connection, has labored hard
in developing the interest of the upper valley, and especially so in calling
attention to the wine industry of the county, and in gathering data and
statistics relative to the subject and imparting valuable information, weekly,
through the columns of his paper ; also in town matters Mr. Gardner has
ever proved himself wide awake, favorably mentioning and encouraging
every local enterprise that has been started. He publishes an interesting
and valuable local paper, one that should have the full support and endorse-
ment of the community."
St. Helena Cream Tartar Works. — Charles Farrand & Co's Cream
Tartar Works consist of a plain but neat frame building, 20x40 feet in
size, standing between Pope street and the creek, east of the railroad, and
the various appurtenances for carrying on the work. These latter consist
principally of a three hundred gallon boiler, set over a brick furnace, six
wooden tanks of three hundred gallons each, and two copper tanks of the
same capacity. The cream tartar is made from the sediment, or lees, of
wine, and also from the " argols " which form in wine casks. Without
entering minutely into the process, this sediment, looking like red mud, or
the argols, looking like gravel, as the case may be, is first boiled in the
kettle over the furnace ; then it is placed in the wooden tanks where it
forms crystals. These crystals are then boiled again and placed in the
copper tanks, where they form pure cream tartar, which needs only a
whitening process to fit it for market. The establishment is large oik nigh
to make five hundred pounds of cream tartar per Week.
346 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
St. Helena Brewery. — This is the property of E. Fautz, and is situated
about one mile north-west of town. It has a capacity of about five hun-
dred gallons a day. It has been running about eight years, and everything
about the place is complete, and the building is commodious.
St. Helena Business Interests. — The business interests of St. Helena are
represented as follows : nine stores, six saloons, five hotels, five blacksmith
shops, three milliners, three shoe shops, one hardware store, two tinware
stores, two furniture stores, one bakery, three livery stables, one newspaper,
two wagon shops, two paint shops, one tailor, two saddlers, two meat
markets, three barber shops, two confectionery and stationery stands, one
jeweler, two drug stores, two lumber yards, one bank, one real estate office,
post-office, Wells, Fargo and Co.'s express, and telegraph office.
General Remarks. — We have thus fully given the early history of St.
Helena, and its present status, but a few words still remain unsaid. To
appreciate the real beauty of the town one must pay it a visit, not of a
few hours or a day, but of weeks, for it will take that length of time to
drink in and comprehend all its charms. We never spend a day in the
place but we see new features in it that please and commend. There are
broad, well-kept streets, which make excellent drives ; there are elegant
residences and handsome lawns for the eye to feast upon ; flowers in profu-
sion grow on every side, which add much to the beauty of the scene; and,
all in all, one will travel over many States before finding another so cheer-
ing a place. The climate is all that the heart of man can desire, while the
people are genial, generous and hospitable, and happy, indeed, is he whose
lot is cast among them, in their lovely and embowered city.
SPRINGS. — There are two mineral springs in this township, which
have achieved notoriety, viz : Hot Springs and White Sulphur, the waters of
both of which contain sulphur as the chief characteristic. We will give
their history by beginning with the
Hot Springs. — These springs are located at Calistoga, and though known
to the Indians and Mexicans long before the advent of white settlers, yet
they seem to have attracted but little or no attention until about 1859,
when Samuel Brannan purchased the extensive tract of land on which they
are situated. They were known to the native Californians, Mexicans and
Indians as the aguas calientes, or hot waters, and they were visited occa-
sionally by these people for their curative qualities. The springs are situ-
ated in the level valley, and are surrounded, except on the south side, by
high and picturesque mountains. After the purchase of the property, Mr.
Brannan immediately commenced improvements on a very large scale, in-
tending, as he said, to make this the Saratoga of the Pacific Coast. He set
':'.^*
Hot Springs Township. 347
about making all the improvements and furnishing all the comforts neces-
sary to render this the most attractive place of resort for tourists and inva-
lids in the State. The main grounds belonging to the springs proper
consisted of about one hundred acres, near the center of which stands a
small hill, to which he gave the name of Mount Lincoln. On the summit
of this he placed an observatory, from which a fine view of the whole of
Calistoga and of the surrounding country could be obtained. On this hill
he also put a reservoir, which held ninety thousand gallons, the supply of
water for which was brought from Napa River by means of steam.
At the foot of Mount Lincoln, on the western side, were the hotels, cot-
tages, and pleasure grounds, as well as the most of the springs. There were
erected about twenty-five neat cottages on these grounds, for the accommo-
dation of guests, and some of these were owned by private individuals.
The grounds were laid off into walks, and ornamented with choice selections
of trees, shrubbery and flowers. To the west of the grounds lies the town
of Calistoga, and between the two passes the railroad. In the days of its
full glory this was truly a grand place. Three hundred thousand dollars
were spent, yea, sunk, by Mr. Brannan at this place. The servants about
the place were all liveried, and moved about with a more consequential air
than the millionaire guest, (James Lick for instance) who used to frequent
the place. Oil paintings worth thousands of dollai-s, were pendent from the
walls of the hotel parlors. But the pristine glory of the place is gone.
With the departure of Mr. Brannan went all that kept the place up to
anything like a medioc"re resort in the estimation of the public, and in 1875
it could not be sold at public sale for any reasonable figure at all, and the
sale was deferred, as the writer well knows, being present on the day of the
attempted sale. It has since changed hands several times at merely nomi-
nal figures compared with the money Mr. Brannan invested there.
The water of the springs hold in solution, sulphur, iron, magnesia, and
various chemical properties. Several years ago a well was bored directly in
front of the hotel, and at the depth of seventy feet rock was struck which
prevented further progress, and water stood in this well at the uniform
temperature of one hundred and eighty-five degrees. There was a Russian
steam bath formed by having the bath-room erected immediately over
a spring which had a temperature of one hundred and ninety-five degrees,
with apparatus for letting steam come up into the room. There are a host
of spi-ings there, each differing from the others in some peculiarity. One
of them has a small summer-house erected over it, over the door of which
is the following significant and suggestive legend : " The Devil's Kitchen ;
Cook for Yourself." The water of this spring is highly charged with sul-
phuretted hydrogen, which, being the property that imparts the peculiar
flavor to eggs and chickens, gives to this water a taste very much resembling
348 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
chicken broth, and with the addition of a little salt and pepper a very good
imitation of the real article is readily concocted. We have frequently had
occasion to nai-rate this fact to friends from the East, who, though not
doubting our veracity, charged it up to the list of " California yarns," as all
Eastern people are prone to call* everything surprising they hear about our
wonderful State.
In illustration of the completeness of the deception that this water,
when so prepared, will perform, we will narrate the following incident to
which we were an eye witness : In 1875 we paid the springs a visit, and,
like all others, had our dish of bogus chicken soup. While we were
disposing of it quietly, soup just below boiling, still steaming, and the
thermometer at one hundred degrees in the shade, a gentleman and his wife
entered the spring house and proceeded to procure a lunch, having some
crackers with them for the purpose. They were evidently strangers, from
their remarks, and we awaited developments. The first saucerful was duly
prepared, and handed to the lady, who proceeded to devour it with various
and sundry commendatory exclamations. Presently the husband, seeing
that her saucer was about relieved of its contents, essayed to replenish it,
and in so doing spilled not a little of the water on the lady's dress. She
forthwith proceeded to give him no gentle " curtain lecture " for spilling
" the nasty, greasy stuff " upon her new silk. The gentleman was thrown
into convulsions of laughter, which so nonplussed her that she set to think-
ing what there was to laugh about. Suddenly she bethought herself that
the " nasty, greasy stuff " was only harmless spring water. Her confusion
can be better imagined than described.
In Bancroft's " Tourists' Guide," published some years ago, the follow-
ing appeared: "There is evidently some mysterious agency at work
underground at Calistoga, not quite comprehensible to visitors. Chemists
and savans, indeed, explain the matter in a most learned and scientific
manner, by speaking of chemical reaction among mineral substances and
the like, and make out a very plausible theory. But the explanation, to
many people, needs as much explaining as the mystery itself ; and when a
man finds the ground under his feet to be hot, and the waters issuing from
it to be in the neighborhood of the boiling point, he can not well help harbor-
ing the suspicion that the diabolus ipse is at work within perilous proximity,
especially since the imagination is somewhat helped to the sinister conclu-
sion by a prevailing and most stygian odor.
" A well was bored at this place preparatory to the erection of a bath-
house, to the depth of sixty-five feet, when the boring instruments were
blown out with tremendous force high into the air, as if some unseen power
beneath was resenting the intrusion of mortals upon his domain. The
workmen ran for their lives and could not be induced to resume operations
Hot Springs Township. 349
on any terms. An attempt was made to pump water from this well, and
after a few strokes a violent stream was blown out of the well ten or fifteen
feet high. If the pumping were stopped the blowing would stop also, but
was renewed afresh as often as the pumping was resumed. The water
being cold at the top, seemed to hold in abeyance the steam and intensely hot
water below ; the action of the pump relieved the superincumbent pressure
when the hot water below rushed out."
In the olden days it was marvelous how many people visited these
springs. The number of pleasure and health resorts was limited then to
what it is now, and these springs were so easy of access that they were re-
sorted to by great crowds. During four months of 1872, April, May, June
and July, the unprecedented and unparalleled number of three thousand
and twenty guests arrived at the Hot Springs Hotel.
In 1880, Mr. A. C. Tichenor became the proprietor of this property.
Now, Mr. Tichenor is a natural born genius, and he saw at a glance that
the possibilities of this place were great, although the realities had been
hitherto quite small. He began to project with the water, and the first
anybody knew, he had a steam-whistle and some machinery in motion, op-
erated by the steam of one of the springs. He claims that he can gather
enough steam to run all the machinery in Napa County, more or less. He
then went out into the marsh south of Mount Lincoln, where there are in-
numerable springs welling up, and placed a gas receiver over one of them,
and attached a burner to it, and behold! he had a lighted jet; and with the
gas that is daily going to waste there, he says he can light a whole city.
Everybody knew that there was sulphuretted hydrogen gas there, but no
one dreamed that there was carburetted hydrogen until he demonstrated it.
Then he suspended very thin strips of lead foil in the vapors emanating
from the springs, and behold ! he finds upon cupelling that he has quicksil-
ver. But this is not all. Either of three things happen now. Either Mr.
Tichenor is an alchemist, and has found the " philosopher's stone," or he
manipulates matters fraudulently, or there is gold held in large quantities
in solution in these waters. We have never seen the process, but have
seen the buttons of gold in the bottoms of the cupells, or what appeared to
be gold. The processes, he claims, are secret, and are patented ; therefore,
the world must remain in the dark concerning them for the present, at
least. We have been informed that he does not deny the putting of gold
into the water, but says that it takes gold to eliminate the metal from the
water by a law of affinity, and that he only puts in about one-sixth of the
amount which he takes out. The following, from a San Francisco paper,
will serve, perhaps, to throw some light upon the subject. We give it for
what it is worth ; and if Mr. Tichenor has got the wonderful treasure that
he claims to have, it will not interfere in the least with the yield of the
350 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
precious metal ; and if it be that he puts into the water all the gold which
he extracts, it may save some one from purchasing an elephant. We believe
in presenting both sides of any question, and in consonance with that prin-
ciple, give room to the following :
" In the latter part of January, a man visited the United States Mint
in this city and requested of the superintendent, Mr. Dodge, permission to
procure some of the waste water discharging into the sewer after being
used in Mint processes. The applicant stated that he had a process by
which he could eliminate gold held in solution by water, and showed in
proof about $188 worth of gold, which he claimed to have extracted from
three barrels of water from the springs at Calistoga. Mr. Dodge told him
that he had no objection to allowing him the water to experiment upon, as
it was a privilege he had granted several other parties, but- assured him
that he would find no such quantity of precious metal in the water from
the Mint, and told him that he could not understand why he should wish
to try it if he had such a rich thing already. A few weeks elapsed and a
second visit was made to the Mint, the man this time giving the name of
A. C. Tichenor, and asking an assay from a bar of gold which he brought.
The assay was made and the gold pronounced 9.93i fine. A day or so later
the same bar was returned for coinage, under a different name. The Mint
employe's in handling the metal remarked its exceedingly brittle nature, an
almost unheard-of characteristic of gold so nearly pure, and they were
obliged to "toughen" it for coinage. This brittle state is precisely the con-
dition which the gold would assume if it had been precipitated from chlo-
ride of gold by lead, and as it was plainly proven at the time that the gold
exhibited from the water of the springs was introduced by means of this
fluid chloride, the connection may be readily traced."
But let Mr. Tichenor's gold processes be what they may, he certainly
deserves great credit for the manner in which he has taken hold of the
property and refurnished and rebuilt almost the cottages, baths and other
buildings ' about the premises. There are now eight elegantly furnished
cottages, which will accommodate thirty -five guests ; ten single hot and
cold baths, and a plunge bath 20 x 30, and a steam or vapor bath. In July
of the present year, 1881, the main hotel building was destroyed by fire.
White Sulphur Springs. — These Springs are situated about two miles
west of the beautiful town of St. Helena, and were discovered by John
York in 1848. David Hudson and D. G. Lillie became the owners of the
property in 1851 or 1852, and Hudson sold to Judge Evey. This place
soon attracted attention, and as early as 1855 Messrs. Taft & Brewster
erected a fine hotel on the premises. In February, 1859, this hotel was
destroyed by fire, but was soon after rebuilt, as there was annually a large
number of visitors to the Springs even at that early day. In 1864 S.
Hot Springs Tozvnship. 351
Alstrom purchased the property and continued to conduct it until 1879.
In 1880 Theo. Van Tassell had charge of the place, and during the winter
of 1880-1 the floods made sad havoc with the grounds, and the place is
vacant this season, 1881, after a continuous run of over a quarter of a cen-
tury.
To give our readers an idea of what this once famous place was in the
days of its full glory, we copy the following from Mr. Menefee's "Sketch
Book : " " These Springs are situated in a deep but romantic canon, nearly
two miles west of St. Helena. Nature has lavished her beauties upon this
place and art has added many attractions. A stream of the finest water, and
beautifully shaded with trees and shrubs, flows down the canon or gorge in
the hills, which adds much to the scene, and affords a fine place for anglers.
The mountains on either side are high and rugged, mostly covered with a
dense growth of a chemisal. The hotel is a large and commodious one
and the cottages, of which there are quite a number, are all cosy and pleasant.
The scenery from the north of the canon is grandly beautiful. The valley,
dotted over with vineyards and farm houses, and the rugged hills to the east
and north, form a contrast that impresses every one who views it, and com-
pares favorably with many of the celebrated scenes of the Old World.
The water contains white sulphur, and is tepid in temperature, pleasant to
drink, and delightful to bathe in."
Crystal Springs. — This is a sanitarium or health resort, situated two
and one-half miles north-east of St. Helena, at an elevation of about three
hundred feet above the valley. The building was erected in 1878, by W.
A. Pratt, A. B. Atwood, and M. G. Kellogg. It is now owned by J. W. Rice,
Pratt, and Atwood. The building is 72x28, and two stories high, and can
accommodate about fifty guests. It is a delightful place, and one where
invalids should surely find return of health if pure air, clear sunshine, right
living and the drinking of pure spring water will give it.
CLAY CAVE. — Among the places of interest in this township, mention
must be made of the Clay Cave, which is situated about one mile from Crys-
tal Springs. But little attention has been paid to it as yet, although it has
been explored to a depth of eight hundred feet, and many beautiful cham-
bers have been revealed.
PETRIFIED FOREST.— We believe that the territory on which this is
situated is not now a part of Napa County, but it has been so long, and the
place is so full of interest that we give a mention of it here. A writer in the
SantaRosa-Re^t&Kcai^recentlygave the following facts and theories, concern-
ing this wonderful place: "Aside from the curious petrifactions of whole trees,
some as large as ten feet through, the Petrified Forest has many attractions.
Charles Evans, better known as ' Petrified Charley,' lived there many years
352 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the life of a hermit, busied in fencing, digging and clearing up the land.- It
is situated on the range dividing Santa Rosa from the Napa Valley, among
rounded hills, some of which are white with ash rock. Near the scene of
the wonderful prostrate trees rises a sharp ridge with perpendicular walls
of black tufa crested with rock as white as chalk, apparently the remains
of a crater where lava and ashes were belched forth with torrents of scald-
ing water on the surrounding woods. Evidences of the fact are found in
the piles of scorife scattered about, and in the circumstance that nearly all
the trees turned into stone lie north and south, as though they had only
fallen in the throes of an earthquake after ashes and rocks had piled ten or
fifteen feet around them. A further and most conclusive proof of the sup-
position is to be seen in the dip of the stratified formation where ledges are
exposed, rising towards the extinct crater like the roof of a house frcta the
horizon. The convulsions could not have been caused by Mount St. Helena,
which is ten miles distant, beyond a wide valley from twelve to fifteen hun-
dred feet deep, without filling it. It must have been a local disturbance,
and quite limited in its effects. There are redwood trees yet growing there,
showing that they have existed hundreds of thousands of years in this
locality, and that our fears of their becoming extinct are groundless."
The road from Calistoga to the forest is picturesque and beautiful be-
yond compare, and one who has not had the pleasure of enjoying it has
missed a rare treat. The hills are covered with groves of pines, oaks, ma-
drofias, manzanitas, and other growths ; and as the tourist passes over the
road, he can not but be struck with the beauty and grandeur of the scene.
The trees are from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet in length,
and from two to seven feet in diameter, and bear almost the exact ap-
pearance of logs, and are in every state of crystalization. Many believe
that the lava flow which overwhelmed these forest giants came from Mount
St. Helena ; but from our own inspection we are inclined to the opinion set
forth in the extract quoted above. The existence of this forest was first
made known in 1870, by Mr. C. H. Dennison, of San Francisco. In that
year Prof. 0. C. Marsh visited the place, and made the following report:
" It is about two thousand feet high, and is mainly composed of meta-
niorphic rocks of the Cretaceous age, which are in places, as we ascertained,
overlaid unconformably by later Tertiary strata, consisting of light-colored,
coarse sandstone, and beds of stratified, volcanic ashes. A careful examina-
tion of the locality where the first prostrate trunks had been discovered,
soon made it evident that those now on the surface had all been weathered
out of the volcanic tufa and sandstones which form the summit of this part
of the mountain ridge ; several large silicitied trees were indeed found sub-
sequently in the vicinity projecting from the side of a steep blufl* which had
partially escaped denudation." •
Hot Springs Township. 353
Poor Petrified Charley ! He went to San Francisco a year or so ago, and
accidentally fell down the stairs of a hotel, from the effects of which he
died, and the haunt on the mountain-top which knew him so long, will
know him no more forever. The visitors of other days at the Forest will
well remember the quaint genius which presided over its destinies, and the
goat for which he was always ready to beg a chew of tobacco.
DR. HITCHCOCK'S FISH HATCHERY.— About five miles north-
west of St. Helena Dr. C. M. Hitchcock has a lovely little retreat in the
mountains, through which a fine stream of water passes. He has quite an ex-
tensive trout hatchery, where he has that delectable fish in all stages of
growth, from the eggs to great spotted toothsome beauties. A visit to this
beautiful place will repay any one.
MANGANESE MINE.— In June, 1869, Captain Chadwick, who was in-
terested in the Russ Mine, about six miles from St. Helena, discovered a fine
ledge of massive pyrolusite or soft manganese. It was said at that time
that as much as two thousand tons of ore could be taken out, of a purity
of ninety per cent. A sloop load of the ore was taken to San Francisco
and shipped to England, as at that time there was but little demand for
manganese in this State. Since then quite a demand has sprung up for this
substance in the processes of sulphuret chlorination, and also for silver
chlorination.
NEWSPAPER HISTORY OF CALISTOGA— We are under obliga-
tions to Mr. J. L. Multer, editor of the Calistogian for notes concerning the
history of the press of Calistoga.
The Tribune was the first newspaper published in Calistoga, the initial
number appearing in 1871. Its editor, Thomas McGeorge, was induced to
engage in business here by Sam. Brannan, who was anxious to have a paper
published in the town. In 1873 McGeorge died, and the publication of the
paper was then discontinued.
In 1874 the printing material previously used in the Tribune office was
purchased of Brannan by O. P. Hoddy, who, on the 18th of April of the
same year, issued the first number of the Free Press, which appeared weekly
until October 16th, 1875, when its publication was suspended. The print-
ing material was moved to San Buenaventura, Ventura County.
The Weekly Calistogian was next printed here, its editor and pub-
lisher being J. H. Upton. The first number of the paper appeared on the
6th of April, 1876. The publisher obtained very little patronage, and he
was therefore obliged to discontinue business here, and the last number of his
paper was issued on the 16th of August, ar little more than four months
23
354 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
after the initial number appeared. The material used in the office was
taken to Hollister, San Benito County.
A few months after Upton discontinued business, the publication of an
amateur paper was commenced here. It appeared weekly during a period
of fourteen or sixteen months, when it was discontinued.
On the 24th of December, 1877, the first number of the Independent
Calistogian was issued, its editor and publisher being J. L. Multer. The
paper is now in the last half of its third year of publication, and has there-
fore been sustained longer than any of the papers that preceded it. It is
independent in all things, is a well conducted journal, and is popular among
the people of Calistoga and vicinity. The publisher located in the town
when a paper was greatly needed to assist in maintaining the business
interests of its people, and in attracting attention to this beautiful locality.
Though the publisher's field for business here is now limited, he looks to
the near future when an increase of business of the town and vicinity will
afford him greater remuneration for his work. For thus remaining among
the people of the upper valley, he should be rewarded with very liberal
patronage when the country is more populous and prosperous.
VINELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT. -The following sketch of the his-
tory of this School District has been kindly furnished us by Mr. W. J. Ham-
ilton. We would be glad to insert a brief sketch of every district in the
county, but it is impossible to obtain them :
" Vineland District, which is one of the largest school districts of Napa
County, is adjacent to the town of St. Helena. The district is appropriately
named, being located in the heart of one of the largest wine-growing sec-
tions that we have.
" The district was organized about May, 1870, with J. M. McPike, John
Lewelling, and Matthew Vann as School Trustees. The first session of the
school was held under the trees in the school-yard, owing to the absence of
a school-house, and that session was presided over by Mr. Sewell, somewhat
after the fashion of the old academicians of ancient Greece. The memory
of that session still lingers in the pupils' minds, and is replete with strange
and happy associations. One afternoon during the session the school was
suddenly closed by circumstances over which the teacher had no control.
A regular old-fashioned rain-storm came pouring down through the primitive
roof and teacher and pupils sought shelter as best they could in neighbor-
ing barns. A few months afterwards a large, substantial concrete building
was erected, supplied with appropriate furniture and apparatus. School is
maintained for ten months during the year, and owing to the financial
standing of the district its teachers always receive good wages. Among the
pedagogues who have held forth, may be mentioned Sewell, Wood, Miss
Hot Springs Township. 355
Kate Wirt, Miller, Rogers, Gouchu, Pointdexter, Shaw, H. C. Wilson, Miss
Thompson, H. H. Heath, D. M. Eddy, and W. J. Hamilton, the latter
named being the present incumbent. The present trustees are : Messrs.
John Thomann, R. K. Lane, and H. Meacham."
THE MAIDS OF ST. HELENA.
To call one maid divinely fair
When hundreds more are blooming there
With grace and beauty, rich and rare :
It may be true, but scarce is fair.
True, St. Helena's massive mountain,
And Calistoga's steaming fountain,
O'erlook a valley none surpasses
For stalwart men and bonny lasses,
For flowers and vines and lovely grasses.
On the left is Howell Mountain,
From whose breast springs Conn Creek fountain;
And wild cascades can there be found,
With rainbows painted on the ground.
On the right Mount Henry stands,
Whose twin peaks overlook fair lands,
And all the serrate ridge along
Would claim a mention in a song.
The vineyards on the rounded hill
Instinct with lovely beauty : still
The vineyards on the level plain,
And waving fields of golden grain,
Should surely take a poet's eye,
And not be passed so coldly by.
So overpraise is hardly fair,
When hosts of girls are blooming there.
John Allyn, in St. Helena
356 History of Napa and Lake Counties- — Napa.
KNOX TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY.— Knox Township is bounded on the north by Lake
County, on the east by Yolo County, on the south by Yount Township, and
on the west by Hot Springs Township. The boundary line of this township
is so very crooked, that it is almost an impossibility to follow it on a map.
This territory has belonged first to Napa County, then to Lake, and then to
Napa again. When it first formed a part of Napa County, it was comprised
in what was then known as Clear Lake Township, and at the time of the
segregation of Lake County it naturally went with that county, and was
for a time included in the limits of Lower Lake Township. August 13,
1869, the Board of Supervisors of Lake County established the boundaries
of Knox Township as follows :
Beginning at the dividing ridge on the westerly side of Morgan Valley,
and south-east of the house heretofore known as Geo. McMillan's house, on
Soda Creek; thence following said divide south-easterly to the ridge of
mountains at the southerly extremity of said valley; thence southerly down
said ridge of mountains to the eastward of the valley known as Jerusalem
and Jericho, until the line dividing the counties of Lake and Napa is inter-
sected ; thence easterly along said dividing line between Lake and Napa
Counties to the county line dividing Lake and Yolo Counties ; thence north-
erly along the dividing line between Lake and Yolo Counties to Cache
Creek ; thence up said creek to the dividing ridge, between the waters of
said creek and a branch of the same, heading at or near the house formerly
known as William Goldsmith's house ; thence following said ridge to the
point of beginning.
Later the territory, or a portion of it at least, which was embraced in
the above boundaries, was set over to Napa County, and on the 17th day of
July, 1873, the Board of Supervisors of Napa County established the fol-
lowing as the boundaries of Knox Township :
Beginning at a point in the center of Putah Creek, where the old
boundary line between Napa and Lake Counties crossed said creek ; thence
up Putah Creek to the north of Jericho Creek ; thence up Jericho Creek to
the mouth of Hunting Creek, to a large pile of rocks on the south-easterly
side of the county road, at the lower and south-easterly end of Hunting
Valley ; thence in a straight line in the direction of the intersection of Bear
and Cache Creeks, to the county line of Yolo County ; thence south-easterly
-^
Knox Township. 357
on the line of Yolo County to the north-eastern corner of Yount Township ;
thence westerly on the former line of Napa and Lake Counties to the place
of beginning.
These boundaries remained until March 3, 1875, when the Board of Su-
pervisors promulgated the following order in regard to the boundary lines
of this township :
Beginning on the line between Napa and Lake Counties at a point
about two miles in an easterly direction from the Mountain Mill House, and
on the divide between Pope and Loconoma Valleys ; thence southerly on
said divide to the main divide between Pope and Napa Valleys ; thence
along said divide southerly to Yount Township line ; thence along said line
south-easterly to the intersection of Knox Township line ; thence along said
line easterly to Yolo County line ; thence along said line northerly to Lake
County line ; thence westerly along the dividing line of Napa and Lake
Counties to the point of beginning.
TOPOGRAPHY. — The surface of this township, in common with the
whole of Napa County, is very uneven. Beginning at the eastern boundary
line, we find ourselves on the summit of a very large range of mountains ;
and passing west we come to what is called Sulphur Canon, which is quite
a little valley. We then come to several ranges of mountains, or rather,
divisions of the same general range, between which there are small valleys,
such as Sanel. Passing over these mountains, we come to Pope Valley,
which is an extensive section of country, quite level and fertile, and reach-
ing from ^Etna Springs on the north to Wardner's store on the south, a dis-
tance of six miles, and having a width of perhaps three miles. Then on
west of this lies the Howell Mountain range, which divides this town-
ship from Hot Springs. One does not wish for a lovelier sight than the
view that is to be had of Pope Valley from the road over Howell Moun-
tain. There are several streams which serve as outlets to the water-shed
of this section, the principal one being Putah Creek, to which all the rest
are only tributaries.
GEOLOGY. — The geological features of this township are quite varied,
extending through several grades of aqueous and igneous rocks. The ridge
of mountains which forms the eastern boundary line is formed of Tertian
sandstone, which has been lifted perpendicularly to a great height, exposing
a face of solid sandstone of many feet in thickness. The range of moun-
tains lying immediately west of Knoxville is composed of sand and lime-
stone, over which there is a thick coating of volcanic rock and serpentine.
On the western side of this range the outcroppings are all sand and lime-
stone. There is a ledge of limestone which runs north-westerly and south-
easterly entirely through this township, and extends northward far into
358 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Lake County. On the west side of Pope Valley, the rock is mostly vol-
canic, with here and there bodies of serpentine, sand and limestone. Good
lime has been burned on Mr. G. Barth's place in Sanel Valley, which is on
the ledge spoken of above. In the vicinity of the Oat Hill Mine, the
formation is entirely of Tertian sandstone ; and the remarkable fact of cin-
occurrino- in that rock is to be found at this mine.
SOIL. — The soil of this township is as varied as the kinds of rock from
which it is formed. In Sulphur Canon the greater portion of it is argilla-
cious, with here and there adobe spots, and also, on the western side, the red
soils which result from decomposed volcanic matter, also the greenish and blu-
ish soils which are formed from serpentine. In Pope Valley the soil is decid-
edly spotted, the adobe and sandy soils appearing in great confusion. This
is especially true of that portion of it lying on the eastern side of the ridge
which divides the valley from north to south. On the west side of this
ridge the soil is of a sandy nature, mingled with quite a considerable of red
and white volcanic soil. Owing to this spotted character of the land it is
almost impossible to get a tract of any considerable extent of any one char-
acteristic.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this township is quite uniform throughout
its limits ; that is, there is no difference to speak of in the different portions
of it. In all the valleys it is mild and pleasant during the summer season,
being quite warm generally, but seldom oppressively hot. It is much
warmer on an average than it is in Napa City, but about on a par with the
temperature at the upper end of Napa Valley. Here the days are bright,
the air fresh and light, and the nights are cool and refreshing. In the
winter season it is much colder, owing to the elevation, than it is in Napa
Valley, and snow is not an uncommon thing in that section during that
season of the year. All in all, however, it is hard to find a more congenial
climate than this part of Napa County affords, and during the summer sea-
son many tourists and pleasure and health-seekers spend months here,
breathing the grand, fresh, mild air, and enjoying the beautiful scenery
which is spread out on every hand.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this township are varied, and the dif-
ferent characters of soil present a possibility of growing a lai-ge variety of
products. The argillacious soils are well adapted to fruits and vegetables,
also to cereals ; the adobe is especially adapted to the production of cere-
als, limestone sections being always famous as wheat-producing sections,
while the red and white volcanic soils produce most excellent grapes. The
time will come when all these mountain sides will be covered with flourish-
ing vineyards. There is also a wide extent of grazing country included in
Knox Township. 359
the limits of this township, and some considerable stock is grown there, and
much more could be. All in all it is quite as good a farming and stock-
raising section as is to be found in the mountains of California.
TIMBER. — The timber of this township is quite extensive, comprising
the oak, fir, redwood, laurel, bull pine, cedar and several minor kinds. The
oaks are represented by the live, mountain, white and black varieties, all of
which are good for firewood, but of little consequence for anything else.
The firs are principally of the red and white varieties, and grow to great
size and height on the mountain sides, affording an abundant supply of lum-
ber and timber for mining and other economical purposes. The redwood is
the sequoia semper •virens, and grows on Howell Mountain to stately propor-
tions, and is much used for lumber. There have been several mills engaged
in cutting this and fir, during the past quarter of a century. The other
varieties of timber are not of much use to man, hence nothing more than a
mere mention of them is necessary.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— To Julian Pope doubtless belongs the honor
of being the first white man in the township, other than Spaniards, and to
him certainly is to be accorded the credit of being the first white settler of
any nationality. It is not now known when he first paid it a visit, but
evidently before 1841, for in that year a grant was ceded to him by the
Mexican government for that territory now known as Pope Valley, and he
was doubtless familiar with it at that time.
September 13, 1841, the Locoallomi grant was made to Julian Pope by
M. Jimeno, acting Governor of California. It was a two-league grant, and
when confirmed was declared to contain eigth thousand eight hundred and
seventy-two and seventy-three-hundredths acres. In 1843 he went to Pope
Valley and began the erection of a log house, and while hewing one of the
timbers for it he accidentally cut his leg, from the effects of which he died
in the latter part of that year. His wife was a California woman and they
had five children. He had his family with him at this time. The place
where he was erecting the house was on the old Pope or Juan Burton farm,
on the west side of the valley. William Barnett afterwards married Mrs. Pope
and lived there for several years. An adobe house was constructed in another
portion of the valley by Joseph Pope, and is still standing, and is spoken of
as the Pope adobe. This is calculated to mislead a stranger, who would
naturally infer that the house was built by the man for whom the valley
was named. In 1854 Mr. Jesse Barnett, son of the gentleman spoken of
above as having married Mrs. Pope, came to Pope Valley, and from him we
have gotten the following list of settlers who were in Pope Valley at that
time : James Daley lived at the lower end of the valley, and had a family
360 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
consisting of wife and children. Robert Hardman now lives on the place
where he resided at that time. Joseph Pope lived at the adobe house, and
was then lately married, and had no children. Philander Hunt, a bachelor,
lived on the creek just above where Mr. Jesse Barnett now resides, and still
owns the place. S. Mc Williams lived where the Duvalls now reside, and he
had a family consisting of wife and children. Jacob Newman lived at the
upper end of the valley and had a wife and children. Thomas Anderson
had lived in the valley previous to 1854, and was gone at the time of Mr.
Barnett's arrival ; he had no family. Peter Storm was in the valley in that
year as a tenant. Joseph Halterman, a brother-in-law of Mr. Barnett's,
came into the valley in September, 1854, with Mr. Barnett, and is still liv-
ing in the lower end of the valley. Both these gentlemen had families at
that time. In 1854 or 1855, Joshua Hardman came in and settled on what
is now A. Gallitan's place. Robert Hardin came in during the year 1854,
and his family came in with his brother, in 1856.
Other portions of the township were not settled until a much later pe-
riod. Mr. Barnett relates that a homicide occurred in the valley at a very
early date, of which there is no record in the archives of the county, hence
we incorporate it here rather than under the head of Homicides. In the
spring of 1854 John Lemon, who was a son-in-law of Pope's, traded horses
with one Gainya, and some trouble grew out of the matter, and Lemon
killed him. Lemon fled the country, and went to Los Angeles, and from
there he went to New Mexico, where he remained during the war, and his
wife joined him in that country. After the war he got killed in a sort of
general row or riot.
TOWNS. — There are but two small villages in the township — -Knoxville
and a little place called " Wardners." Every mining community presents
the appearance of a little village, but we can hardly catalogue them as towns.
Knoxville. — This is quite a little village which has grown up around
the Redington Quicksilver Mine, and is the property of that company.
Operations in this mine were begun in 1862, and immediately, as a natural
result, a village began to spring up about it, and it has continued to increase
until there are buildings sufficient for three .hundred people. There is a
general merchandise store, a notion and tobacco store, a hotel, post office,
Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express office, a church, and a school-house in the place.
There is a great curiosity here. A blind man keeps the post office, and does
his duty with great proficiency. When the mail arrives, some one opens it
and calls the mail off. The letters are all put in the boxes in such an order
that he remembers just where each one is. There is a tri-weekly stage be-
tween this place and Napa City via Monticello.
Knox Township. 361
Knoxville Catholic Church. — The Knoxville Catholic Church was erected
in 18 — , and is a very neat little building. It has a seating capacity of
about two hundred, and is well attended by the members of that faith when
services are held in it, which is generally once a month. The pulpit is sup-
plied from Woodland, the priest supplying Lower Lake also.
Wardners. — This is a very small place indeed, there being only a
store, one blacksmith shop and some half dozen dwellings in the place.
It is situated in the lower end of Pope Valley, in the heart of a good
country, and there is room for much improvement in the future.
MILLS. — This is not pre-eminently a lumber producing section, hence
mills have been scarce in it. Mr. W. Boardinan at one time had a mill near
where the town of Wardners now is. It was a portable mill, and was taken
from there to Howell Mountain. There is also a mill in connection with
the Oat Hill Mine. It is of small capacity, and is used chiefly in the saw-
ing of lumber and timber for the mine. There may have been other mills
in the township, but they were small and of little capacity, and did not
remain long in any one place, for the body of timber was not sufficient to
justify the erection of large mills.
MINES. — Under the head of mines and mining will be found a full
history of all the mines in this township, but we will give a list of them in
this connection. They are the Redington, located at Knoxville, and owned
by the Redington Quicksilver Mining Company; the Phoenix, located north-
west of iEtna Springs, and the property of John Lawley et al.; the Man-
hattan, located adjoining the Phoenix; the Washington, located on the
same lode as the last two ; the Ivanhoe, located on the north side of the
range in which the above occur, but on a separate lode ; the Oat Hill or
Napa Consolidated, which is located on the north side of the canon run-
ning to the north of the Ivanhoe, and in the same formation of rock, but
not on the same lode ; the Valley, located at the iEtna Springs, and others
of minor importance; of these only three are now in active operation, the
Redington, Ivanhoe and Oat Hill. They are all quicksilver mines, and
there are no other kinds of mines in the township.
SPRINGS. — The following very applicable and appropriate remarks
concerning the medicinal springs of California appeared in the San Fran-
cisco Alta a few years ago, and they are so pertinent in this connection that
we incorporate them here : " The medicinal springs of California have a
great future, and deserve much more present attention than they receive.
Some bear a close resemblance to the most famous springs of Europe, so that
a publication of the compared analytical tables of their solid contents is all
362 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
that is necessary to prove their high value, and the diffusion of the infor-
mation through the Eastern States would attract thousands of invalids ;
but there, as here, much of the custom of the springs is influenced by gross
ignorance of the therapeutic effect of the water. People go, without med-
ical advice, to springs that have never been analyzed, and then use the
remedy blindly. Medicinal waters, like other therapeutic remedies, should be
taken under competent medical advice. Every spring should publish a
pamphlet, giving an analysis of its water, with explanations and authorities
in reference to its medicinal use, and a general statement of information
valuable to invalids who would like to visit the place. Several of the springs
have already published pamphlets, and the best that we have seen is that of
the .(Etna, in Pope Valley. The water is the counterpart of the Ems, which
was made the subject of a comprehensive medical report by the German
Government. This report being applicable to the ^Etna, is translated in its
pamphlet, which is the most complete of its kind in the State. The Ems
springs now attract ten thousand visitors annually, and send away one mil-
lion ^six hundred thousand bottles of medicinal water yearly, so that the
matter deserves the fostering care of the Government. Besides attracting
visitors and supplying water for exportation, some European springs also
furnish large quantities of medicinal salts to be used as remedies at a dis-
tance. The Atlantic States have many mineral springs, but they are poor
in therapeutic value as compared with those of California, and therefore
there is the more motive for studying and advertising those of our State,
which seem to be without competition on our continent."
^Etna Springs. — These springs are sixteen miles north-east of St. Helena,
in Napa County, in a charming little valley at the northern extremity of
Pope Valley, and separated therefrom by low hills. There are two springs
of considerable capacity that flow to the surface, and one large spring that
discharges itself into a shaft one hundred and twenty-five feet below the
surface. The spring that supplies the shaft and the bath-house was discov-
ered while mining for cinnabar, and is of a temperature of 106 degrees at
the spring, and is so heavily charged with gas that it was accompanied with
a constant noise in its flow into the tunnel while it was worked for ore.
The flow of water and issue of gas were so great, and the heat so intense,
that the working of the mine had to be abandoned. The two springs that
flow to the surface are of the temperature of ninety-eight degrees, blood heat,
and contain fifty-eight cubic inches of carbonic acid gas to the gallon. The
lower spring contains more heat and gas. There are also two large soda
springs, which are supposed to contain a considerable quantity of iron, about
eighty rods from the the thermal springs on the ^Etna grounds. The
valley in which these springs are located has an elevation of one thou-
sand fuet, and is warm and dry, with the most picturesque and charming
Knox Township. 363
mountain scenery around. The waters are pleasant, purifying, exciting and
exhilarating, and many have asserted that they were heavily charged with
electricity.
Here is a water that bears a close resemblance to that of Ems, one of
the most noted in Europe, highly prized for the cure of many diseases, and
especially for chronic bronchitis, granular pharyngitis (clergyman's sore
throat), and catarrhs of the stomach, hepatic ducts, bladder and uterus.
The Ems water, however, produces constipation when it is used to excess.
The JEtna water would probably not have this injurious influence, because
it has none of the acrid sulphate of potash found at Ems, and has a small
proportion of the purgative sulphate of soda which is lacking.
Contents in a Gallon. Ems. jEtna.
Carbonate of Soda, grains , 81 75
Carbonate of Magnesia, grains 7 14
Carbonate of Lime, grains 10 10
Carbonate of Iron, grains trace
Sulphate of Soda, grains trace 8
Sulphate of Potash, grains 3
Chloride of Sodium, grains 62 29
Silica, grains 3 trace
Total Solids, grains 170 137
Carbonic Acid, cubic inches 59 58
Temperature, Fahrenheit 115 98
The carbonate of soda and magnesia in the ^Etna Springs are double or
bicarbonates. The excess of chloride of sodium (common salt) in the Ems
Springs is not an advantage. The Vichy and Fachingen, the two other best
springs of the same class in the world, have about the same amount of that
substance as the iEtna.
These baths are so pleasant that some have pronounced them champagne
baths. The waters are di-ank by many in considerable quantities and with
great unction. The use of the waters unlocks the pores, expels the un-
healthy secretions and dead deposits, and thus excites action in all the
organs, and invigorates the system. For camping there is an extensive and
desirable grove, with an abundance of pure, fresh spring water.
Although these springs have been known to and visited by white men
for the past thirty years, no efforts were made to bring them into the notice
of the public until about 1878. In the few years just previous to that
campers had come to the place in greater or less numbers, but there were
no accommodations except those which nature afforded. In 1877 the num-
ber of campers was so great that the proprietor, Hon. Chancellor Hartson,
decided to make the necessary arrangement for accommodating visitors and
to throw the springs open to the public. Accordingly in that year Mr. W. H.
364 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Lidell took charge, and began the erection of buildings, and from time to
time their number has been augmented, until there are at present about a
dozen, comprising a dining-room and kitchen, a laundry, an elegant bath
house of twelve rooms, with tepid and hot water, reading-room and library,
summer house, double and single cottages. There is also a lively stable con-
nected with the place. Nothing further remains to be said except that
many wonderful cures have been effected by this water, and that a fair trial
of them will cost but little, either in time or money, and may cure others
similarly afflicted.
Walters Springs. — Are situated on the western side of the mountain
range bordering Pope Valley, and have gained the reputation of being
among the best in the State. They were first discovered in the fall of 1871
by J. J. Walters. A joint stock company purchased it soon after who made
a few improvements, but after three or four years Mr. Walters and ex-
Supervisor J. W. Smittle, of Berryessa, became and are now, sole owners.
The surroundings are as rugged and romantic as one can well conceive, the
springs being hidden away, as it were, in the quiet of the mountains which
rise on the east, north and west, several hundred feet above the valley. The
hills parting to the right and left on the south, give a grand view of Cedar
Mountain, a few miles distant, thickly covered with chemisal brush in places,
and in others with dense thickets of cedars, the limpid waters of Pope Creek
flowing at its base. There are two springs on the grounds a short distance
from each other, the waters of which possess remarkable curative powers, a
fact to which scores gladly bear witness. The improvements made in the
past have not been extensive, the proprietors desiring to know for a surety
that the springs possessed qualities that would justify them in expending
large sums. Assured now that they have something substantial to work on
they will build a hotel near the lower spring, also a bath-house and a bot-
tling establishment, which will be ready for next season's visitors. Many
marvelous cures have been effected here, the water, air and quiet combining
in the good work. Dyspepsia, and kindred complaints, asthma and heart
disease are put to rout and the rheumatic cripple soon after coming here
throws away his crutches and climbs the hills in search for the deer and
rabbits that are found in numbers.
A dining room and kitchen and six cottages have been put up this sea-
son. Mr. Walters is at present running the Springs, the boarding depart-
ment being under the charge of Dr. M. Thomas and wife. Several parties
rent cottages ; others have pitched their tents here and there.
The water has never yet been analyzed, but they are known to contain
soda, magnesia and iron, and the other is very heavily charged with carbonic
acid gas. This is the strongest soda spring in Napa or Lake Counties with
one exception — the Witter.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
'/^^it^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ALLEN, CHARLES HENEY. Whose portrait appears in this work,
is the fourth son of Rhodes and Rebecca Bowen Allen. He was born in
Providence, Rhode Island, April 24, 1817. He resided at his birth-place
until he was twenty years of age, and during this time he received the advan-
tage of a common school education. In June, 1837, he sailed on the ship
" Atlas," of Mystic, Connecticut (touching at one of the Azores for supplies),
for Possession Island, one of the Crozet group in the Indian Ocean, for the
purpose of obtaining sea elephant oil, at which point the ship arrived on
the 6th clay of September following. A few days after the ship and ten-
der— a schooner of about eighty tons— were wrecked at the same time upon
that desolate island, six thousand miles from home. The crew and officers
numbered thirty-seven men. Fifty-two days after the men were taken on
board of the French frigate " L'Heroine." While cruising on the Indian
Ocean they spoke the whale ship " North America," of Wilmington, Dela-
ware. She lacked two whales of being full of oil. A number of her men
were sick with the scurvy, and therefore unable to man the boats. Mr.
Allen and nine others were placed on board. By their aid everything that
would hold oil was in a few days filled. The ship sailed for Fort Dauphin,
Madagascar, for supplies ; thence for the Cape of Good Hope. Upon her
arrival a strong gale was blowing from the land, which made it unsafe to
enter the harbor. The ship's course was then changed for the island of St.
Helena, where Mr. Allen arrived in February, 1838. Soon after landing at
Jamestown, early in the morning, the ten ragged and barefooted men were
formed in line by the American consul, in front of his office, and presented
with a rupee each and told to go and enjoy themselves. Having experi-
enced many hardships, and been confined on shipboard at sea for months,
they felt like caged birds let loose, and therefore concluded to try their free-
dom by making a pilgrimage to Bonaparte's tomb, about four miles dis-
tant. They found a portion of their way difficult to travel without shoes.
Upon their return at evening with bruised and bloody feet, Mr. Allen,
being an American citizen and a destitute shipwrecked sailor in a for-
eign land, went to the American consul and asked for the assistance and
protection of the United States Government. He received food, cloth-
ing, and a passage home on the ship " John and Elizabeth," of New
368 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
London, Connecticut, at which place he arrived in March, 1838, within
seven miles of the point of his departure, being absent nearly ten
months. His compensation was an actual knowledge of a sailor's life.
In July, 1838, we find Mr. Allen in Stonington, Connecticut, where he
embarked in the hardware and tinware business, and during his residence
in the above named town he was twice honored by being elected to the
Lower House of the State Legislature. This occurring in the years 1845-6.
He obtained the title of Colonel by being elected and commissioned to
that position in the Eighth Regiment of the Third Brigade of the Con-
necticut State Militia. August 10, 1849, he sailed from Stonington on the
ship " Calumet " for California via Cape Horn. The ship sprung a leak,
went to St. Catherine, Brazil, for repairs ; sailed thence on the voyage,
arriving in San Francisco March 8th, 1850. He, with six of the crew,
purchased of the supercargo, for §406, a small sail boat brought upon the
ship, and which he had formerly owned in Stonington, and valued there at
about $40. When loaded with men and provisions the gunwale of the boat
was but a few inches above the water. He left the ship early in the morn-
ing, the bay fortunately was calm, and proceeded up the Sacramento,
Feather and Yuba Rivers to Marysville, where he sold the boat for S200,
and in that vicinity commenced prospecting and mining along the river
from Parks Bar to the head waters of the north branch of the
north fork of the main Yuba, about ten miles above Downieville. In
the fall of 1850 he returned to Parks Bar. In the spring of 1851 he
prospected on the north fork of Feather River, and returned to the Yuba
at Roses Bar in May following, and bought what was considered a worked-
out claim, for six ounces. The miners agreed that the new comer had been
badly cheated. By thorough work he struck a rich lead which extended
across several claims, and he took out gold by the pound instead of ounces.
Then the miners said he was lucky. He became generally known in that
vicinity, and was frequently called upon to act as an arbitrator in settling
disputes between miners, and to serve upon miners' juries, to protect them
against thieves and scoundrels. He mined on Sucker Flat during the winter
of 1851-2 with good success. In the spring of 1852 he returned home via
Nicaraugua route ; staying but a short time he returned to California the fol-
lowing October. On his arrival for the second time in the Golden State he
proceeded to Stockton, where he resided during the winter of 1852-3. In
the spring of 1853 he proceeded to the mines on the Yuba River, above
Marysville, where he became very much reduced with the chills and fever.
Learning that the climate of Napa Valley was healthy, on the 3d of No-
vember of that year he came to Napa, discontinued the use of medicine,
soon recovered his health, and has not experienced a sick day since. He
purchased a farm in Browns Valley, two miles west of Napa City, and
Biographical Sketches. 369
engaged in farming. In 1855 he opened a hardware and tinware store on
Brown street, in which he continued until 1856, when he sold to Mr. W.
Smith. Prior to this time he had experimented with the Napa soda water,
and found he could make it marketable. He then contracted for the Soda
Springs, he furnishing everything to start the business and receiving
one-third of the net profits ; the contract to run for three years. Soon after
the business began to pay, the title to the Springs became involved in litiga-
tion. He then gave his attention to his old ranch in Browns Valley, where
he continued farming. In 1857 he was elected one of the County Supervi-
sors, and re-elected in 1858. In 1861 he was elected Sheriff, his term com-
mencing in October of that year and ending in March, 1864. September
22, 1863, he was commissioned Captain of the Napa Guard, a volunteer
military company, composed of loyal men, organized for the purpose of
assisting in preserving the peace of the State in time of war. His com-
pany was attached to the Second Brigade, and was ordered into camp in
Alameda County in October, 1863. In 1873 he was appointed Treasurer of
the City of Napa, and elected a City Trustee in 1874, serving two terms.
He made his home in Browns Valley until 1867, when he removed to Napa
City, and in 1869 became a partner in the firm of Allen, Parks & Kimball,
in the general hardware business, in which he continued until 1876, when
he removed to his present ranch of fifty -three acres, near Napa City, where
he is engaged in farming and grape growing. He was united in marriage
to Miss Caroline A. Forshew, who was born near Maiden on the Hudson
River, New York, October, 1821.
ANDERSON, W. E. Was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, July 2,
1845. When he was ten years of age, his parents came to California.
They came by water, and arrived at San Francisco November 29, 1855.
After about one month they located in Napa Valley, where the father died
in the fall of 1861. In 1869 the subject of this sketch returned East, where
he remained until February, 1881, when he returned to California, and
located at St. Helena. Here he is engaged in merchandising. He was mar-
ried December 31, 1872, to Miss B. Y. Patterson, by whom he has two chil-
dren, William T. and Guy P.
ALLYN, JOHN. Son of Mathew and Clara Merrill Allyn, of English
descent, was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, August 29, 1820, and
resided in his birthplace until he was fourteen years of age. He then
moved to Lorain County, Ohio ; and at the age of twenty he undertook to
educate himself ; and by teaching in the winter, and working at his mechan-
ical trade in the summer, he was enabled to enter Oberlin College, where
he prosecuted his studies for two years. He then spent the same period at
a High School at Quincy, Illinois, and then entered the Lane Theological
24
370 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Seminary at Cincinnati ; and upon graduating from that institution he had
the honor of delivering the valedictory address of the class of 1846. After
graduating, the subject of this sketch moved to Illinois, locating in Carroll-
ton, and there read law ; was admitted to the bar, and practiced his pro-
fession until 1851. In July of the above year he sailed from New York,
coming via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco August 30th of the same
year. He then followed mining for some time, and again returned to the
East, and resided until the breaking out of the war, when he once more
came to this coast, and was appointed Superintendent of the Marine Hos-
pital at Port Townsend, W. T., for one year; and in March, 1864, moved to
Oakland, and engaged in the real estate business. In May, 1870, Dr. Allyn
moved to Napa County, and in January, 1873, purchased his present de-
lightful home of six acres in the limits of St. Helena. The Doctor was
married in New Hampshire, June 2, 1861, to Miss Sophronia Scott, a native
of that place, and has one surviving child, Charles H, now engaged in mer-
cantile business in Ventura County in this State.
ALSTROM, SWEN. Was born in Carleshom, Sweden, October 5, 1825,
and there resided until he was twenty-five years of age, where he received
a common school education. In May, 1851, the subject of this sketch came
to America, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, July 10th of the above year,
where he sojourned until March, 1852. He then sailed for California on board
the "T. B.Wales," coming via Cape Horn, and after a voyage of one hundred
and forty-five days arrived in San Francisco. He immediately found em-
ployment in the Rasset House, where he remained only a short time, and then
proceeded to the mines in Grass Valley, but by reason of the Sacramento fire
and the flood of that year he returned to San Francisco, and found employ-
ment as porter in the Occidental Hotel, which situation he held for six
years. He then, April 12, 1859, became proprietor of the above hotel, where
he remained until the spring of 1861. In the meantime he purchased the
White Sulphur Springs property, in Napa County, and from 1861 to 1866
he was partner in the Lick House, under the firm name of Alstrom & Co.
In the latter year Mr. Alstrom moved to Napa County, and engaged in
running his hotel at the above mentioned springs. He owned this
valuable property some twenty years, and conducted the hotel for fifteen
years, when it was sold in 1879. He then moved to St. Helena, and in
April, 1881, he erected the fine hotel he now occupies, the Windsor, which
was opened to the public, June 11, 1881. Mr. Alstrom is generous to a
fault and is obliging and accommodating in his business relations, and withal
the right man in the right place. The subject of this sketch was united in
marriage, in San Francisco, in 1860, to Miss Mary Bremberg, a native of
Sweden, by which union they have the following children : Sophia, Josie,
Annie, John, Mamie, Oscar and Herbert.
Biographical Sketches. 371
ADAMS, JOHN. Was born in Howard County, Missouri, April 16,
1834. In 1842 he moved to south-western Missouri, where he resided until
the spring of 1845. He then joined a train commanded by Mr. English and
went to Oregon, being six months on the route. He settled with his father's
family in Yamhill County, and remained there till July 9, 1848. His father,
himself and two sisters, then came with pack horses to California, and went
direct to Greenes Springs, and from there to the Salvador Ranch in Napa
Valley, where they spent the winter. In 1849 they went to the mines, and
in the fall of that year they moved to Yolo County and located on Cache
Creek, and ranched and traded in stock till 1850. The summer of that year
was spent in Napa Valley, and in the fall John began working for J. M.
Harbin. In 1853 he returned to Missouri, and in 1854 recrossed the plains
to California, and settled on Cache Creek, and farmed till 1857, when he
moved to Suisun, Solano County, where he resided for one year. In 1858
he came to his present place, where he now owns twenty-four hundred
acres, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married Octo-
ber 1, 1854, to Miss Polly Adams, a native of Howard County, Missouri,
born September 15, 1828. Their children are Ward, born May 27, 1857,
Nellie, born August 27, 1859, and Arthur, born January 11, 1864.
ADAMSON, CHRISTIAN P. Son of Nicholas and Mary Anderson
Adamson, was born in Holstein, at that time under the Danish Government
(his parents being German), August 13, 1834. He resided in his
birthplace until the age of sixteen, when he went to sea, and followed a
seafaring life until he came to California. He sailed from New York in
a clipper ship via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco in April, 1854. He
immediately went to Sonoma County, where he only stayed a short time,
when he came to Napa, and worked for W. A. Fisher, staying around Napa
for about eighteen months. He then went to the mines of Parks & Long,
on the Yuba River, and remained for one year and a half. He then moved
to Eldorado County, and there embarked in mining, where he continued
about six months, when Mr. Adamson next went to the Fraser River dis-
trict, and prosecuted mining in that place. He only remained six months,
having some trouble and a few skirmishes with the Indians, when he re-
turned to Napa, and farmed until 1860. In that year he went to
Cariboo, where he remained one year; and then in 1861 Mr. Adam-
son once more returned to Napa County, and rented the farm now
owned by Garfield, and followed farming for three years. He next went
to Berryessa Valley, and rented the Lawley place, where he farmed
one year. He then rented a farm owned by Clark, and remained the same
time as on his previous place. He then purchased his present place, but
still rented a tract of land of two thousand acres on the New York grant,
near Antioch, Contra Costa County, where he farmed three years. He then
372 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
took some forty mules and machinery and farming implements, and moved to
Stoney Creek, Colusa County, and rented two thousand acres of the Welsh
tract, remaining on that place for four years, and then came to his present
place, where he has since resided. Mr. Adamson owns one hundred and
seventy-five acres of land, eighty-seven of which are in grapes. Married
April 11, 1878, to Miss Lizzie Mills, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, May 22, 1858, by which union they have two children : Frankie,
born May 19, 1879 ; William G., born June 17, 1880.
AMESBURY, HORATIO N. The subject of this sketch was bom in
the town of Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, July 25, 1814.
He received a common school education at North Stonington, in that
county, and at the age of sixteen commenced learning the trade of wagon
and carriage making, serving an apprenticeship of five years. He followed
that trade for the eight succeeding years, and in the meantime was married,
March 9, 1836, to Miss Lucy W. Shaw, of his native town. In 1843 he
sailed, as cooper and carpenter, on board the ship " Romulus," on a whaling
voyage to the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, being absent on this
cruise three years. On his return, in 1846, he engaged in the business of
boat building, which he followed successfully for three years, or until the
breaking out of the excitement created bjr the rich discoveries of gold in
California, which led him to go to that far distant section of the country
to seek his fortune, in company with many others of his neighbors and
fellow townsmen. On the 21st of January, 1849, he sailed, with eighty-five
other passengers, on board the ship "Trescott," and, after a stormy voyage of
six months' duration, arrived at San Francisco on the 6th of August. After
remaining a few days at San Francisco the ship proceeded to Benicia, where
the material, partially prepared for a sloop of eighteen tons, was taken
on shore from the ship and the vessel constructed, which was named the " J.
L. Devotion," in honor of one of the passengers. Mr. Amesbury and four
others constituted the owners of the sloop. After making several trips to
Stockton they finally disposed of the "Devotion" for the sum of §5500. After
the sale of the vessel, Mr. Amesbury was next employed by Dr. Semple to
superintend the construction of a small steamer, which was intended for
freight and passenger traffic on the Sacramento River. On the completion
of the steamer he was engaged in work on the Solano Hotel, of Benicia.
In July, 1850, he went to Napa, and was employed in building the Ameri-
can House, and on the completion of that structure he commenced farming,
by leasing land of the late Hon. Nathan Coombs, north-east of his present
place, and farmed for two years. In 1852 he purchased the farm on which
he now and has ever since resided, being engaged in wheat and fruit rais-
ing. He now owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres, twenty of which
are devoted to orchard and vineyard. In March, 1852, he returned to
Biographical Sketches. 373
Stonington, and, after remaining three weeks, returned, accompanied by his
wife, who has ever since resided here. They have one adopted daughter,
who was married to Mr. Frank F. Wright, of Reno, Nevada, on the 11th of
March, 1880.
ALDEN, HENRY EBEN. The son of Lyman and Elizabeth Williams
Alden, was born in Lincoln, Knox County, Maine, April 4, 1847. There he re-
ceived a good common school education, and l-esided until the age of twenty.
Mr. Alden then branched out for himself and proceeded to Bangor, in his native
State, and secured a position in the wholesale mercantile firm of Thomas
Hersy & Co., as salesman, and after three years close application to busi-
ness, was promoted to head salesman, a position he held for three years.
He was then given sole charge of a branch retail store for the same firm for
two years more. Mr. Alden then purchased the store from his former em-
ployers, and embarked in the mercantile trade, and did an extensive and
successful wholesale and retail business until, through the dishonesty of his
head salesman and book-keeper, he was swindled out of not only the profits
but part of the capital of the store. This, in connection with his failing
health, prompted him to remove to this coast, which event occurred in June,
1875. He first located in Vallejo and followed several different occupations,
and his health being somewhat improved he concluded to go into the mer-
cantile business again. He first entered the employ of A. P. Voorhees, of
Vallejo. In a few months after a brother of the subject of this sketch
bought a half interest with Mr. Voorhees. The new firm then started a
branch store in St. Helena, with the subject of our sketch as manager, until
1878, when Mr. Merriam bought a half interest in the business, and
January 17, 1878, Mr. Alden bought his brother's interest, and then was
created the present well-known clothing and furnishing house of Alden
& Merriam, and it is but just for us to say that Mr. Alden enjoys the con-
fidence and esteem of the people of Napa County, and to his perseverance
and energy belongs much of the extensive business they now enjoy in their
well-appointed store under the Windsor Hotel. Mr. Alden was united in
marriage in Vallejo, October 12, 1875, to Miss Carrie S. Jones, a native of
Maine, and by this union they have one living child and one deceased :
Sarah M., born September 4, 187G ; died December 4, 1876. Alice M., born
January 12, 1878.
BOGGS, EX-GOVERNOR LILBURN W., (deceased). Was the eldest son
of John M. and Martha Oliver Boggs, and was born in Lexington, Kentucky,
January 14, 1798. His parents emigrated from the eastern shores of Mary-
land at an early day, and his father died when he was quite young. At the
age of sixteen he went with the Kentucky troops to the War of 1812, under
Governor Shelby, his company being commanded by Captain Levi Todd, of
374 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Fayette County, Kentucky. He was at the battle of Thames or Tippecanoe.
He was absent eighteen months, and on his return from the Indian war he
accepted a situation as book-keeper for the old Insurance Bank of Kentucky.
At the age of eighteen he went to St. Louis, Missouri. He married Miss
Julia Bent, daughter of Judge Silas Bent, of that city. He then removed
to Franklin, on the Missouri Eiver, opposite to where now is the city
of Boonville, where he was engaged in mercantile business ; and, after fail-
ing in business, he settled up his affairs at Franklin, and obtained a situation
at Fort Osage with George C. Sibley, as deputy factor for paying Indians
their annuities. While there his wife's health became delicate, and he re-
turned to St. Louis and took her to her father's home, where, after giving
birth to her second child (Henry), she died. He then returned to his situa-
tion at Fort Osage, and in the spring of 1821 he was joined by his mother
and family. The whole family suffered with sickness, and it was decided
that they should return to Kentucky. They left in the fall of that
year, and went to St. Genevieve, Missouri, and remained there until the
spring of 1822, and then proceeded to Kentucky. After leaving the family
at St. Genevieve, Lilburn returned to his occupation at Fort Osage. He
was part of the time engaged in business at Marias DuCene, in connection
with Ballio & Sibley. He was married the second time in 1823 to Miss
Panthea G. Boone. She was the daughter of Jesse Boone, son of old Daniel
Boone, of Kentucky fame. At once, with her and his two children, Angus
and Henry, he removed to and resided at Harmony, Missouri, an Indian
agency on the Neosho, a branch of the Osage River, at which point he was
extensively engaged in trading with the Indians for furs and peltries.
While at this place his first child by his second marriage was born, Thomas
Oliver Boggs — now a resident of Las Animas, Colorado, where he has resided
for the past forty years, and where he was engaged by Bent's company of
fur traders as a trader among the Indians. After remaining some time at
this post, Mr. Boggs removed to a farm near Fort Osage, Jackson County,
Missouri, and settled in that rich and fertile region known for many years
after by the name of the Six-Mile Settlement. At this place his second
son, William M. Boggs, was born, in October, 1826. About this time he
selected the town. site of Independence, Missouri, for many years the fron-
tier town of the Far West, where he continued in the mercantile business.
While the family were residing at the Marias DuCene a little incident
occurred worth relating, as it shows what presence of mind the untutored
savage of the prairies possesses. It was winter time, and the river near the
trading post was frozen over, so much so that it became necessary to cut a
hole in the ice to procure water for the use of the family and pei-sons around
the post. The two boys, Angus and Henry, were amusing themselves slid-
ing on the ice, and the eldest slid a little too far and fell into the opening,
Biographical Sketches. 375
and the swift current swept him down under the ice to where there was an
air-hole. An old Indian, whose wigwam was near by, was looking at the
boys from his camp, and he seized a rail, ran down on the ice, and laid flat
on his stomach and shoved the rail along in front of him over the thin ice
until he reached the opening where the boy was clutching at the
edge of the thin ice that gave away as fast as he grasped it. But he
soon became benumbed from cold, and would have sunk out of sight, but
the Indian by this time reached out and caught him, and hauled him out
upon the ice, and soon had him in his father's arms, who, on hearing the
scream of the younger boy, stood paralyzed with fear that his son was lost.
A few hours rubbing and warming brought the youngster around all right.
The Indian, who had risked his life to save the boy, stalked off to the lodge
as though nothing unusual had occurred. But soon a message from the
" Big Trader," as the subject of this sketch was called by all the border
tribes at that time living along the frontier of Missouri, called him ; and on
being questioned as to what he most desired, he said, pointing to a huge pile
of trade blankets, " One blanket." But instead of receiving one, they were
heaped upon him until he was loaded, with not only blankets, but whatever
else he could carry that an Indian would most desire. Such treatment of
the Indians, in thousands of instances, made him a great " father " among
them, and he was remembered by the chiefs and leading Indians for many
years as the man with a "big heart." While residing at Independence,
Missouri, he was pursuing his mercantile business, and was not only
the merchant, but also lawyer, doctor and postmaster of the place, and his
house was always open to the new-comer, and hospitality was a reigning
feature in his character. His extensive knowledge of the surrounding
country enabled him to point out to the new-comers the most desirable
places to settle, and he would often leave his business, and accompany
parties for days in looking at the best points to locate and open up new
homes. Jackson County, Missouri, was his most favorite place; 'twas there
that all his children, by his second marriage, were born, excepting one
named George W., who was born on the 22d of February, at Jefferson City,
the others being born in and about Independence, Missouri. He was a man
of fine physical development, the very embodiment of health, and gifted
with the art of pleasing conversational powers, and his quiet and pleasant
manner of talking always interested his hearers, who listened to him while
he was conversing with them as though he were reading a book, and many
times in the first settlements of the West would he enjoy himself in some
new-comers' log cabin, with a bevy of rosy cheeked children around a huge
log fire, and entertain them with anecdotes and good advice, how to grow
rich, etc., etc., which always pleased the old lady of the family, and with a
little one or two on his lap, would pass away nearly the whole evening,
376 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
supremely happy. His popularity soon spread over a large section of the
new State, and he was among the first number who framed the laws of his
favorite State, Missouri. He was in her Legislative Councils, then in the
Senate, and then Lieutenant Governor and afterwards Governor. But prior
to his engaging in public life as a leading statesman, he embarked among
the first overland merchants in the Santa F^ or New Mexican trade, and
took goods out to Santa F6, and returned to Independence about the year
1829. At that time the country west of the Missouri State line was only
inhabited by roving tribes of Indians, many of whom were hostile, and it
required a strong party and much caution to make the journey to Santa Fe\
His description of the plains and the herds of buffalo and wild horses was
graphic indeed. They were sometimes in danger of being run over by the
vast herds of buffalo. His early associations in the Far West brought him
in contact with the most noted of frontiersmen, mountaineers, trappers and
guides; men like the celebrated "Bill" Sublette, Capt. Joe Walker, " Peg
Leg" Smith, "Bill " Williams, the Choteaus, and many of the leading business
men in St. Louis. In the year 1836 he was elected Governor of the State,
and removed with his family to Jefferson City, his family at this time
consisting of twelve children, all living ■ — nine sons and three daugh-
ters, including the two eldest by his first wife. Angus and Henry were
at this time grown men, and Angus was associated with his father
in the mercantile business, and the firm name was A. L. Boggs & Co.
They bought out the store of a Mr. Fisher, formerly of Baltimore.
This business did not prove a success. The Governor, although an
experienced merchant, and attending to the business in person, was not a
success. He went East, as far as Philadelphia, and purchased largely.
About this time the new State House was built in Jefferson City, the old
one having been burned a year previous. Governor Boggs was empowered
to act in procuring certain material while East for roofing and finishing the
Capitol. He was authorized to buy copper for roofing, and lumber for
finishing up the building. This splendid edifice was begun about the year
1837 or 1838, is built of fine white freestone, and has six fine granite
columns in front, that are thirty feet between cap and base, six feet in
diameter, and are placed in a circle in front of the Capitol and the main
entrance to the building, over which is a large stone slab, with Governor
Boggs' name cut in large letters, giving the names also of the officers of the
State under him. His political troubles now began to appear. Colonel
Thomas H. Benton was and had been the ruling spirit of the Democratic
party — the party in power — and Governor Boggs was elected over his
opponent, General Ashley, by a very large majority, and was about as
popular as Colonel Benton in the party. The appointing of the State offi-
cers was vested in the Governor, and he proceeded to make some appoint-
Biographical Sketches. 377
merits which displeased Colonel Benton, whose power over the different
Governors and whose will was almost supreme in filling the offices of State
with his favorites. Governor Boggs had appointed the Secretary of State,
State Auditor of Public Accounts and State Treasurer without consulting
Colonel Benton, or, as he was termed, " Old Bullion." Colonel Thomas H
Benton, United States Senator from Missouri for thirty years ; he whose
motto was " Union, harmony and self-denial ; everything for the cause,
nothing for men" — he whose will was law in the party, the control of which
he had held for thirty years, became offended at the presumption of the
Governor of Missouri for daring to make appointments outside of his per-
sonal or political friends, and he made some threats, which he never carried
out. Governor Boggs remarked, on hearing of Colonel Benton's displeasure,
in his usual quiet and easy manner, that if Colonel Benton was going to act
as Governor of the State, he would take his family back to their home
in Jackson County, and he would retire from public office and resign, but
as he was elected Governor he would remain at Jefferson City and discharge
the duties of chief executive of the State, regardless of Colonel Benton
or any of his friends. This decided course gathered around him quite an
array of warm personal friends, many of whom took issue with Colonel Ben-
ton on political questions, and thus began the " Anti-Benton " party in Mis-
souri, which finally caused that great statesman's downfall and final defeat in
his own State. During Governor Boggs' term of office at Jefferson City, he
maintained and kept an open house. His parlors in the Governor's resi-
dence were always full, and his hospitality became proverbial. The poor
and the rich were alike welcome to his home and board. While at Jefferson
City the Governor received much company, and his house was scarcely ever
clear of guests. He was particularly fond of receiving his old backwoods
and frontier friends, and with treating them with great cordiality. He
appointed one of his old neighbors from the Six-Mile Settlement State
Treasurer. After the resignation of the old State Treasurer, Mr. Walker,
Governor Boggs appointed Abraham McClellan, an honest old man who had
been for many years a neighbor of the Governor at Fort Osage, in the Six-
Mile Settlement. This honerable old man was put in charge of the State
Treasury about the time of the commencement of the new State Capitol
building, and the business of the office required close attention. On the
loss of the old capitol building by fire, the Governor had the office of State
Treasurer removed to his store, and the Secretary of State, James L. Miner's
office, placed in a building opposite the Governor's residence, and Governor
Boggs rendered the various officers of State all the assistance and advice
necessary to carry on the State affairs with exactitude and good manage-
ment. The old State Treasurer, an honest old farmer, formerly from
Tennessee, was inexperienced in the duties of his office, but the Governor
378 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
kindly aided him and kept everything moving "on correctly. After the
completion of the new State Capitol building, Mr. McClellan, being tired of
office, tendered his resignation, and on settling up his accounts, the com-
mittee appointed by the Legislature to settle with the retiring officer, found
that there was some six hundred dollars more money than belonged to the
State, and the old gentleman could not account for it or tell how it came
into the State Treasury, and it was tendered to him as belonging to his pri-
vate funds, but he declined to accept it, stating that it was not his money
and he would not have it. Governor Boggs made several appointments of
State officers that displeased some of Colonel Benton's hangers-on, and con-
sequently created some ill feeling towards the Governor. Among the
appointees was Hiram H. Baber, Auditor of Public Accounts. He was a
brother-in-law of the Governor and was residing at Jefferson City, which
had been his home for many years. Mr. Baber was an intelligent and com-
petent man, and proved to be one of the most efficient officers the State
ever had; so much were his services appreciated by the State that he
was retained in that department by succeeding Governors until his health
prevented him from the further discharge of the duties of the office. Another
appointment of Governor Boggs was made under very peculiar circum-
stances. On the Governor's arrival on the north side of the Missouri River,
opposite the city of Jefferson, on his way to occupy the Governor's house,
his family accompanying him, the party arrived late at the ferry landing.
The Governor concluded to pass the night at a new log house, that was
erected by the owner of a farm near the ferry. A man with a family was
encamped near the ferry landing who seemed to be poor, but had evidently
seen better days. His wife, daughters and two sons appeared to be very
nice people. The Governor, as usual with him, began to make inquiries
about their destination, etc., and was informed by the father of the family
that he had suddenly been deprived of his property and was seeking a new
home ; was without means, and did not know where to go to better his con-
dition, but thought he would rent a house somewhere if he could get one,
until he could look around and get something to do. The Governor informed
him that he would aid him to get a house as soon as he could cross the
river into town, and that he would also try to find him employment. This
so pleased the gentleman that he grasped the Governor's hand and pointed
to his family, at the same time stating that he had made them his friends
for life. On the Governor's arrival in Jefferson City the next day he pro-
cured a comfortable residence the first thing he did for this homeless family,
and some few days elapsed when the gentleman received a note from the
Governor, desiring to see him at his office. The gentleman, whose name
was Burch, called promptly, and was somewhat surprised when the Governor
handed him an appointment to fill the office of Warden of the State
<?A^t jeK ^ujJe^v
Biographical Sketches. 379
Prison, an office that paid a handsome salary and provided a fine
two-story stone building, furnished, for the Warden and his family. This
placed the newly-made acquaintance of the Governor in comparatively easy
circumstances, his family among the best of society, and enabled him to
educate his children, one of whom has since represented the Northern Dis-
trict of California in Congress, and is at the writing of this article a
prominent lawyer and politician in this State — the Hon. John C. Burch.
Governor Bogg's quiet and independent manner of discharging his official
duties made him many warm personal friends, while at the same time it
created some bitter political enemies even in his own party. About this
time much trouble was created by the Mormons, a religious sect who had
been driven some years before from Jackson County, Missouri, from the
immediate neighborhood of Governor Bogg's old home at Independence.
These Mormons, led by Joe Smith, Lyman White, Sidney Rigdon and other
prominent men of the faith, after their expulsion by a mob of citizens
from Jackson County, settled in the north-western part of the State, and
caused so much trouble by their peculiar laws and customs that the people
of that section petitioned the Governor to do something to relieve them of
their disagreeable neighbors. The Governor advised patience and forbearance,
hoping that the civil authorities would be able to quell all disturbances, but
the complaints and petitions of the people continued to reach the Governor
and finally he was informed that the citizens were arming for their own
protection. He at once issued a proclamation and called for five thousand
troops or volunteer State militia, which call was promptly answered by
various counties in the State sending armed, uniformed and equipped com-
panies to the seat of war. Several fine mounted military companies passed
through Jefferson City and presented themselves to the Governor, who by
this time had appointed his staff of officers and proceeded to review the
troops under his command. He appointed General John B. Clark, an experi-
enced and highly intelligent gentleman, to take command of the expedition,
with orders to remove the Mormons from the State, which were promptly
executed by General Clark without bloodshed, save some little skirmishing
by the Jackson County troops, under their old commanders, Generals Lucas
and Wilson, acting without orders from their superior officers. They pro-
ceeded to the scene of difficulties and attacked the Mormons near Far West,
capturing their leaders and the town of Far West before the arrival of Gen-
eral Clark and the main body of the troops under his immediate command.
The Governor, on learning of the capture of Smith and his confederate
leaders, sent a messenger post-haste to General Clark commanding him to
turn over the prisoners to the civil authorities at once, to be tried for the
crimes and charges preferred against them, which order was promptly obeyed
by General Clark's command. It is much to be regretted that the official
380 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
acts of Governor Boggs, and much, if not entirely all of his official corres-
pondence has been lost and destroyed, so much so that dates and events are
only to be obtained from those whose recollections and personal intimacy
with the Governor could give account of these proceedings in a general way.
Barrels and bundles of public papers preserved by him during his lifetime,
which have been lost and destroyed, would have thrown much more
more light on his very eventful public as well as private life. The neces-
sity that called forth this public act of Governor Boggs, in causing the
Mormons to be i-emoved from the State, embittered them against him as the
chief cause of their difficulty in establishing the " Church of the Latter Day
Saints," as they termed themselves, in Missouri, and it brought down on him
the revenge of Mormondom. It was prophesied by Joe Smith, in the
New Temple, at Nauvoo, Illinois, where they had established themselves,
and had become prosperous for a time, that the ex-Governor of Missouri
would die by violence inside of twelve months, and in order to fulfill
his prophecy, he employed one Orin Porter Rockwell to proceed to In-
dependence, Missouri, whither the Governor had removed at the expira-
tion of his term of office, and where he was residing at his old home
with his family of little children around him in peace and qui-
etude. This emissary of the apostle Joe Smith came to Independ-
ence in disguise, and hired to a citizen of the place as a common
hostler, and made himself familiar with the ex-Governor's habits, his place
of residence, and all the surroundings of his home at Independence. About
this time the ex-Governor was a candidate for senator from his old senato-
rial district. This midnight assassin, Rockwell, had so managed as to get a
discharge from his employer, and after the elapse of some two or three
weeks returned to Independence, and at the dead hour of night, under cover
of dense darkness, stole up to the Governor's house, and fired through
the window close to the Governor's head, discharging a heavily charged
German holster pistol, containing some sixteen balls, into the back of
the Governor's head, four of which took effect, two of them penetrating
the skull and lodging in the left lobe of his brain, and one, passing entirely
through the hollow of his neck, came out at the roof of his mouth ; the
fourth one lodged in the fleshy part of his neck. The remainder of the
charge struck the plastering of the room, passing all over and around the
heads of his two younger daughters, one an infant in its crib, immediately
in front of him, and the elder child, standing in range with his bod)' and
the window, was rocking the little one. The other members of the family
were yet in the supper-room with their mother. The sudden scream, loud
report of a pistol, and the noise of jingling broken glass all seemed simul-
taneous, and the family rushed into the room, filled with smoke and smell
of gunpowder, to find their father, who a few moments before left the sup-
Biographical Sketches. 381
per-table in the perfect health and strength of matured manhood, a mass of
blood, stunned and bleeding, with his head hanging back over his arm-chair,
unconscious, and apparently dead. The noise, and screams of wife and chil-
dren, soon brought the surrounding neighbors in the suburbs to his residence-
The news spread rapidly, and in half an hour or less some two or three
hundred of his fellow townsmen, with physicians, had gathered in. After
getting him out on the porch he came to, and was perfectly conscious of all
that was passing, but very weak from loss of blood and sick from what he
had swallowed. The doctors, some four being present, one of whom, Dr.
J. 0. Boggs, was his brother, questioned him as to his wounds, and
he expressed himself as not knowing that he was shot; felt no pain,
and seemed to be perfectly rational and easy. The examination of the
head showed that two balls had penetrated the skull to the frontal
part, the others as described above. These wounds, either of which
the doctors said was sufficient to kill an ordinary man, did not end his
mortal career, but came very near doing so, as it prostrated him for
one entire year, but did not prevent his election to the Senate, and he re-
turned to Jefferson City the following winter. His efforts that winter in
the Senate to do something to relieve the distress brought on by the very
hard times of the years 1838-9 is well remembered by the citizens
of Missouri. His bill for the relief of hard times was prepared and cir-
culated long before he took his seat, and was fully discussed by all parties.
It passed the House, but was defeated in the Senate. The writer, although
present at the debates on the merits and demerits of the bill, was not old
enough to remember the provisions of the bill, but it was popular
with those who understood its merits. It is utterly impossible to give a
full and complete history of the public life of ex-Governor Boggs, which
extended throughout his entire residence in Missouri for over thirty
years, as it would be too voluminous for this work, and too incom-
plete for want of proper data and public documents long since destroyed.
He officiated at the laying of the corner-stone of the new State Capitol,
erected and completed in 1840. His name is cut in stone over the main
entrance to the building, and will no doubt remain there as long as
the Capitol stands. While the Governor was at Jefferson City for the last
time as Senator, one morning, whilst conversing with some members of the
Legislature on the portico in front of the Capitol, one of the balls that
entered his neck had worked its way out, and, putting up his hand to the
back of his head, as was his custom long after receiving these wounds, he
gently squeezed the affected part and the ball slipped into his hand, and,
holding it out to one of the gentlemen, said, " See here, I can pick bullets
out of my head." This little incident happened in the morning before the
usual hour for the Legislature to assemble, and Governor Boggs was the
382 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
topic of the day, and was frequently spoken of as the man with his head
full of bullets. He returned home to his family at the close of the session,
having left his wife and younger children at the farm of his son, Henry C.
Boggs, some twenty-five miles south of Independence, where they had
passed the winter. From there the family removed to a farm a few miles
farther east on the prairie, and after remaining only a few months at this
place the family removed to Independence again for a short time, when the
Governor, in company with his brother-in-law, Alphonso Boone, eldest
brother of his wife, purchased a fine farm in Cass County, where both he and
Colonel Boone moved with their families. About this time his son Thomas,
the eldest boy by his last wife, left home and went to the Rocky Mountains,
and engaged to Bent's company, on the Arkansas, as a trader with the In-
dians. The Governor made some improvements on this new home, but losing
his eldest daughter Martha at this place, he became dissatisfied, and after in-
terring his daughter at Independence, he returned and disposed of the farm,
and together with his family removed to a small farm near Independence,
where he erected a comfortable home again, in the vicinity of some fine
springs of cold water, and at this place he and his younger sons engaged in
farming. His attention at this time was taken up with an idea that he had
for a long time been meditating, and that was a removal to the Pacific Coast.
His constant theme of conversation was directed to a map of California, on
the Pacific Ocean. This was about the years 1843-4, and a party of his
old neighbors from Jackson County had gone out to explore the country
west of the Rocky Mountains, had penetrated as far as the Pacific Ocean.
Among this party was Captain John Rickman, Charles Hopper, (the same
Uncle Charley Hopper who died recently and was buried in Yountville,
Napa County, California,) Colonel Bartleson of Jackson County, a large
man, a good judge of new countries. These men gave good accounts of the
climate and natural resources of the country, but could not see how emi-
grants with families could make the journey safely, as the country was unex-
plored and there were many difficulties to overcome. Notwithstanding all
this, Captain Rickman believed that the country would eventually fall into
the hands of the Americans, and he had been as far in California as Yerba
Buena, now the city of San Francisco. Captain Rickman was an enthu-
siast and advocated the idea of an overland railroad across the continent,
and he and Governor Boggs would converse for hours over the feasibility of
constructing a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, from some point on the Missouri
River, and the old man actually purchased forty acres of land on the Missouri
River near Independence, and proceeded to cut and fell the timber with the
view of making that his starting point and depot for the great overland
railroad, which was to follow over the route which he had made with such
difficulty on pack mules, a year or two previous. The Governor wrote an
Biographical Sketches. 383
article in 1842 on the subject, which was addressed to the editor of the St.
Louis Reporter, edited by Shadwick Penn. This article described the route
over which the road was to pass, also an estimate of the cost, basing his
calculations on the costs of the railroads of Pennsylvania. He chose the
route by way of Santa Fe", which is about the same as that of the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe- Road, only his starting point was to be from
Independence, Missouri, and the terminus was to be at San Diego,
Lower California, along the thirty-fifth parallel. This original article on
that important subject, at such an early day, is not far from the correct
estimate, and cost of construction of the roads now being built along that
route. The document is still preserved and was handed over to the
Pioneer Association at Sonoma as a relic. The emigration to Oregon had
been talked of, and one or two parties had started from Independence.
Governor Boggs declared his intention of removing with his family to Cali-
fornia, and he and his old friend Captain Rickman talked often and dis-
cussed the best means and method of making, at that time, what was con-
sidered a very hazardous trip, especially with families. Before starting to
that distant land his old friends would often advise him to give it up,
but his knowledge of a great portion of the route derived in former
years from his old trapper friends, enabled him to overcome all scru-
ples or fear of taking his family on so dangerous a journey. His
two eldest sons, Angus and Henry, were residing on farms in Jackson
County, and appeared to be permanently settled. Thomas, his first son by
his second marriage, was in the Rocky Mountains, or at Bents Fort, now
Colorado; his next oldest son, William M., had been out to New Mexico, and
spent one year with the Indians on the Plains, and in the Rocky Mountains
had associated with experienced men of the Plains like Kit Carson and
other noted guides, and, of course, was ready to accompany his father to
his new home on the Pacific Slope. The outfit was prepared at Indepen-
dence in the spring of 1846, and about the 10th of May started on the long
journey with ox- teams. The overland party of that year consisted of
about one hundred wagons and families, among whom was the Donner
family, that suffered in the Sierra Nevadas in a snow-bound camp. Wil-
liam M. Boggs married, just before starting, Miss Sonora Hicklin, daughter
of John Hicklin, Esq., a former friend of the Governor's, who, when a young
man, often accompanied the Governor in his business of trading with the
Indians on the frontiers of Missouri. William, with his bride, embarked
on the journey for a bridal trip a few days after his wedding, in fine spirits,
with a good rifle and fair outfit, consisting of a good supply of clothing and
provisions, and plenty of pluck. He was elected captain of the emigrant
train at Ash Hollow, on the Nebraska River, and conducted his father's
party safely through to California, hunting and scouting most of the
384 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
time, and always bringing to his party plenty of buffalo-meat, and finding
good camping-grounds. The Governor arrived at Suffers Fort in the month
of November, 1846 ; but previous to his arrival in the Sacramento Valley,
he had been met by Colonel Fallon, of Fremont's party, who informed him
that the American flag was flying in California, and that hostilities had
actually commenced ; and the Colonel's business was gathering recruits for
the army of Colonel Fremont, who was then at Suffers Fort organizing his
forces. The Governor was kindly received by Captain Sutter ; and after
spending a few hours in his hospitable fort, he took leave of him, and
crossed to the west side of the Sacramento, and reached Sonoma about the
Sth of November. After camping a few days during a heavy rain, he was
visited by General Vallejo, and Lieutenant Revere of the United States Navy.
General Vallejo tendered him the use of his house on the Petaluma Rancho,
where he spent the winter of 184G — a long and dreary wet winter, with no
society but the members of his family and an occasional visit from General
Vallejo, whose hospitality knew no bounds. His son William recruited a
small party of volunteers and crossed the bay and tendered his services and
those of his party to the United States officers at San Francisco, and was
despatched at once to reinforce the troops at Santa Clara and Monterey, and
served until the close of the Mexican War. The Governor returned in the
spring to the town of Sonoma, and entered into the mercantile business
with a Mr. William Scott, who had a small stock of goods. Colonel Mason,
the Military Governor of California, appointed him Alcalde of the Northern
District, his jurisdiction to extend to Sacramento, including Slitters Fort ;
thence northward to the Oregon line and down the coast to the bay, and
all the country north of the bay of San Francisco. The duties of this office
were to try all cases that would now come before a Superior Court, and to
preserve and maintain order in his department, with authority to call on the
military when he needed assistance. These duties the Governor discharged
to the entire satisfaction of the commanding officers and Military Govern-
ors who succeeded Colonel Mason. About this time a trial was to come off
before his court at Sonoma wherein Captain Sutter was a party to the suit)
and charged Armijo, of Suisun, with kidnapping his Indians, and the
cause or complaint was made to the Alcalde, at Sonoma. Governor Boggs
sent a summons by his Sheriff for Captain Sutter to appear on a certain day
for trial, at Sonoma. The distance, about one hundred miles, to Suffers
Fort, was made on horseback in those days. Captain Sutter failing to put
in an appearance, judgment for costs of suit was entered against him — costs
amounting to something near $300. The Alcalde was surprised one morn-
ing by an Indian handing him a letter and package from Captain Sutter,
stating that owing to the discovery of gold on the American River, his
was of such importance that he hoped the Alcalde would excuse
Biographical Sketches. 385
him for not obeying his summons, and in the package accompanying the
letter was a bottle of gold dust amounting to some $300, to pay costs of suit,
etc. This was the first news that Sonoma had of the discovery of gold, and
the Governor was kept busy for several days exhibiting the gold to the
eager citizens of all classes, and a rush was made to the mines. The Gov-
ernor remained at Sonoma and pursued his mercantile business. The
returning miners brought sacks of gold and deposited with him for safe
keeping, purchased largely of him, and his business increased rapidly, and
in a few years he was enabled to settle up his old debts, which were caused
from the hard times and failures in Missouri. These debts were all looked
up and paid off. The Governor then retired to his farm in Napa Valley,
where he lived until he died in 1861. Among the many official acts
of ex-Governor Boggs, while acting as Alcalde in the occupation of
California by the United States authorities, and before the organiza-
tion of any State Government, was that of performing the marriage
ceremony, which duty he took great pleasure in doing, and on many
occasions would ride twenty-five or thirty miles on horseback to ac-
commodate parties who wished to be united in wedlock ; and the Gov-
ernor being the only judicial officer at that time, and, in fact, the only
authority outside of the Catholic Church, was frequently called upon to
perform that important ceremony. Among those whom he united in wed-
lock was Dr. Robert Semple, of Benicia, to Miss Frances Cooper, daughter
of the venerable pioneer, Stephen Cooper, of Colusa County. Dr. Semple
being the founder of the city of Benicia, and Mr. Cooper the first to erect
a hotel in the place about the year 1848. The Governor rode from
Sonoma to Benicia on horseback to perform the marriage ceremony. He
also married William Edgington, Esq., an old resident of Napa County, to
Miss Nancy Grigsby, daughter of Captain John Grigsby, one of the Bear
Flag party. These families are now living in Napa. David Hudson to
Miss Griffith, and Judge James H. McCord to Miss Griffith, all of Napa
County, and have large families. The Governor always set a good example
to the bridegroom, by first saluting the bride with a kiss. This little joke
was always well received by the bridal party, as he had a happy way of
pleasing all present with his familiarity. He was assisted principally in his
mercantile business at Sonoma by his son, Albert G. Boggs, who for years
was County Treasurer of Napa County, and who yet resides in Napa City,
attending to the duties of that office. As a farmer the Governor was not an
expert ; he followed farming more from taste than as a profit. He was fond
of seeing good farming, and was a great admirer of fine stock. He at one
time, about the year 1852, sent his son Albert, with his elder brother Thomas,
to Missouri with some $15,000 to purchase blooded cattle. They succeeded
in bringing across the plains a drove of fine Durham cattle, to Napa County,
25
386 Histoiy of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
purchased from the best stock-raisers in Missouri and Kentucky, and from
this drove Napa County stock was much improved. About the year 1860
his health began to fail ; his physicians pronounced his complaint dropsy of
the heart, which caused him much trouble for nearly a year. His strong
constitution bore up against this distressing malady for many months of
suffering, but it finally terminated his life at his farm in Napa Valley, March
19, 1861. His correspondence with the leading men of the country brought
him many letters from distinguished persons, one dated at Copenhagen, from
the secretary of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquarians, written April
21, 1840, informing him of his election by that society to number among its
members his name. This document is partly in the Danish language, and
is a beautiful specimen of penmanship — signed by the president and secre-
tary of the society, with the seal of the society attached. Their object in
making Governor Boggs a member of their society was in furtherance of
perpetuating the pre-Columbian history of America. This letter was found
among some of his old papers in a good state of preservation. His remains
were removed from the farm to the Tulucay Cemetery at Napa City. His
wife survived him until September 23, 1880, and their remains rest side by
side in the family lot near the center of the cemetery.
BORREO, F. Was bom in Italy, November 24, 1837. In 1851 he
went to sea, which life he followed for about one year ; then came to Cali-
fornia. He went up the Sacramento River, and followed fishing for the
Stockton market for about two years. We next find him in Shasta, where
mining was followed until 1857 or 1858, when he returned to Stockton.
Here he engaged in the vegetable business for one year ; then followed the
grocery business until 1860. He then went to Virginia City, and was en-
gaged in mining two years ; then engaged in the grocery business again for
a short time ; then mined for one year, after wThich he opened a restaurant,
and conducted it for a few months. He next opened a billiard saloon,
which he run until 1866, when he came to Napa, where he is engaged in
the grocery business, dealing also in wood, coal and liquor, as well as in
farming. Married in 1865 Miss Mary Arata. They have five children :
Josephine, Nellie, Mary, William and Ernest.
BOUNSALL, R. C. Was born in Canada, January 12, 1852. In 1870
he went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and engaged in the hardware business.
In January, 1874, he came to California. He spent the first year in San
Francisco, engaged in his business ; and in the spring of 1875 he came to
Napa County, and worked on the Insane Asylum. He then worked in St.
Helena for about six months. March 16, 1877, he came to Calistoga, and
embarked in his present business — tin and hardware — associated with his
brother, J. C. Bounsall, under the firm name of Bounsall Bros. They have
recently erected a fine building.
Biographical Sketches. 387
BOUNSALL, J. C. Was born in Rochester, New York, July 21, 1848.
At the age of three years, he, with his parents, moved to Hamilton, Canada.
At the age of sixteen he went to sea as a sailor, which he followed for two
years during the summer season, and was engaged in lumbering during
the winter. He then moved to Wisconsin, and at the end of four years
began farming near Waupun, that State. He then went to Oshkosh and
remained there till December 12, 1876, when he came to California. He
first settled in Humboldt County, where he remained for two years, when
he came to Calistoga, where he is engaged in mining. He was married June
18, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Ford, a native of New York. Their children are,
Charles J., Georgiana, and Florence L.
BOOTH, JAMES RILEY, (deceased). Was born in Patrick County,
Virginia, March 1, 1822, and resided in his native State until he was eight
years of age. Then his parents moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and
there remained until 1852. Then, with his family, he came across the plains
to Marion County, Oregon. There the subject of this sketch embarked in
farming and mercantile pursuits until 1867, when he came to California,
locating in Suisun Valley. He remained there until 1871, when the family
moved to their present home of nine hundred acres. He was married
October 26, 1843, to Miranda Williams, who was born in Jackson County,
Missouri, December 7, 1827. There are eight living children : Clayton A,
born October 24, 1849 ; Sabin A., born July 26, 1851 ; Jedediah, born Jan-
uary 17, 1854 ; Sarah M., born November 25, 1855 ; Alfred, born June 25,
1857 ; Rosetta, born March 27, 1859 ; Meta M., born October 8, 1862 ; Nellie,
born February 25, 1866.
BALDRIDGE, WILLIAM. This worthy pioneer of pioneers, whose
portrait we take pleasure in presenting to our readers in the body of this
work, was born near Newport, Cocke County, Eastern Tennessee, December
2, 1811, and is the son of James and Mary Thrash Baldridge. His father was
of the Scotch-Irish descent. He remained at his birthplace until 1819, when
he started West with his father's family, and arrived in Missouri January 2,
1820, settling in Saline County. At the age of seventeen he went to learn
the mill-wright's trade, under an Englishman by the name of Michael Rice.
He followed that business in various places in La Fayette and Jackson
Counties, Missouri, and in the Indian Territory (now Kansas), until 1843.
In 1830 he spent a night at a hotel in Lexington, Missouri, and there heard
a man by the name of Mills, who was a partner of the famous William
Sublette, telling wonderful stories about California, and giving a glowing
description of the country generally. He said that he had been out there
for the purpose of buying mules for the firm of which he was a partner.
This set Mr. Baldridge to thinking that he would like to pay the country a
388 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
visit, and determined that, should an opportunity present itself, he should
certainly embrace it to come out. At the close of the Florida War Colonel
J. B. Chiles returned home a well and hearty man, having been afflicted
very severely with dyspepsia before that, and he attributed his cure to the
fact of his rough life during the time of his service, and was loth to go back
to his former habits of life, lest his old affliction should come upon him. In
the course of a conversation with him, Mr. Baldridge told him what he had
heard about California, and proposed that they pay the country a visit. To
this the Colonel readily assented, and all arrangements were made for
starting out on the trip in 1841. Mr. Baldridge was detained, however, on
account of a mill which he had on hand, and was under contract to com-
plete. Colonel Chiles, however, proceeded to organize the company, and
crossed the Plains during that season. There came with him Charles Hop-
per, lately deceased, and for years a resident of Napa County, John Bidwell,
Andrew, Samuel and Benjamin Kelsey, three brothers, and others, whose
names are not now at hand. Benjamin Kelsey brought his wife along with
them, and she was the first white woman other than Spanish ever in Cali-
fornia. In 1842 Colonel Chiles returned to Missouri, and gave a good
account of his trip to California. In the spring of 1843 a party was made
up, consisting of Colonel J. B. Chiles, William Baldridge, Thomas Wesley
Bradley, afterwards a resident of Contra Costa County, Jesse Beasley, Wil-
liam Hicks, who subsequently lived on the Cosumnes River, San-
ford, Major Walton, who had come to California with Colonel Chiles in
1841 and returned with him in 1842, P. B. Reading, Samuel J. Hensley,
who afterwards lived and died in San Jos^, Atkinson, commonly
called " Old Wheat," on account of his sterling worth of character, Julius
Martin, the pioneer of Gilroy, Santa Clara County, Mrs. Martin and their
two children, Bartlett Vines, son-in-law of George C. Yount, Mrs. Vines
and their two children, Miss Elizabeth Yount, who subsequently married J.
C. Davis, Adam Fisher, Milton McGee, William Martin, who was the
Colonel of the Oregon emigration, Captain John Grant, formerly an officer
in the United States regular army, now dead and buried in the graveyard
at Yountville, Milton Little, Charles Mcintosh, John Conn, of Conns Val-
ley, since deceased, James, John, Squire and Isaac Williams, four brothers,
who afterwards settled at Santa Cruz. This list comprises the whole party,
with perhaps one or two exceptions. The party left Westport, Missouri, May
30, 1843, with a full equipment for the long and tedious trip over new and
undiscovered routes and mountain passes. They passed up the Platte by old
Fort Laramie, on the north fork of that river ; thence to Fort Bridger; thence
to Fort Hall. Here the party divided, Chiles, Hensley, Reading, Grant,
Bradley, McGee, and the four Williams brothers going on ahead on horse-
back, by way of Fort Boise, Idaho, to the head of Pitt River, and thence
*&l/lst^>
aphical Sketches. 389
down the Sacramento to Sutters Fort. The object of dividing the party-
was, that those who remained with the teams might have provisions enough
to last them through. The horseback party secured their own provisions as
they went along. At Fort Laramie the party had secured the services of
that noted old trapper and hunter Joseph Walker, to pilot them through the
mountains, paying him the sum of $300 therefor. From Fort Hall the
party with the teams, of which Mr. Baldridge was one, proceeded to the
Humboldt River, near the head of the north fork, and followed that stream
to the sink ; thence south by way of Carson, Walker, and Owens Lakes, on
the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At Owens Lake they left
their wagons, not being able to proceed further with them. They had with
them a full set of saw-mill irons, including three sash saws, and these were
cached there. Some years ago some miners unearthed them, and they were
the subject of much speculation as to how they got there, and who could
have buried them in that out of the way place. They then packed their
goods on mules and rode their horses, and proceeded on their way. They
went along on the eastern side of the Sierras until they came to what is
known as Walker's Pass, east of where Visalia now stands. Here they
crossed the mountains, arriving at the summit at eleven o'clock, December
S, 1843. The snow was then six inches deep, and soon after it was so deep
as to bar the passage altogether. They pushed on into the valley, and
then started for Sutters Fort. Walker insisted on crossing the Tulare Val-
ley, stating that there was an abundance of game in the mountains on the
west side of it, and water in it. So finally they consented to go, and they
were three days and nights without anything to eat or any water to drink,
the valley proving to be a barren desert. Colonel Chiles and his party
arrived some time previous to this at Sutters Fort, and with three men he
proceeded to Walkers Pass to meet the party, but failed to find them. At
the end of the third day Mcintosh succeeded in killing a mountain sheep,
which was the first thing they had found that was eatable during the trip
across the valley. When they got to the west side of the valley they found
game very plentiful, consisting of deer and antelope, which were as thick as
sheep, also wild horses, which were very fat, and so palatable that their meat
was preferred to that of either deer or antelope. Walker kept bearing off to
the westward, and the first they knew they were very close to Monterey. Mr.
Baldridge and Atkinson went to that place to purchase passports, and it took
them three days to get them, owing to the indolence and indifference of the
Mexican officials. At last, growing exasperated, he used some Saxon oaths
which had the desired result. By this time the rest of the party had gotten
so far away that they never saw them again as a whole. Julius Martin and
others stopped in that vicinity or a little farther north, while others came
on to Sutters Fort. Mr. Baldridge and " Old Wheat " came up to Gilroy's,
390 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and there they met with James M. Hudspeth, now a resident of Green Valley,
Sonoma County, and Alexander Copeland, who were at work at that place,
and they provided them with fresh horses and escorted them as far as the
Pueblo de San Jose". Chas. Weaver then took them to Juan (John) Liver-
more's place, and thence they proceeded across the San Joaquin River, near
where Stockton now stands, and thence to Sutters Fort, where they met
the most of their party, and also Colonel Chiles, who had returned from
Walkers Pass. Just at this time General Sutter was about to dispatch the
schooner " Sacramento," a craft which had been included in his famous pur-
chase of the Russian effects at Fort Ross in 1841, to Napa Embarcadero to get
lime from Nicolas Higuerra, and Colonel Chiles, Mr. Baldridge, Miss Yount,
and the Vines family were given passage upon the vessel. But all this
tedious journey was not without its pleasures and its romances as well, one
of the latter of which it is well to record in this connection. When the
party had gotten well out upon the plains they fell in with an Englishman
and his family, consisting of a wife and a sixteen-year old daughter, by the
name of Eyer, who were bound for Oregon. The man was brutally cruel
towards his family, it being no uncommon thing for him to severely casti-
gate both wife and daughter. Mr. Baldridge was younger then than he is
now, and his heart may have been a little more tender, and his sym-
pathies a little more easily wrought upon ; but be that as it may, he saw
a sweet-faced, innocent girl subjected to the brutal treatment of a
father with a vicious and capricious temper, and his chivalrous nature
resented the insult thus given to injured innocence, and he resolved
to liberate the girl from the abject bondage of her inhuman father. He
asked Mrs. Julius Martin if she would take the girl in her charge and
care for her on the way to California if he could succeed in inducing
her to come with them. To this that excellent lady readily consented, so
he proceeded to the camp of the Eyer family, and consulted the mother on
the subject. She was only too glad to give the girl a chance to escape the
outbursts of the father's wrath, and the consequent punishments. He then
made the proposition to the girl, who "jumped at the chance " to get out of
the reach of her father's stinging lash and heavy fist. Accordingly, she
was transferred, bag and baggage, to the California party ; and the poor
mother was left to bear the brunt of rage, which evidently welled up in
torrents when the father discovered what had taken place. When the
Martin family decided to stop at Gilroy, Miss Yount prevailed upon the
girl, Mary Eyer, to accompany her to her father's home in Napa Valley ;
and accordingly, when Mr. Baldridge arrived at Sutters Fort, he found them
both at that place. We now leave our heroine, for we must go to look for
the hero. While Mr. Baldridge has already shown himself a true hero, and
was destined to do yet more noble and unselfish deeds, yet he is not the hero
Biographical Sketches. • 391
of this truthful romance. We must go back twelve years, and take the
reader to the then frontier town of Lexington, Missouri, then the rendez-
vous of many of the trapping and hunting parties that made periodical
peregrinations into the almost unknown, and but little traveled, mountains
and wildernesses that lay beyond toward the setting sun. In 1831, there
arrived in Lexington a party of thirty men, under command of Captain
Wyatt, bound for Oregon. They were all old sailors, and were dressed in
uniform as marines., and marched out of town in grand style, and on into
the dim haze of the wide, outstretching prairie. Along with the party, in
the capacity of private secretary and book-keeper for Captain Wyatt, was
a young Scotchman, of genteel appearance, and a man of evident intelli-
gence. His name was John Cinclair. Among those who stood upon the
street, and saw this party pass through the town of Lexington, was Wil-
liam Baldridge, then a stripling boy of only twenty summers. The party
passed on, and of its history but little is known. Captain Wyatt was the
man who built Fort Hall. Cinclair went to Oregon, and thence to the
Sandwich Islands, where he was married to a Kanaka or native woman.
He then came to San Francisco, and engaged in business; and finally
located on the place now known as Sinclair's ranch, near Sacramento ; and
was at Sutters Fort when the party, of which Mr. Baldridge was a member,
arrived. In the meantime his Kanaka wife had died leaving one child, a
bright girl of some five years, who could talk almost a language for each
year of her life. In Mr. Baldridge 's protege-, his veritable "Prairie Flower,"
Cinclair saw all that his heart desired, a woman of his own language and
blood, and he forthwith laid seige for her hand and heart. Like the dutiful
child that she was, she consulted her guardian, Mr. Baldridge, who after
making due inquiries in regard to the character he sustained, gave his con-
sent, and they were married, and the match proved to be a fortuitous one
in every respect. Truly " there is a destiny that shapes our ends, rough hew
them though we may." Mr. Baldridge worked at his trade of mill-wright
for the first year or two after his arrival here. In 1845 Colonel Chiles and
he made preparations to put up a mill in Santa Clara County, getting out
all the timbers and shafting at the Yount Saw Mill, but the Micheltoreno
Revolution broke out at that time, and the project had to be abandoned. In
1845 Colonel Chiles got his grant from the Mexican Government for the
Catacula Rancho, and Mr. Baldridge being a partner in it, they went upon it
and began operations, taking a band of cattle into the valley and building
a house there. In 1846 the indistinct mutterings of threatening troubles
with the Mexicans began to be heard, and the American settlers were all
agog to learn what it would culminate in. Neighbors lived far apart, and
communication between them was rare, especially in such out of the way
places as Chiles Valley. One day in June, Mr. Baldridge and Mr. Thomas
392 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Wesley Bradley, took a mule and went over to the Sandstone Mountains,
(the Blue Ridge,) east of Berryessa Valley, to get some grindstones which
he had previously cut out. Two poles were cut and fastened on either side
of the mule like the thills of a buggy, and the ends were allowed to drag on
the ground. The stones were lashed securely to these poles, and a genuine
Indian vehicle was thus constructed. That night they camped on the west
side of Putah Creek in a clump of ■willows, and while sitting by the fire
after partaking of their evening repast, and discussing the aspect of the
impending difficulties with the Mexicans, Mr. Baldridge spoke up suddenly
and said, " We will know all about it before we leave this camp."
"Why, what makes you think so," exclaimed his companion. "I don't
know," he replied, " but something tells me that we will." They
continued talking for perhaps an hour, when they suddenly heard the
tramp of horses' feet, and some one shout out, " Hold up ; don't come here."
They recognized the voice of Captain John Grigsby, and immediately went
to him, making themselves known. He was accompanied by William Elliott,
and they had been to Sutters Fort to have a consultation with General
Fremont, and were then passing back into Napa Valley by this little-fre-
quented route, and in the night, so as to avoid being seen by the Mexicans
and thus arousing their suspicions. The trail led up to a steep bank of the
creek, and turned abruptly to one side and passed down into it; but Grigsby's
horse had gone right over the bank in the dark, hence the exclamation
quoted above. And so Mr. Baldridge's prophecy was fulfilled there and
then. Who can tell whence came the impression that so soon became a
verity ? Mr. Baldridge proceeded home, and, on the day following the cap-
ture of Sonoma, he and Colonel Chiles started for Sutters Fort, being
anxious to join Fremont's force and engage in the active campaign. That
night they stopped at William Gordon's on Cache Creek, and during the
night a courier came by on his way to Fremont's camp, stating that a large
force of Mexicans were marching toward Sonoma for the purpose of recap-
turing it. Mr. Baldridge and Colonel Chiles set out at once to go to the
relief of the American party, and arrived at Sonoma on the 16th. He
remained at the town of Sonoma until Fremont started to Sutters Fort to
begin the active campaign. The 4th of July was celebrated at Sonoma,
and the Declaration of Independence was read by Lieutenant Woodworth,
of the United States Navy, from a book belonging to Mr. Baldridge, which
he had brought across the plains, and which he still has in his possession as
a relic of those by-gone days. On the 5th an organization of the American
volunteers was effected. Mr. Baldridge was chosen chairman of the meet-
ing which was held for this purpose, and John Bidwell was secretaiy. The
force was divided into three companies, and the captains were voted for viva
voce, resulting in the election of John Grigsby — who remained in charge of
Biographical Sketches. 393
Sonoma with his company — and John Ford and Granville P. Swift, who
took their companies upon the campaign with Fremont. Mr. Baldridge was
elected orderly sergeant of Captain Swift's company at this time. On the
6th the whole force, including Fremont's men and the volunteers, took up
the line of march for Sutters Fort. Fremont and his men went by way of
Soscol, Green Valley, and Knights Landing, while the two companies
passed through Berryessa Valley, for the purpose of gathering up some
horses. They found none, however. They proceeded down Cache Creek
to a point opposite Sutters Fort, where they crossed the river in small
boats. They dismounted, and began making preparations for camping near
the fort. Mr. Baldridge, desiring to procure some supplies from the fort,
took his rifle in his hand and proceeded to the door, which, to his great
surprise, he not only found shut, but also barricaded. This was an unu-
sual state of affairs, for the doors of the fort usually stood open for all who
chose to enter. He knocked loudly at the door, and an Indian, who was a
guard, told him that he could not enter. Just then General Sutter opened
the wicket of the door, and on seeing who it was, opened the door, saying :
" I surrender to you ; I held out as long as I could, but you were too strong
for me." Mr. Baldridge could not make out the meaning of such a queer
expression, for there stood two large field pieces facing the door, besides
other guns at the embrasures, and a lot of small arms. The truth was that
Sutter was a Mexican officer, and as such had to make a show of resistance,
at least, to the " Americanos," although he was heart and soul in sympathy
with them. And so it was that the subject of this sketch added one more
romantic adventure to his already long list, and to him can truly be given
the honor and credit of capturing a well armed fortress single-handed.
A man by the name of William Scott brought the news of the war with
Mexico to Sutters Fort. From that place Mr. Baldridge proceeded with Fre-
mont's Battalion to Monterey, where he was first appointed and then elected
by the members of the company to the position of Lieutenant of Company
" C," Fremont's Battalion, which position he honorably filled till the close
of the war. From Monterey they went in vessels to San Diego, and there
made an incursion or two into the interior, but were not in any very hard-
fought battles, and were at Cauango at the time of the surrender. It was
generally supposed by the soldiers that they would see Pico's forces drawn
up in grand airay, and that they would march into camp and lay their
arms at the feet of the victors, as they had seen pictures in their old his-
tories of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. What, however, was
their surprise and consternation, about 10 o'clock in the morning, to see
a couple of " Greasers " come over the hill, each with a riata fastened to
the horn of his saddle, to the other end of which was a mountain howitzer.
That virtually closed the war on California soil. At San Diego the marines
394 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
were taken ashore first, to captui-e the place, and the volunteers were kept
in the background. In the plaza a crowd of people congregated to see the
strange soldiers, and among them was a dashing-looking personage, mounted
on a well caparisoned horse. Finally, he attracted the attention of
Lieutenant of Marines Maddox, and he inquired who he was. The man
overheard the inquiry and answered, " I am Andreas Pico, and I will see
you later." With this he rode away, leaving the Lieutenant to swear at his
own stupidity in not being able to capture the leader of the Mexican forces
when he was in the midst of his vaunted marines. Mr. Baldridge assisted
in constructing the breastworks that are still to be seen on Fort Hill, in
Los Angeles. At the close of the war he returned to civil pursuits, and in
1852 moved upon his present place, and has since followed farming and
stock raising, and is to-day one of Napa's most honored and respected
citizens, and a gentleman it is certainly a pleasure to meet. He is a Master
Mason, and is an honorary member of Jerusalem Lodge, No. 1, organized in
that city by Robert Morris, in 1875, being probably the only member of
that lodge in California. He is still unmarried.
BARNETT, ELIAS JOEL. Son of Jesse and Lavinia Clark Barnett,
was born in Pine Grove, in Lawrence County, Ohio, June 19, 1849, where
he resided till the spring of 1851, when, with his parents, he moved to
Hanging Rock, same county ; and at the end of one year they moved to
Haverhill, Scioto County. In 1854, with his parents, he crossed the plains
to California, and settled in Pope Valley, and resided with his parents till
1875, when he began for himself, purchasing at that time his present estate,
consisting of three hundred and twenty acres of land, where he has since
been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Barnett marrien October
10, 1875, Miss Anna Wallace, who was born in Benton County, Arkansas,
March 23, 1849. By this union, they have Ida May, born August 18, 1876 ;
Henry, born October 31, 1878 ; Ada Lena, born January 13, 18S1.
BAILEY, PETER D. A native of Ireland, emigrated to America in
1841 and settled in Ohio. His occupation while in that State was assistant
engineer on the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike road, and school teaching.
In November, 1844, he moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and there
engaged in buying and selling real estate, and school teaching. May 10,
1849, he started with a pack train across the plains to California, arriving
in Sacramento August 8th of that year. From Sacramento he proceeded
to the mines on the Yuba River, where he mined till November 1st. He
then came to Napa and remained till the spring of 1850, when he once more
returned to the mines on Feather River, where he remained till October.
He then returned to Napa and embarked in farming, which he continued
till 1876. He then retired from business, since which time he has not been
engaged in any business whatever. Mr. Bailey is unmarried.
Biographical Sketches. 395
BROWN, JACOB B. Was born in St. Martins, New Brunswick. Re-
sided at his birthplace until fourteen years of age. At the age of eighteen
months his father died, leaving his mother with a family of twelve children.
The mother died when he was seventeen years of age. Then moved to St.
Johns, New Brunswick, and was bound an apprentice to a firm named
Harris & Adams. Served six years, three years in a blacksmith shop, and
three years in a machine shop. At the expiration of that time he per-
suaded his brother, W. H. Brown, to start in business, which he did, and
worked in company with him for two years. Then started for Boston,
Massachusetts. He worked in Boston and Chelsea at three dollars per day.
December 4, 1849, started for Bath, Maine, and sailed in the bark " Emma "
for California, under contract with a company that brought out the steamer
" H. T. Clay," to pay his passage on which he agreed to work thirty days,
putting the machinery in said boat. He worked his thirty days, and at the
expiration of that time he was paid three hundred dollars a month to finish
putting in machinery and run the same from San Francisco to Sacramento.
February 1, 1851, he started for the mines, on the north fork of Yuba
River, Poverty Bar, and worked three months. He then returned to San
Francisco and placed his money in the bank, and continued his trade
of machinist and blacksmith, receiving eight dollars a day for several
months. He then moved to Bidwells Bar, and embarked in mining, re-
maining there until the first of June, 1852. On the discovery of the " Rich
Bar diggings," on Butte Creek, he proceeded there, but remained only a
short time, having but little success. He drew his money out of Adams
Express Company's Bank only a few days before that institution failed.
He then removed to Scotts Bar on the north fork of the Yuba, and con-
tinued mining, having to put in a flume, and paid one hundred dollars per
thousand for the lumber, and then carrying it one mile from the top of the
mountain. Having finished the construction of the flume he proceeded to
work, and washed one pan of dirt, which cleared him sixty dollars. A
heavy storm coming on the river rose to a torrent, and the trees floating
down carried away his flume. Mr. Brown again found himself financially
ruined and fifty dollars in debt. Borrowing some money he again returned
to Bidwells Bar, where he got employment in a saw mill at one hundred
and fifty dollars a month. He remained there until the spring of 1853, the
company then failing. He then started a blacksmith shop at Bidwells
Bar under the firm name of Brown & Spear, continuing until 1854, when
he was burned out, again losing nearly everything. He then mined awhile
at a new digging called " Sky High," meeting with good success, and then
bought an interest in a hotel, the " Mountain House No. 1," eighteen miles
from Bidwells Bar, and followed this with good success until the following
spring, and then sold out. He then bought a train of pack mules, which he
396 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ran for three years. He followed mining and running hotel until I860,
when we next find him erecting a quartz mill at Bull Frog, Plumas
County, running it but a short time. He again bought a lot of pack mules,
and continued packing until 1864. He then moved to Indian Valley,
Plumas County, and started a blacksmith shop, and here he continued until
1874. He then sold out on account of ill-health, and moved to Napa
Valley, locating in Calistoga, and continued at his trade, and in 1876 bought
• his present property, erecting thereon the buildings he now occupies, and is
now doing a prosperous business. Mr. Brown married in Taylorville,
Plumas County, in March, 1869.
BUSSENIUS, H. K. The subject of this sketch was born in Hanover,
Germany, Province Hanover, August 31, 1820, and there received his edu-
cation at the Gymnasium in Liineburg, and afterward graduated from the
Johanneum College, in the spring of 1840. The following five years Mr.
Bussenius spent in visiting different parts of the globe, arriving in San
Diego in March, 1841, and spent some two years on this coast and in Central
America. In 1845 he returned to his native country. He graduated as
apothecary in Hanover, and engaged in the drug business for three years.
In February, 1848, Mr. Bussenius again crossed the ocean to America, first
locating in Wisconsin, and engaged in farming, where he resided for one
year; but the climate proving too cold and severe for him, he then, in com-
pany with his brother, started for California, crossing the plains and arriv-
ing September 20, 1849, and first located in Nevada County, where he was
engaged in mining, and afterward in a drug store in Nevada City, until 1873.
We next find Mr. Bussenius in St. Helena, Napa County, engaged in his
present business of druggist, on the corner of Main street and Railroad
avenue. Mr. Bussenius was united in marriage in Nevada County, at
Blue Tent, December 26, 1861, to Miss Johanna Gebhard, daughter of Mrs.
Dr. Pfeiffer Stone, Oakland, a native of Mainz, Germany. The names of
their children are Robert, Adolph, Lillie, and Ernst.
BRUN, JEAN ADOLPH. This gentlemen, whose portrait appears in
the body of this work, was born in France, July 25, 1845, and is the son of
Jean Biun and Jeanne Delphine Delaveaux. He resided in France until
1872, having had much experience in his native country in wine, cider, and
oil making. In the last-named year he came to Montreal, Canada, where
he remained for fourteen months, being engaged in the manufacture of pho-
tographic materials. He then went to England, and after a stay of thirty
days in that country he sailed for Australia. Here he engaged in the same
business, and continued in it for eight months. In September, 1874, he
came to California, and shortly afterward came to Napa County, and began
as a laborer, beintr enira<red in several cellars as wine-maker. In 1877 he
Biographical SketcJus. 397
formed a partnership with Mr. Jean Chaix, and began his wine cellar at
Oakville, a full description of which will be found in the proper place. In
1870 Mr. Brun took an active part in the great Franco-Prussian war, being
in the service for a period of sixteen months. He was married October 23,
1880, to Miss Emma Mermoud, who was born in San Francisco, September
10, 1860.
BERINGER, JACOB L. Was born in Mainz, Germany, May 4, 1845,
and is the son of Louis and Marie Gruber Beringer. He resided at his birth-
place until he was twenty years of age, receiving in the meantime his edu-
cation and also learning the cooper's trade and wine-making. In 1865 he
went to Berlin and there took charge of a wine cellar for Messrs. Tim &
Kloske, in which capacity he spent two years. In 1867 he went back to
Mainz and took charge of the wine cellar of J. A. Harth & Co., where he
had learned his trade. In 1868 he came to New York and was engaged by
Truchess & Winkenbach as foreman in their wine cellar and remained with
them for one year. He then opened a depot for German wines and the
famous seltzer water, whicli he maintained until 1872. He then came to
California and took charge of Charles Krug's wine cellar and retained that
position until 1878. In 1877 he erected his present cellar, and in the fol-
lowing year he moved upon his place and has since then been engaged in
the manufacture of wine. A full description - of the place will be found
elsewhere. The senior member of the firm is Frederick Beringer, the well-
known malt dealer of No. 40 Whitehall street, New York. Mr. Beringer
was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees of St. Helena in 1878.
He was married April 5, 1879, to Miss Agnes Tscheinig, a native of Austria,
who was born February 19, 1853. They had one child, which died in its
infancy.
BATEMAN, JOHN. This respected citizen of Napa County is a native
of Jefferson County, New York, and was born October 29, 1821. At the
age of ten years, his parents moved to Herkimer Count}', same State, where
the subject of this sketch was educated, and employed on his father's farm
until March 4, 1849. On that date he sailed from New York, via Vera
Cruz, for the land of gold, arriving in San Francisco in June of the same
year. He first found employment in Sutter's saw mill, El Dorado County,
for a short time, receiving in compensation twenty dollars per day. Mr.
Bateman, thinking this was making money too slow, embarked in min-
ing, in which he was successful ; and in September, 1850, he returned to his
home in the East, where he sojourned for four months. He returned to
San Francisco, and in 1854 paid another visit to his home in the East.
This time he was married, and after a stay of eighteen months, once more
returned to this coast, locating in Big Valley, Lake County, and
398 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the dairy business, which he successfully prosecuted for ten years. April,
18G6, found Mr. Bateman located in Napa Valley, engaged in agricultural
pursuits ; and in the spring of 1880 he purchased his present valuable farm
of one hundred and thirty -six acres, and is now chiefly engaged in vinicul-
ture. Mr. Bateman was united in marriage in Herkimer County, New
York, in February, 1855, to Mrs. Catherine Willoughby, a native of that
State, and by this union they have one son, Henry.
BELL, ROBERT B. Was born on Prince Edwards Island, Dominion
of Canada, November 10, 1854, and remained in his birthplace until he
was eighteen years of age. He then came to California, arriving on this
Coast in June, 1873, and first located in Aptos, Santa Cruz County. Remain-
ing there but a short time, he, in the following September, moved to Napa
County and to St. Helena. He first found employment on a dairy ranch,
where he remained about eighteen months, and then accepted a situation as
salesman in D. B. Carver's store, a position he held almost two years. His
next move was to Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, where he was a member
of the firm of Grant & Co. in the livery business, and in this firm he con-
tinued for two years. At the end of this time he returned to St. Helena,
and again to his former position as clerk for D. B. Carver. August 20, 1879,
Mr. Bell, in company with C N. Hale, opened their now extensive grocery
business, under the firm name of Hale & Bell, and is now enjoying a good
patronage, and the confidence of the whole community in which he lives.
Mr. Bell was united in marriage in St. Helena, March 4, 1881, to Miss Eva
F. Risley, a native of St. Helena, California.
BENNETT, JAMES N. Was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 7,
1816. In 1841 he moved to Illinois, and in 1851 he crossed the plains with
ox teams to California, arriving in Sonoma Valley September 19th of that
year. He first located at Sonoma, where he spent one year. He then went
to Bennett Valley, being the first settler in the valley and the man for whom
it was named. In 1857 he moved two miles below Santa Rosa, and in No-
vember, 1859, he moved to his present place, two miles north of Calistoga>
which consists of ninety-six acres, a portion of which is in vineyard. He
was married October 28, 1841, to Miss Catherine Clark, a native of Clermont
County, Ohio. Their children are, Thomas J., Reuben W., Isaac N., Harriet
T., now Mrs. Northupp, Junius J., Laura A. and Oliver P.
BARNETT, JESSE. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears
in this work, was born in Johnson County, Kentucky, February 25, 1826,
where he lived until 1831. In that year his parents moved to Missouri and
settled in what was then Jackson County, now Van Buren County, where
they remained until 1836. In that year they removed to Scioto County,
"(HL&flJi ¥uZ£<*u^\
Biographical Sketches. 399
Ohio, where he resided until he started for California, which occurred in
1854. He crossed the plains and on his arrival in this State he immediately
proceeded to Pope Valley, and in the fall of 1855 Mr. Barnett settled on his
present ranch of one thousand acres, and is engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He was married September 28, 1848, to Miss Lavina Clark,
who was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, January 16, 1828, and by this
union they have seven living children : Elias J., Mary E., James P., William
A., Jesse W., Samuel P. and Margaret L.
BURGESS, CHARLES M. Son of Luce and Wealthy Huntsley Bur-
gess, was born in Ontario County, New York, August 11, 1836, where he
resided until he was twenty-two years of age. He then sailed from New
York January 16, 1858, for the Golden State, coming via Panama, and
arriving in the metropolis of the Pacific Coast February 18th of the above
year. Remaining in San Francisco a short time, he went to Butte County
and engaged in mining, and prosecuted that business for two years. We
next find Mr. Burgess in San Francisco, in the employ of Mr. Lusk, then
proprietor of a livery stable, and he remained in this place for eighteen
months. He next entered the employ of Connor & Nye, working in their
livery stable for a short time, and next was secured by the proprietor of the
Cliff House, as manager of the stable and sheds connected with that famous
resort, a position he filled some fifteen years. The subject of this sketch in
1868 paid a visit to his home in the East, where he remained some three
months and was there married. He then, with his bride, returned to this
coast, and in 1870 bought the property where he resides, consisting of one
hundred and thirty -seven acres, situated four miles south-east of Calistoga.
He did not, however, take up his residence here until 1880. He is now ex-
tensively engaged in viniculture, having some sixty acres of vines. Mr.
Burgess was united in marriage in Ontario County, New York, August 5,
1868, to Almira C Harmon, a native of that State. Their children are,
Wilfred H.born July 10, 1870; Gracie W., born September 19, 1872 ; Cora
S., born August 2, 1874 ; Edna M., born December 30, 1875.
BURBANK, CHARLES HENRY, (deceased). Was born in Chautau-
qua County, New York, August 7, 1825. Came to California in 1850, and
settled in the Sacramento Valley, where he resided for some time. He then
moved to Yolo County, where he followed farming until 1874, when he
moved to Chiles Valley, and continued farming until his death, which oc-
curred November 30, 1880. He was married October 29, 1875, to Miss
Clara Wescott. She still resides on her birthplace, where she was born
July 16, 1857. They had three children, John Albert, born August 29,
1876 ; George Henry, born August 11, 1878 ; Lena May, born January 14,
1881.
400 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
BIGGS, EBENEZER. Was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1826,
and is the son of James and Sarah Wilkins Biggs. At the age of seven years,
he, with his parents, emigrated West, and settled in Franklin County, Ohio,
where he resided till he was twenty-one years of age. In 1846, at the age of
twenty years, he took a drove of cattle, two hundred head, from Columbus.
Ohio, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was probably the first who, at such an
early age, was entrusted with a charge of such a nature. In 1848, he went to
Louisville, Kentucky, from thence to New Albany, Indiana, and, in connection
with Hugh Wilkins, opened an upholstery shop, fitting up several steamers
then running on the river. On the occasion of General Taylor's journey to
Washington to occupy the Presidential chair, he was one of the party who
went down the river from Louisville to escort the Genei'al to that place. In
February, 1849, he joined Capt. Hervey's emigrant company, and was a mem-
ber of the detachment sent to Missouri to purchase stock. In the same month
he went to Boonville, and there went into the country and bought forty
mules ; remained one month, and then proceeded to Independence. On this
trip occurred Mr. Bigg's first experience in camp-life, and with coyotes. On
Sunday, April 29, 1849, the party started in earnest from St. Joseph for
California, making fifteen miles on the first day, and that night he was elected
wagonmaster. On the day before arriving at Blue River, six of the six-mule
teams ran away, killing a man before they were gotten under control. While
at Blue River a storm arose, forcing the men in charge of an ox-team that
happened to be camping near by, to corral their cattle, the noise of which
led the guard of Mr. Bigg's company to imagine they were attacked by In-
dians. He gave the alarm, and called up all hands. One of the men, in tak-
ing his gun from the wagon, in some manner knocked the hammer, causing
the weapon, loaded with buckshot, to be discharged, the charge entering
the head of and killing a man, who was at a distance of thirty yards. Mr.
Biggs' experience with firearms was limited, so he armed himself with
what in his hands was a more destructive weapon, an axe, remarking,
" Boys, you shoot 'em down and I'll cut off their heads." At Deer Creek
the captain of the train took charge of a team, and while going down a hill
the mules became frightened and started to run. In attempting to check
them the Captain was thrown down and severely injured. His daughter
(Mrs. Lieutenant Thompson), jumped from the wagon, one of the wheels
running over and cutting off* a part of her ear. At Fort Laramie Mr. Biggs
and others withdrew from the company, and with one team came through
to California, arriving at Sacramento August 27, 1849. Mr. Biggs here
disposed of his team and as driver went into the employ of the purchaser.
This was the first team ever driven on the west side of the river from Sac-
ramento to Clear Creek. In six weeks he cleared one thousand dollars in
trading, etc. On his first trip he paid five dollars for a meal consisting of
Biographical Sketches. 401
crackers, bacon and three eggs, the eggs being charged for at the rate of one
dollar each — a fact which caused Mr. Biggs to open his eyes in astonishment,
inasmuch as, in the place from whence he came, eggs were retailing at
three cents per dozen. Nevertheless, the bill was paid without a murmur,
and our hero proceeded on his way, a wiser if not a richer man. From Sac-
ramento he went to Deer Creek, back to Sacramento, and then to Weaver-
town, remaining at the latter place during the winter of 1849-50. Leaving
Weavertown, he hired out as teamster at Coloma. Greenwood Valley was
his next objective point, at which place he entered the general merchandise
business in partnership with a Mr. Brown. In 1851 the partnership was
dissolved, and Mr. Biggs went into the packing and teaming business with
Samuel Ringold. Having disposed of this, they opened a livery business in
Sacramento, and in a few months Mr. Biggs became sole proprietor. Was
burned out in 1854. In 1856 he took charge of a stable at Folsom and re-
mained three years. In 1859 he came to Napa, and in the fall of that year
opened the American Stables, on the corner of Brown and Third streets.
In two years he was at his old vocation of teaming, which, together with
contracting, he has since followed. In 1872 he was elected Marshal of
Napa City, being the first such officer of the town. Although Mr. Biggs is
an ardent admirer of the fair sex, and has ever been most gallant to them,
yet he has proved callous to their wiles and remains a single man.
BARTH, G. Whose portrait appears in the body of this work,
was born in the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, November 16, 1821,
and is the youngest child of John and Henrietta Mellor Barth. His
father had a fine estate, and his dwelling was a castle. He first had a
private tutor, and at the age of fourteen entered the high school, which
he attended for two years. He was then sent by his father to super-
intend a large farming interest, where he remained for two years. He
then became administrator for several wealthy gentlemen. In 1854 he be-
came the owner of a large tract of land, and then, on account of failure of
crops, he lost everything he had. In 1859 he came to America, arriving in
San Francisco May 15th of that year. He spent the first two months in
this State in visiting all the prominent places in it, in company with the
Austrian Consul, Edward Vischer, General Cipriana, and Adolph Thomal.
He then went to San Mateo County, and began working on a farm for Mr.
Topas, where he remained for one year. He then came to Napa County,
and began working on a farm owned by Mr. Osborne, where he labored
faithfully until 1861. In October of that year he was married, and began
keeping a small boarding-house, which he continued until 1870. In that
year he went to Europe on a commission from Governor H. H. Haight, in
the behalf of the agricultural interests of California, where he had a pleasant
26
40*2 History of Napa and Lmke Cmmfifr— Nam
of the different, coun-
tries. He spent four months in Europe, and then returned, and has since
paid his attention chiefly to agricultural pursuits. He has a tract of three
: zzzzn : iz.L ~ :r : .:: - - :z. :i r: :~ 1- :. ~- :". H Ir-_ir. ;':. - "i^r-
he has a fine dk park ; also, four hundred and sixty acres of what is known
Salvador YaDejo Ranch, on which he has one hundred and fifty acres
of l»*n^ vines, and twenty-five acres of young Tines, and two fine wine-
■.■r.'.is-~ z ril. ': -: -7 : -;.;;";. -:.". "• : - - ::. --It zz.Zr: : ' :. - ~.z ----
''i;.r:-::-:::i:: : -- :": . ■ _?.ir. i :'. ::/:'!:-- ;:".:':";::- -■-.-;.. :.
:- -:.r:: '.zzzi zzz '. z -i.-r-: r:.- :': i- - :-. :- r. - j'.iz::^- -■":: - :r z. :: E-
has a fine brewery, also, a history of which will be found elsewhere. In
1880 he was a member of the City Council of Napa, one of die trustees of
the Bank of Napa, Aiarmm of the finance committee of said bank and
interested in the general advancement of the county and :.
married October 16, 1861, to Mrs. Mary Fhefier Shepherd, relict of Joseph
-:-:-! TIt-:.:.-; r -. . :-.: ~"i . /.ri - >" -
BOYCE WILLIAM P. The subject of this sketch was bom in Balti-
more, February 8, 1807, and is consequently now in L
At the age of fifteen be moved with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in
that ehy learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked
about eight years. He then, with his parents, moved and settled ia B
Clair County, TTHim«rj where he continued at his trade until April I
He then «iKatg«l in die Third Begiment. Illinois Yolunteers, and took part
in the Black Hawk '" : leaving the army he
traveled through several States, and finally settled in SheDsburg, Wisconsin,
and from that place, April 19, 1850, he started across ihe plains for Cali-
fornia,, first locating in this State at Hangtown, now Placerville, where he
remained a short time. He then followed mining at different places until
:«■-;-: ~'z.^z. ;_- r_:vrl - NIji . zzy . ■.■:.- :._- _-. I-I: -_.-- "•" -.-y z'z.iz. ir.
Napa County, now in Sonoma, where he remained for two years. He then
moved to Cahstoga, and purchased his present homestead in 1876. He was
elected to the office of Constable and has held the office of Deputy Sheriff
:'- -.':.:—- ,::---:■: :-.-_- -•-': I- ; '-.- z.zrr.r :. Lz. r -:-.-.-:■-"■ .: '...::. ':•
March 14, 1839, to Susan A. Beed, who was born in Kent-
union they have three living children : William E. Mary L and Jane F.
BrTTON. J. A. Was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, Februi _
1840. and resided in Ins native State until his thirteenth year, when, with
his parents, he moved to Scotland County. Missouri, and there he lived until
1867. He then moved to Lawrence County, that State, where he remained
until 1873, in which year he came to California and settled in Elrnira,
Solano County, and there began fainting which he followed until 1880.
Biographical Sketches. 403
He then moved to his present place in Wooden Valley, Napa County, where
he is now following the same business. Mr. Button married November 11,
1861, Miss M. E. Tillotson, who is a native of Scotland Count}-, Missouri,
born September 27, 1843, and by this union they have eight children :
Robert A., born August 3, 1862 ; Lubena I., born April 28, 1864 ; Martha
O., born November 11, 1866 ; Ellen, born October 15, 1871 ; William D.,
born October 28, 1873 ; Lydia, born June 25, 1875 ; George T., born May
30, 1877 ; James W., born May 20, 1879.
BROWNLEE, ROBERT. Emigrated to America in 1S36, and settled
in the city of New York, where he sojourned four months, working at his
trade of stone-cutter. In September of that year he proceeded to North
Carolina, and was employed for thirteen months in the capital of that State ;
at the expiration of which he moved to Arkansas, arriving in Little Rock
on Christmas day, 1837. He there prosecuted his calling for four years,
working on the Capitol and State Bank, when he embarked in the cultiva-
tion of land. In 1848 he retired from the occupation of farming, and
commenced prospecting for lead, getting blown up during this employment.
Mr. Brownlee was a resident of the State of Arkansas altogether thirteen
years. In 1849 the world was set agog by the discovery of gold in Cali-
fornia, and he was one of the many hardy sons of toil who crossed the
plains, enduring all its hardships, hoping occasionally against hope, and put-
ting aside any knowledge of fear, laboring incessantly to buoy up those who
were bordering on despair, allaying the woes of the suffering, and cheering
the despondent. In this year, after a journey occupying six months and a
half, coming by way of Santa Fe, this band crossed the Colorado River in
the latter end of August, and entered California, the land of promise, on
the first day of September, 1849. For days before this event, water with
them had been scarce, the canteens which they wore slung over their shoul-
ders being nearly empty ; at last, however, pools of water were discovered,
and he, riding at the head of the cavalcade, was the first to lave his parched
throat with the wearily looked-for liquid. Dipping his pan deep into the
pool, to procure the water in its coolest state, he found it on drinking to be
potently charged with alkab: ; to resort to the first rude method of counter-
action, namely, the eating of quantities of fat pork, was the work of a
moment, and he recovered ; not so two of the others, who, even when cau-
tioned, recklessly partook of the beverage, both dying in great suffering on
the evening of the same day. They were buried by their comrades, while
one of the number, gifted above his fellows with the power of speech, offered
up a prayer at their graves, which, for impressive eloquence, Mr. Brownlee
asserts he has never heard equalled. From the oldest to the youngest there
was not a dry cheek. Let us now follow the fortunes of Mr. Brownlee. He
404 History of Napa and Lake Counties— Napa.
arrived in Mariposa County in the first rains. He labored in the mines for
six days, in the first hour and a half of which he dug up $80 worth of ore,
his only implements being his jack-knife and tin pan. This was in Octo-
ber, 1849. With this sum he entered into partnership with John W. Clarke,
of Vermont, who had also been moderately lucky, purchased a team of six
pack-mules, and commenced what is known as a " packing " business, be-
tween Stockton and Ajuafria, two towns one hundred miles apart. The first
trip took these two pioneers some six weeks to accomplish. The roads were
so bad from the excessive rains that the. hardships endured were sufficient
to deter men of less perseverance. Always, at their destination, however,
such matters were treated lightly, for, after all, their business prospered, and
miners would pay SI. 25 per pound for tea and flour, while other necessa-
ries commanded as high a price. Mr. Brownlee thus describes some of his
experiences on this eventful first trip. On leaving the Stanislaus River, an
eight-mule team, drawing a boiler, was come up with, but such was the de-
plorable state of the roads that mules, boiler, and truck had sunk into the
mud, nothing being left to view but the heads of three mules and the high-
est point of the boiler. Here was a fix. What was to be done ? Quick of
resources, desperation lending wit to native acumen, the teamsters inconti-
nently drove their animals on to the boiler, from which perch they daintily
picked their steps on to the backs of their less fortunate brethren, one after
the other, until once more terra firma was regained. There were four of
'these adventurers — James McVicar, Mr. Brownlee, his partner, and a negro.
During a blinding snow storm they proceeded onward, and arrived at Dry
Creek, where each mule had to be repacked, the cargo having shifted, on
account of the many slips and falls which the quadrupeds had sustained.
On relieving them of their burdens and placing the sacks of flour on the
clay, the first two tiers sank out of sight, causing no inconsiderable damage.
There was not the wherewithal to build a fire whereby food might be pre-
pared, so they supped on flour, mixed with water and raw fat pork. Cold
and hungry, they lay on the saddle blankets, striving to wheedle the gentle
goddess— the four of them — Mr. Brownlee next to the negro. During the
nio-ht the snow and sleet ceased, and a hard frost set in, making the cold
intense. The water in a pair of long boots, the property of the darkey,
froze to a solid mass, which was not perceived until he had tried to put
them on ; but, whether on account of the size of his feet or the frigidity
and rigidity of the ice, they would not be coaxed into their proper resting
place till thawed by the water of a convenient stream. The morning, how-
ever, lent a brighter aspect to the state of things, for daylight showed where
fuel was to be obtained ; a hearty meal was made off coffee and flapjacks,
which they enjoyed, for, on the principle of hunger being the best sauce,
McVicar would now and again observe " Eh, man, Bob, but aren't they
Biographical Sketches. 405
good ? " On the following day the Tuolumne River was gained, in another
snow storm, they camping in a " wash " of the river. This night a splendid
fire was built. Three large trees, which were lying in the bed of the now
dry stream, were piled over with brush and set alight, while the banks gave
shelter from the driving sleet and snow ; and comparative comfort, with a
certain amount of satisfaction, was being taken out of the burning mass of
timber, some forty feet in length. Of a sudden, without the slightest warn-
ing, their gigantic hearth was seen to float away ; the water rose with in-
credible speed, so that they were wet to their waists while securing their
packs. At length all was made snug, and the quartette, climbing up to
the fork of a tree, out of the reach of the now rushing stream, in the driv-
ing snow, philosophically awaited the dawn of day. Of such were the
hardships endured on this memorable journey. In the spring of the
year 1850 the subject of our sketch established a store, having a
mule team in connection therewith. The former combined all the min-
ing luxuries of a boarding-house, ten-pin alley and card-room, as well
as the agency for Adams' Express. At the time when the first snow
fell Mr. Brownlee found himself with a lai-ge accumulation of staple goods,
for which there would be a ready market ; he therefore turned out his
animals to pasture on what was known as the Texine Ranch, when one
day he was informed that a force of Indians had been seen driving them
off. This was a cause of the hastening of another Mariposa War. On the
receipt of this intelligence Major Burney, then Sheriff of the county, raised
a company of twenty-two volunteers, started in pursuit, and, overtaking
the Indians, engaged them for three or four hours, when they fled, leaving
behind them partially eaten portions of the beasts, which had been cooked
between the time of their capture and the conflict. At this juncture the
war had assumed proportions which were likely to develop. The Major,
therefore, appealed to Governor Burnett, at San Jose", for aid, when he
despatched Neely Johnson to organize three companies of militia in Mari-
posa County, Mr. Brownlee being sutler of the battalion, and as such he
found himself possessed of a large amount of scrip paid to him by the force,
which he wished to have recognized by the officers of the State. To gain
this was the object of his first visit to Vallejo in 1851, on which occasion he
remained only two months, returning to Mariposa County, and thereafter
visited Sacramento in 1852 on the same errand, after which he once more
went back to Mariposa, wound up his affairs, and started to return to Scot-
land, but having missed the steamer from San Francisco to Panama, he re-
mained for three weeks in Vallejo. On the first day of March, 1852, Mr.
Brownlee sailed from San Francisco, visiting en route Arkansas and Ken-
tucky, where he met his wife, went to Scotland, but in two months from his
arrival, having visited a few of the most noteworthy places in his native
406 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
land, once more turned towards the United States and landed in New York,
where he was married soon after his arrival. In October, 1852, we find Mr.
Brownlee on his second vo}'age to California, on this occasion accompanied
by his bride and his brother, his wife and son traversing the route, not by
the plains, as he had done three years before, but by the more pleasant
and swifter one of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in the end of No-
vember, and, having pleasant recollections of Vallejo, immediately there-
after proceeded thither, where both families located in December, 1852.
Early in the next year he commenced farming and a dairy business on a
small scale, purchased a tract of fifty acres of land two miles north of the
town limits, which he afterwards exchanged with General John B. Frisbie
in 1857 for his present place, now in Napa County, but which was then in
that of Solano. Since his arrival, up to the present time, Mr. Brownlee
has been inseparably connected with Vallejo and its associations, and though
he does not reside in the county, he is still spoken of by all as the most
reliable source of information in regard to the doings in early da)'s. His
residence is a magnificent two-storied building, having rooms of fine pro-
portions, situated about fourteen miles from Vallejo ; he farms over one
thousand one hundred acres of land, six hundred and fifty being in Solano
County, while this season he has under wheat and barley no less than one
thousand one hundred acres. The line of railroad to Sacramento from South
Vallejo passes his gate, while there is an averagely good road to his dwelling.
A more genial companion, a better citizen or hospitable host does not exist
than Robert Brownlee. He was born at Bunkle, in the parish of Cambus-
nethen, in the County of Lanark, Scotland, in 1813, married Annie Lamont,
October 24, 1852, born in Tamhorn, in the Carse O'Gowrie, Perthshire,
Scotland, in 1834, by whom he has Robert A., born October 14, 1853, (the
first white boy born in Vallejo); Mary J., born August 1, 1855 ; Margaret
R, born June 4, 1857 ; Gracie A., born July 10, 1862 ; George, born Feb-
ruary 23, 1864 ; William, born November 25, 1866, died March 17, 1868 ;
and Frederick J., born August 19, 1870.
BAXTER, TURNER G. Was born in Adair County, Kentucky, Jan-
uary, 10, 1821. He resided at his birthplace until he was fifteen years of
age, when he started out into the world to do for himself. His first move
was to go to Sangamon County, Illinois, ascending the Sangamon River in
the little steamer " Talisman," which was the first steamboat that had ever
plowed the bosom of that stream. In going up the Sangamon River, they
were detained by a mill-dam across the river. There he made his first
acquaintance with that good man, Abraham Lincoln, who was clerking in
a grocery store, and he will never forget how he looked. This was in a
little village by the name of New Salem, twenty miles below Springfield,
and the mill belonged to a man by the name of Cameron. This was in
Biographical Sketches. 407
1836. He remained here for three years, learning the cabinet and carpenter's
trade in the meantime. In 1839 he moved to Jackson County, Missouri,
where he had an uncle living, and was engaged chiefly, during his brief
sojourn in that locality, in journey work. He then went to Piatt's Purchase,
on the north side of the Missouri River, where he spent two winters. His
next move was to Louisiana, Missouri, where he followed his trade until
March 15, 1849, when he started across the plains, with ox teams, for the
land of gold. He arrived at Sacramento, September 15th of that year.
Here he met an old friend, Mr. Martin, and they proceeded to Readings
Springs, and started a trading post. But this was of short duration, and on
the 13th day of November, 1849, in company with Dr. Brackett, he first
set foot within the limits of Napa City. He at once opened a grocery
store and saloon, which he continued till the following spring. He then
built the Valley House Hotel, which was situated on the ground now oc-
cupied by David L. Haas' store. After conducting this enterprise but a
short time he sold out, with the intention of going East, but the cholera
was very bad at the Isthmus just at that time, so he abandoned the idea.
In the summer of 1850 he purchased the steamer " Dolphin," in San Fran-
cisco. He took her to Benicia, and after undergoing repairs, put her on the
Napa River route. This was the pioneer steamer of Napa, and the first
one that ever came up the river. At first he made trips between Napa and
San Francisco, but soon changed his terminal point to Benicia, being thus
able to make close connections with the river steamers in both directions.
At the end of two years he sold the " Dolphin," and again engaged in the
hotel-keeping business at his old stand. This he'followed but a short time,
when he went upon the steamer " Jack Hays," which was soon afterwards
sold. During all this time he had not been neglectful of his best financial
interests, but had purchased several lots in Napa City and had erected
thereon several buildings. In 1856 he went to South America, seeking a
suitable place to run a steamboat. At Valparaiso he secured the exclusive
right to run a tow-boat about the harbor for twenty years, but the enter-
prise was soon abandoned. He then returned to Napa and opened the
Valley House restaurant, which he conducted for one year. In I860 he
began work for the California Steam Navigation Company, and ran on the
Napa River in their employ for three years. He then ran awhile on the
Sacramento River for the company, and then took charge of a boat plying
between Napa and Vallejo, in opposition to the railroad. He remained in
the employ of this company until 1870. In 1874, in company two others,
he bought the steamer " Vaquero," and ran it between San Francisco and
Napa for one summer, and then sold her. In 1877 he was on the steamer
"Princess " for one summer, and since that time Mr. Baxter has been engaged
at the carpenter's trade.
408 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
BOOTHE, JEDEDIAH. Was born January 17, 1854. In 1867 he
came with his parents to California, and settled in Suisun Valley, where he
remained till the fall of 1871. He then moved to Chiles Valley, and settled
two miles above the mill. In 1877 he went to the Sacramento Valley and
farmed till the fall of 1880, when he returned to Chiles Valley and settled
on his present place, comprising eight hundred and forty-five acres, and is
engaged in farming. He was married November 25, 1879, to Miss Carrie A.
Simmons, a native of Perry County, Illinois, born August 18, 1856. They
have one child, Edwin J., born August 26, 1881.
BACHELDER, JOHN. Was born in New Hampshire, March 7, 1817.
At the age of twenty he began life for himself. In 1838 he went to Bos-
ton, where he was book-keeper in the Middlesex Canal Depot. At the end
of three years he became a partner in a similar business enterprise. In
1844 he began the dry goods business in Boston, which he followed for four
years. In 1847-8 he invented the Bachelder improvement for sewing ma-
chines, which consisted of the yielding presser-foot and feeder. In 1852 he
began cotton manufacturing at Lisbon, now Sprague, Connecticut, and
continued in that business for sixteen years, and was also in the meantime
interested in a woolen mill near Norwich, Connecticut. He came to Cali-
fornia in 1873, and in 1875 began the manufacture of wind-mills, etc., at
Napa, which he still continues. He was married in July, 1842, to Miss A.
Wason. Their children are Herman, Emma L. and Charles S.
BEACH, GEORGE H. Born at New London, Connecticut, October 5,
1817. His father, Chauncey Beach, was born on the fertile banks of the
Connecticut River, near Chatham, now changed to Portland. His mother
was Mary Holton, born in Winchester, New Hampshire, opposite Brattle-
boro, Vermont. His parents moved to New London about the year 1800.
In the War of 1812 with England, his father being in the mercantile busi-
ness, received the appointment of sutler to that portion of the army sta-
tioned at New London. At a time when there was danger of the landing
of the enemy at Light-house Point, he locked up his store, volunteered his
services with hundreds of others, and joined the ranks of a company, stand-
ing guard on his turn, until such time as the British withdrew to a point
nearer New York. Just prior to their withdrawal they threw ball and
shell all one night into the American camp, located near the shore, at the
junction of Long Island Sound and the Thames River. At a moment when
the shell were falling thickest, one volunteer, named Charles Louden, who
had never before been under fire, in his fright, slipped unseen out of camp,
and jumped a stone wall, dropping one foot into an iron pot of hot soup,
which the mess-cook was preparing for a midnight serve-up to those on
duty. The moment the cook saw the foot go into his hot soup, he called
out, " Take your foot out of that pot ! " The man obeyed promptly, leaving
Biographical Sketches. 409
a portion of the flesh of his foot in possession of the cook. From that time
on, that became a lasting by-word : " Take your foot out of that pot ! "
When a man stepped where he should not, or sat where he should not, or
slipped and fell on the ice, Charlie Louden 's memory had to suffer. On the
withdrawal of the British from New London, Mr. Beach's father resumed
his business as sutler. In the year 1821, when Mr. Beach was four years
old, his father died, leaving six children, three daughters and three sons.
At the age of sixteen, Mr. Beach left school, accepting a position with Mr.
Charles C. Williams as bundle carrier, or youngest clerk, in the dry goods'
business. After some two years' experience in the business, having become
a salesman, he accepted a position with Messrs. William A. Buckingham &
Co., Norwich, Connecticut, with whom it may be properly said he finished
his business education. This firm were wholesale and retail dry goods' men
and carpet manufacturers, sending hundreds of rolls of carpeting to New
York annually. Mr. William A. Buckingham will be remembered as
Governor Buckingham, and was called in the time of the Rebellion the
" Connecticut War Governor." That State had long been Democratic ;
Governor Buckingham's great popularity elected him at the very outset of
the Rebellion ; and his great popularity and ardent support of Mr. Lincoln,
our President, remodeled the politics of the State, carrying it over to the
Republicans. Mr. Buckingham held the Governorship until the close of
the Rebellion, when he was elected LTnited States Senator. And at just
about this time, Mr. Beach being at the Calaveras Big Trees, named one,
the largest and handsomest tree, then unnamed, "Governor Buckingham;"
and, on his return to San Francisco, sent up a marble tablet engraved, which
was spiked to the tree, and remains now in good condition. It was some
two years before Mr. Buckingham learned who his great admirer and friend
in this transaction was, when he wrote to Mr. Beach acknowledging his ap-
preciation of the act. Mr. Buckingham is now with Abraham Lincoln, and
leaves a name only second to his, except it be that of George Washington,
to whose memory all do homage. In 1845, Mr. Beach entered into the dry
goods business in Norwich, with Mr. James B. Goddard, son of Calvin God-
dard, one of Connecticut's most eminent lawyers, under the firm-name of
Goddard & Beach. June 1st, Mr. Beach was married to Miss Elizabeth
Tracy Morgan, daughter of Dr. Consider Morgan, of East Windsor, Con-
necticut, where she was born. Her mother was Miss Lucy Hyde. Dr.
Morgan was one of three brothers, all physicians and surgeons and all bear-
ing eccentric names— Dwill, Lot, and Consider. Mr. Beach and wife have
had born to them four children, three sons and one daughter, three of
whom are now living, and all at home under their paternal roof. The,
youngest, Carl Morgan, died at the age of sixteen, from injuries received
from a fall from his horse, and is buried in the Odd Fellow's Cemetery at
410 History of Napa and Lake Cotinties — Napa.
St. Helena. Mr. Beach is an Odd Fellow of many years standing, a present
member of the Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 112, San Francisco ; and is a
member of the Pioneer Association, that city. To return to Connecticut :
we should say that after some two years' connection in business with Mr.
Goddard.he purchased his interest and received his brother Chauncey as part-
ner. About the first of January, 1849, he, by long and close confinement to
business, had become somewhat impaired in health, which, together with the
exciting news of the discovery of gold fields in California, determined him to
change his base of action, and try his luck in the new El Dorado. He sold
his interest to his brother. He had a store 20x50 feet framed, with all the
materials for completion, with a small stock of merchandise shipped ; part
on the bark " Croton," from New York, and the rest on the ship " Mentor,"
from New London, both vessels sailing the first part of February. At the
earliest moment he obtained a through ticket from New York to San Fran-
cisco via the Isthmus, for which he paid $300, bid good-bye to his wife and
her sister, leaving them in their own pretty home which he had purchased
at time of marriage, which has never been parted with to this day, and it
is kept in good preservation, yielding a fair interest in rental money. Stop-
ping oft" one day at New London to make a farewell visit to his mother and
sisters he pushed off to New York, sailing from there on the steamer "Falcon"
February 1, 1849. Was detained about four weeks at Panama, awaiting
the steamer " Oregon," which had started in December via Cape Horn. The
first part of March his steamer came into port and was immediately filled to
overflowing, many paying $300 from Panama up with no berth accommoda-
tions, it being understood on the start that they must even furnish their
own blankets. Some who had taken tickets with this understanding, resold
at $500 and in two or three instances $700 was obtained, those selling
awaiting their chance on the next steamer. Among the list of passengers
were clergymen, lawyers, physicians, merchants, sea captains and naval
officers — between three and four hundred passengers. The ship's boats
were filled nights with lodgers. The company was graced with two lady
passengers, the wife of Governor Geary and wife of Captain Bezar
Simmons. General Geary and Captain Simmons were passengers also.
On the first day of April they entered the bay of San Francisco.
The " Oregon " was the second steamer which entered the port of San
Francisco, the " California " being the first, having preceded the " Oregon "
just thirty days, which at the time of the arrival of the "Oregon" lay at
anchor with but her officers attached to her, the crew all having run
away, as did the crew of the " Oregon." One hundred and fifty dollars
a month had to be paid to obtain crews to take these steamers to Panama
again and back. At this time San Francisco was mainly a town of canvas
tents, and governed by an Alcalde, Doctor Leavenworth holding that posi-
Biographical Sketches. 411
tion, succeeded afterwards by Governor Geary. This was John W. Geary,
afterwards General Geary, in the Union Army at the time of the Rebellion.
On the fourth day after arrival Mr. Beach completed a purchase of a business
lot on Sacramento street for $3000, paying $1000 down. On the 7th he
started for the southern mines via Stockton, taking a small stock of mining
goods with him, and returned to San Francisco last of June, with money
sufficient to pay up the balance due on his property, $2000, with sufficient
left to pay freights on arrival of his ships. The 4th of July one ship, the
" Mentor," with his stores, came in, and on the 10th the bark "Croton," with
mei'chandise, arrived. In addition to merchandising, Mr. Beach had three
consignments of vessels to him sailing from different ports of Connecticut.
He purchased invoices of goods brought in by adventurers. He purchased
interests in small sail vessels and steamers, receiving the agency and direct-
ing their business. Was agent for the ship " Glenmore," running to Pan-
ama; the brig "Sarah McFarlain," running to Portland, Oregon; the schooner
"Alfred," to the Sandwich Islands, and the steamer "West Point," running
between San Francisco and Sacramento. After having passed through
two heavy conflagrations, in 1850 and 1851, losing store, and heavy stocks,
each time suffering heavy losses, a little fortune each time, it may be
said, he, on the arrival of his wife, in August, 1851, moved to Marys-
ville, Yuba County, where he had a branch store, under the firm of
Beach & Brown, and upon investigation Brown was found to be a defaulter
in the sum of $10,200. Brown was arrested, but only a small por-
tion recovered. About the last of December, 1849, he purchased the
steamer " Lawrence," and put her on the route between Sacramento and
Marysville, and invested considerable money in town property at Marys-
ville. In less than one month after disposing of his property in San
Francisco and moving to Marysville, his store, as also the whole block, was
burned, he saving nothing from it. This was the third conflagration passed
through, all within eighteen months, and in those days there was no in-
surance to be obtained. By this time Mr. Beach had become discouraged
about trade. He was a bold operator, made money in almost every trans-
action, but the fiery element was too much for him. By it he had not only
lost much of his courage, but much capital which his vessels had been
making for him. Joining John Perry, Jr., and Benjamin P. Smith, of San
Francisco, and Henry D. Beach, of Sacramento, he opened an office for the
purchase of gold dust, then being brought in large quantity, which he
shipped to San Francisco, daily, receiving gold coin in return. In a little
over one year he had shipped about one and one-half million dollars in
gold dust. This went in lots of three, four, five, and even as high as ten
thousand dollars some days. Here again Mr. Beach was doomed to loss as
well as profit. Having been admonished by physicians that he must desist
412 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
from blowing dust (the only process known then of separating the sand
from the gold), he employed a competent clerk — a well-educated young
man, a good book-keeper, and son of a Presbyterian clergyman in Ohio.
A part of his duty was to sleep in the office, partly as a matter of safety
against burglars. This young gentleman, by name Frank Morse, proved
too great an expert. He absconded when Mr. Beach was absent, attend-
ant upon his wife's illness in San Francisco, robbing the safe of about
$4000. This loss fell upon Mr. Beach, as he managed his end of the line
upon a special contract of salary, and percentage on amount of pur-
chases, he (Mr. Beach) defraying all the expenses at his end of the line.
Some three months prior to this loss he had inaugurated the business of
Wells, Fargo & Co., taking the business into his dust office. This was
in the spring of 1852. Prior to this his dust all went down in the express
of Adams & Co., but none through his own agency (Wells, Fargo & Co.)
He retained the business of Wells, Fargo & Co. until a Mr. Frank
Rumrill offered to do the company's business at a much less price than Mr.
Beach was receiving. A compromise was offered to Mr. Beach, but he re-
fused to do the business at any less rate, and the business was trans-
ferred to Mr. Rumrill, and the result was that in less than two years
Mr. Rumrill became a defaulter to the company of about $50,000. All
these facts above are provable, and matters of record. Mr. Beach owned
a section of land on the Feather River, which he had taken of General
John A. Sutter in payment for money loaned him, $5000. In the
winter of 1853, gold dust having run up to so high a price in the
mines, from $16 to $18, leaving little or no margin to the purchaser,
and finding the business of cleansing the gold a positive injury to his
health, he gave up the business and moved upon his farm. A year previous
he had imported fruit trees of every variety, grapevines and nursery stock
on a large scale, laying the foundation for the orchard, vineyard and
nursery business, and putting men in charge of the work. This place he
named the " New England Garden," and was popularly known all over the
State, especially with nurserymen and San Francisco fruit dealers. His
first importation of foreign grapevines numbered about fifty varieties, and
the second in 1853, twenty-five more, and from this stock he set his vine-
yard and grape nursery. The following season he was able to supply the
country about him, and even filled orders from San Jose" nurserymen.
From this stock came most of the foreign vineyards in the northern portion
of this State. His sales of vines and trees extended into all the neighbor-
ing counties, even into Plumas, Trinity and Siskiyou. In this business Mr.
Beach found his search after happiness satisfied, as he thought. He
is a great lover of nature. He had got away from fires and dishonest
partners and thieving clerks, and he could see no enemy in his path.
Biographical Sketches. 413
In this he had to contend with inexperience in the line of business, as also
in the nature of the soil and seasons. It was a pioneering undertaking ;
but Mr. Beach was not one to hunt difficulties ; he was much more apt to
brush them to one side. All seemed a probable success. Mr. Beach studied
all the horticultural works he could obtain ; was bold in experimenting,
solving problems only to be obtained by experiments. Hundreds profited
by Mr. Beach's work. As we have said, his labors seemed to prosper
and give the fairest promise, until in 1855, when grasshoppers in myriads
for a whole month covered his entire grounds, as did they his neighbors'
small grain fields, leaving him not a vestige of fruit for market, and doing
thousands of dollars damage to his nursery. In 1856 he harvested a hand-
some income from his orchard ; 1857 saw him again perfectly devastated by
the same pests. These two years of pests entailed a large outgo, with no
income ; 1858 gave him a crop of $20,000, but yet he was behind ; 1859
caught him again, with the same result nearly as in 1855 and 1857. This
scourge, together with the floods in his low lands depositing millions
of tons of the miners' debris, discouraged him beyond endurance, and
he sold out for $17,500, leaving him without a dollar to his name
in California, as he devoted the last dollar in liquidation of obliga-
tions entailed through these many reverses. In 1857 Mr. Beach was
elected a Vice President of the State Agricultural Society; in 1858
he was the Recording Secretary of the same, which constituted him
one of the Board of Directors. All the funds of the Society, about
$30,000, which came into the Society that year, were received and dis-
bursed by him ; he received and deposited with the Treasurer, and no
money could be paid out by the Treasurer without the order of the Record-
ing Secretary, countersigned by the President. That year, 1858, the Rev.
O. C. Wheeler was Corresponding Secretary. The Society published sta-
tistics in book form, of each year, giving the full details of all its doings.
That year Mr. Beach received a vote of thanks, and the Society voted him
$500 for his services, but the money Mr. Beach did not accept, as the
Society really needed it more than he thought he did. In March,
1864, Mr. Beach left Marysville and entered the large commercial house of
N. J. Brittan & Co., wholesale stove and iron merchants, San Francisco, (now
Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson), as salesman. Towards the close of the year a
friend requested him to call on a large tobacco and cigar firm, who felt
anxious to make his acquaintance. He did so, and the result was an en-
gagement with them as commercial traveler, and at much increased salary.
But a primary object then was a change from an encaged life to one
mostly in the open air. The orchard and vineyard business had about
spoiled him for an indoor life. He pursued that business for some twelve
years, until in the fall of 1876, when by accident he was thrown from a
414 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
buggy, breaking his leg, the femur bone, which laid him up some
months, bidding fair to leave him a cripple for life ; but with good coun-
sel, a good constitution, a system in the very best of condition, and an iron
will within him, he came out of his bed apparently as sound a man as ever,
and now, four years after, shows no signs of ever having met with such an
accident. On getting out of his bed he determined to travel no more ; and
in the spring of 1877 built a store on his property, alongside his residence
in St. Helena, Napa County, and filled it with goods which pertain to a
stationery, fancy variety store, miscellaneous reading, periodicals, keeping a
handsomely assorted stock of between three and four thousand dollars.
Arthur B. Beach, his eldest son, is manager of the business. In July, 1877,
Mr. Beach took a trip into Puget Sound, Eastern Washington, and Oregon,
which restored his impaired health and strength, caused by his long confine-
ment from his accident. His trip was a complete success ; he still makes
this trip annually. Mr. Beach tells us that he took a lively interest in the
organization of the Republican party in his county in 1856, and of the elec-
tion of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, organizing clubs in his county, Yuba, and
the counties adjoining north of him. He inherited his Whig principles from
his father. Was a Whig from the time he had any thought in politics, and
so continued until the formation of the Republican party. His first presiden-
tial vote was cast for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and with his club sang
their popular campaign songs through the canvass. He was one of the
seven to organize the First Congregational Church in San Francisco. He
organized the first two church choirs that ever sung in this State : that
of the First Congregational and First Baptist, both of San Francisco.
Also, organized the first choir in Marysville, Yuba County, California: that
of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Beach never played a game of cards
or a game of billiards in his life. Has been, and is, a great lover of music.
Had the honor of leading a large choir at the age of twenty. Is a great
lover of boating. Being brought up on the Thames River, near Long Island
Sound, Connecticut, had the opportunity, and did become an expert both in
sailing and rowing a boat. He, when a child, had a perfect mania for the
water. Has fallen overboard a dozen times, and was virtually drowned
twice. Says he believes drowning must be the easiest death one can die ;
but that it is no agreeable time when being brought to. We copy herein
from the published history, in book form, of the First Congregational
Church, San Francisco, his letter to the trustees on the occasion of the
celebration of the golden wedding — the twenty-fifth anniversary of the
church. It will be found full of interest and amusing. We also publish a
letter from Mr. H. T. Hutchinson to the St. Helena Star, naming Mr. Beach's
identity with the early steamboating on the California waters. These seem
to be of interest, and in making up his biography, we feel it our duty to
Biographical Sketches. 415
bring them in. He could give us items of interest of the pioneer days that
would half fill our book, were he disposed to do so. Mr. Beach moved
from San Francisco to St. Helena in May, 1872, having purchased a resi-
dence on Main street, but a hundred feet from the post-office. His store
adjoins his residence. He intends, the coming year, moving his house back,
fronting it on Oak avenue, and erecting a building for business purposes
on Main Street. This will be the result of a plan laid by him when he
first made his purchase ; and all his efforts — his tree planting, etc. — on the
Oak avenue end of his property, have been with this result in view. It is
said by his friends that he is rather self-confident ; that the law of his
being is to conclude whatever he undertakes ; that let him engage in any
task, no matter how difficult or how small its worth, he cannot quit it till
he has mastered its whole secret, finished it, and made the result of it his
own.
The following letter of reminiscences was read from George H. Beach,
of Napa, one of the original founders of the First Congregational Church,
though never connecting himself with its covenant :
" Stockton, July 15, 1874. — Rev. A. L. Stone and others : Your note
of the 25th ult., extending to me an invitation to be present at your
twenty-fifth Anniversary, was duly received, but business engagements
will prevent my being present. Allow me to state a few incidents of the
pioneer days, perhaps worth treasuring : On leaving New York on the 1st
of February, 1849, in the steamer *' Falcon," there being on board two ladies,
Mrs. John W. Geary and Mrs. Bezar Simmons, sister of Mr. Frederick Bil-
lings, I organized a choir composed of those ladies and two or three gentle-
men. Judge Geary officiated on the Sabbath, reading the Episcopal Service
on the steamer. Rev. Albert Williams, who arrived by the steamer " Cres-
cent City " at Chagres about the same time, officiated while we were at
Panama, about three weeks. Our choir held together all the time. We came
up from Panama on the steamer " Oregon," and came to an anchorage oft*
Saucelito on Sunday, April 1st. The same evening we steamed over to San
Francisco, a number of the passengers landing that evening, and the rest
next day. We found it mostly a canvas town, but there were some adobe
and wooden buildings. The white canvas tents from the previous steamer
of the 1st of March were dotted here and there ; and when the tents from
our steamer were set up next day, to accommodate about four hundred pas-
sengers, it had the appearance of an army having arrived and encamped in
the town. There were but very few women there, and, to use the expres-
sion of an old schoolmate whom I met for the first time in many years,
' The very ground on which a refined lady trod in San Francisco was almost
worshiped.' You may judge that all were anxious to get a sight of the new-
comers by our steamer. On the second or third day on shore, while standing
416 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
with Mr. Charles L. Ross, then a merchant, near his door, we noticed a gen-
eral rush from the various buildings on the opposite side of the street. We
ran out also, and found this exodus had taken place all along the line from
both sides of the street. I asked the cause of the alarm from the first man
I met, supposing a fire had broken out somewhere. ' Alarm ! ' said he ; ' I
guess you've just arrived.' ' Yes, that's so,' said I. ' Well, those two ladies
with that gentleman just turning the corner above caused all this excite-
ment. It's a very rare thing, sir, to see a white woman on the streets here.'
Fifty men or more were then running in the direction the ladies had taken,
that they might get another sight at them. The party so curiously observed
were John W. Geary, his wife, and Mrs. Simmons. We learned that the Rev.
T. D wight Hunt was holding Divine service in the little 20x30-foot school-
house on the public plaza. Having made Mr. Hunt's acquaintance, Mrs.
Simmons and the gentlemen of the choir agreed to go in and aid him on the
following Sabbath. On that day, the 8th of April, we took our seats as a
choir, with our three or four note-books, which we had the thoughtfulness
to put in our trunks, and two of which I have at this day. Soon after the
singing commenced, the little room being filled, a living girdle began to form
around the building, until, when the service had closed, the people — men in
all sorts of attire, pants in boots and over boots, with red, blue, white and
checkered shirts — had thickened around us to a depth perhaps of twenty to
thirty feet. On emerging from the building, I asked if that was a common
occurrence, and was told that it was not, but an entirely new feature ; that
as soon as the lady's voice had been heard on the outside the news spread
like wildfire, and its effect was not lost until it completely broke up, for the
time being, the gambling circles around the tables in the famous Parker
House, then situated on the east side of the Plaza, where the Hall of Records
is now. Even Robert Parker himself, the proprietor, followed the retreating
crowd to the school-house. This living mass had been drawn there to get
a sight of the newly-arrived lady and to hear the sweet tones of her voice.
When told that she was the center of attraction, Mrs. Simmons laughed
heartily, and said she would stick to the little school-house as long as her
presence proved an auxiliary to Mr. Hunt's labors. But it was not so to be.
She was suddenly attacked by typhoid fever, and lived but two weeks,
leaving a husband, brother and many fellow passengers to mourn her loss.
Here, in justice to every '49er, I will add that never since, in the history
of California, has a lady been more safe from the possibility of hearing
an offensive word than in those dajrs of chaos — of red shirts and miners'
boots. The least insult to a lady then would have brought down a thunder-
storm on the perpetrator's head. The roughest seemed to vie with the most
refined in striving to do her homage. When I look back throwgh the quar-
ter-century to that little school -house, that sentry-box, that dim speck in
Biographical Sketches. 417
the horizon, and contrast it with the now effulgent light, shining to all the
world, it seems but a dream."
The letter in the " Star " concerning Mr. Beach's connections with the
steamboats, alluded to above, is as follows :
" The Second Steamboat. San Francisco, July 26, 1880. — Editor St.
Helena " Star," St. Helena : Dear Sir — Friends at intervals send me your
spicy little paper, in the last issue of which I read an account of the first
steamboat which plied on the waters of California. And now I will tell you
of the second, especially as it relates to an especial friend of mine who is a
resident of your town. The news of the great gold excitement reached the
East in the fall of 1848. In the spring of 1849, there being a pretty little
steamer named ' Lawrence,' measuring about seventy-five tons, plying on the
Merrimac River, Massuchusetts, it was purchased by a company numbering
sixty -four. They had her taken to pieces ; each piece of wood and every
bolt was numbered. They chartered the ship ' Mayflower,' of Boston, in
which was shipped all the parts of the little steamer ' Lawrence,' boilers and
everything. They shipped their provisions, advertised for and obtained a
goodly number of passengers, and sailed for San Francisco, which port they
reached in September. After three or four days' investigation, anchor was
raised, sail set, and with a fair wind went up to what was then called New
York of the Pacific, a town laid out on Suisuin Bay by Colonel Jonathan
Stephenson. Here the material, provisions, etc., were all landed, and the
steamer set up. About the 15th of December she was ready for a trial trip.
She was run up to Stockton. On returning she encountered a heavy blow
and came near foundering. Discontent immediately took possession of a
majority of the company, most of them desiring to give up this enterprise
and try their luck in the mines. Captain Oliver Allen and Captain Merri-
hue, old acquaintances of Mr. George H. Beach in the East, immediately took
the steamer's small boat, reinforcing themselves with two or three others of
the company, paddled and sailed to San Francisco, where on arrival they
immediately called on Mr. Beach at his store on Sacramento street and
stated all the facts to him, informing him that they were empowered to
make sale of the steamer for $30,000. Mr. Beach, after an evening's
reflection, informed them that he would send sufficient freight by sail-
ing vessel to the steamer which would warrant her making a trip to
Marysville, and if everything pleased him as regards to the good working
order of the steamer, he would likely purchase her. The proposition was
accepted. The next day Mr. Beach sent the sloop 'Alfred ' off with fifty tons
of freight, more or less. This being transferred at New York of the Pacific,
the little steamer pushed out for Sacramento, Mr. Beach, himself, on board.
The little ' Lawrence ' had some narrow escapes before she reached Marys-
ville, much alarming many of the company. Mr. Beach made money by the
27
418 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
charter, as he took on board at Sacramento a hundred passengers at twenty-
five dollars each, to be landed at Marysville. On the way down, and before
reaching Sacramento, Mr. Beach had completed the purchase at §27,000
or $27,500. As soon as he had the papers perfected, he raised the guard of
the steamer and added twenty-five feet in length to the bow, making her
faster, safe against the rapid currents, and enabling her to carry twenty-five
tons more freight. Mr. Beach retained Captain Crosby as her master, and
as many others as he desired to remain by her. I was given the posi-
tion of clerk at a salary of $250 per month. We made our first trip to
Marysville from Sacramento, about the 25th day of December, 1849. The
business was a great success for so small a craft. Mr. Beach disposed of
three-eighths of her while she was being added to, he retaining the'control-
ing interest. He must have made $50,000 out of her earnings before heavy
competition made it his interest to sell. But while this pretty 'little steamer
was coining money for him, the conflagration of San Francisco had leveled
his building and stock of goods twice, perhaps amounting to $75,000, and in
those days no insurance to be obtained. H. T. Hutchinson.
" P. S. — Captain Oliver Allen, who was the originator of the whale gun,
and one of the projectors in this enterprise, was a neighbor of Mr. Beach's
in Norwich, Connecticut, and now has one of the largest dairy ranches in
California, and is located a little south of Tomales, Marin County, and has
made a number of valuable inventions since that of the whale gun.
H. T. H."
" Since receiving the above we have submitted it to Mr. Beach for
his approval. Mr. Beach says the letter is a very correct report, and
does not underrate his profits in the steamer or losses by fires ; and
adds that the third steamer which went into the Saci'amento and Yuba
River waters was of his purchase — the steamer 'Phcenix.' Then the
fourth, the ' Martha Jane,' also purchased by the Lawrence Steamer Com-
pany. The last two were too small for profit — were purchased simply to
prevent competition. The 'Phoenix' was afterwards sold to an association
called the Linda Company, as a dredging boat — dredging for gold in the
Yuba River — and the ' Martha Jane ' to parties living on the San Joaquin
River, near Stockton, for a tow-boat. Judge E. D. Wheeler, now of San
Francisco, then a mere lad, was employed as a fireman on the first little
steamer, 'Pioneer,' the little steamer preceding those purchased by Mr.
Beach. Captain Cornelius Storms, now living in San Francisco, is con-
versant with all these facts, as well as Judge Wheeler. Storms was one of
the company to bring out the steamer ' Linda,' which, with the splendid
steamer ' Governor Dana,' knocked the little steamers off the line."
CRANE, GEORGE BELDEN. Whose portrait, at seventy-three years
of age, will be found in the body of our work, first saw the light in the
Biographical Sketches. 419
State of New York, sixty miles north of the city of that name, and eighteen
miles east of the Hudson River, in what was then, 1806, Dutchess County,
now Putnam. His father was Belden, and grandfathers Zebulon Crane
and David Paddock. To follow him in his delineations of the educational
facilities, business conveniences, and industries of the people generally, so
near the commercial emporium of the nation, we obtain a graphic account
of the manners and customs of the people who were familiar, practically,
with the hardships of the War of Independence, and their immediate de-
scendants. These, when contrasted with the present state of things in
those relations, give us in a condensed view a clear idea of our wonderful
growth during the six central decades of our country's history from 1820 to
1880. And to follow him in his wanderings after leaving the Empire State
at the age of twenty-six, till he became a permanent resident of our El Do-
rado, we become familiar with the spirit and instincts which justifies the
oft-quoted declaration of Bishop Berkeley : " Westward the Star of Empire
takes its way." But preparatory to this, and to show our boys what perse-
vering energy can do in achieving a good practical education, with but little
of the advantages they now enjoy, we will listen briefly to his recollections
of the character of his first " going to school," sixty miles from New York
City. The school-house was a mere shanty ; a fire-place in one side, a door
in another, a broad plank framed into the other two sides, sloping down
towards the center of the room for a writing table, and the central part filled
with seats without backs, from eight to twelve feet long, made of slabs
brought from his father's saw mill on the west branch of the Croton, the
water of which river now supplies the great city of New York. On these
seats the little boys and girls would sit, study, go to sleep, fall off, and get
whipped for falling, while the larger ones would sit at the writing table,
keeping the " master " busy much of the time " mending " their goose-quill
pens. He remembers having heard it urged by parents who felt they could
not afford their children the use of tallow candles (and no other were
known) to study " o' nights," that Martin Van Buren, born and educated
not far away, and who had become a great lawyer, used to get " light-
wood" to see by in night study. Like about all the boys in the Eastern
and Middle States in those early days, he would work on the farm in the
summer, after getting old enough to work, till he was fit to enter what is
now called a high school ; and the winter after his sixteenth birthday, a
certificate of competency from the school inspectors placed him in the proud
position of a teacher. The ruling wages for common school teachers at that
day was $10 to $12 a month and board. Four years later we find him in
the Medical Department of the State University in the city of New York ;
then soon a licentiate, practicing medicine and surgery in the central por-
tion of that State; then, in 1832, a graduate of that college; then wending
420 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
his way westward, traveling from Albany to Schenectady on the first pas-
senger railroad in that State, or in the United States ; then on board a canal
boat drawn by horses, at the rate of fifty miles in twenty -four hours, to Buf-
falo, at which place he was told that a new town called Chicago, had just
started near Lake Michigan, which "might become something of a place," and
that he had better go there and grow up with it. He left the steamer at
Cleveland, Ohio, however, thinking this Chicago, a name and place of which
he never heard before, was too far beyond the limits of civilization. From
Cleveland, in 1832, he rode on a boat on the Erie and Ohio Canal, to Chil-
licothe, which canal was finished only to that place, forty miles north of
the Ohio ; thence by stage to Portsmouth, the southern terminus of the
canal, near the mouth of the Great Scioto River, near where had been, some
thirty years before, the Little Scioto Salt Works, about which a few words
will show our youth the possibilities within their reach. Four youngsters
worked there, relieving each other day and night, keeping up the fires. One
of them, " Tom." Ewing, became United States Senator ; another, " Bob "
Lucas, Governor of Ohio; another, "Joe" Vance, also became Governor of
that State in 1836, and the fourth, his informant, was one of the pioneers
in the development of the great iron interests in southern Ohio. They
should remember in this connection, President Garfield, at a later date, on
the canal tow-path. Here, on the border land, between North and South,
he saw cropping out the feud destined thirty years later not only to destroy
social harmony, but to convulse our whole political fabric. With the South-
ern settlers on the Ohio side, " Yankees " were in bad odor. An old " Tuck-
a-ho," as the Southerners were called, without the remotest idea from what
State our friend hailed, told him that York Yankees were the meanest kind.
He had never before heard the then opprobrious epithet " Yankee " applied
to any but New Englanders, save but by English writers. Here (in Scioto
County) he followed his profession between four and five years, marrying,
meantime, the oldest daughter of Daniel Young, a pioneer from New Hamp-
shire to southern Ohio, author, while member of the Senate of the former
State, of the first legislative enactment which separated Church and State
in New England, and subsequently a leader in the development of the great
iron interest in Ohio, president of the Ohio Iron Company. The health of
his wife demanding a change of climate, the winter of 1836 found them in
North Alabama, where he continued to live, enjoying the professional pat-
ronage and social kindness of a superior class of people, till he found his
constitution about broken by hard labor in what was then not only a hot,
but a highly malarious climate. Seeking restoration to health in a higher lati-
tude, we next find him on the right bank of the Mississippi, in Pike County,
Missouri, a place and people made at a later day conspicuous by California
emigration. However this distinction originated, or whether creditable or
T^OC
Biographical Sketches. 421
otherwise, he is ^uite free to confess or boast that for more than a decade
of years he was a citizen of a county from which hail such men as United
States Senator Henderson, J. 0. Broadhead ; the late Republican candidate
for Governor, Patrick Dyer ; the present Lieutenent-Goverrior of that great
State, R. A. Campbell ; three Congressmen, and one Presidential Elector,
whose name was in everybody's mouth during the Hayes-Tilden imbroglio,
besides our own John F. Swift, Commissioner to China. And in this con-
nection, while averse to referring to his professional credentials before the
public, he states en passant, the fact that while a citizen of Pike County,
in 1848, he had, unsolicited, the honor of being one of the two or three phy-
sicians of that State on whom the medical department of the University of
Missouri conferred the Honoraiy Degree of M. D. Like other old men with
progressive instincts, he likes to compare the past with the present, and
draw the contrast. Returning to his native State and county, after twenty
years absence, he found the labor of weeks compressed into as many days.
Rapid railroad transit to the city had superseded the wagon and the old
North River sloop, and we soon find him in this far-away region, encouraging
the march of improvement by a substitution here of railroad for wagon and
steamboat; but with the preparatory steps to this, begins that future of his his-
tory with which Californians are more immediately interested. Succeed-
ing generations who will live amidst the splendid surroundings which
are destined to distinguish our valley and mountain sides, will be curious to
know how their ancestors reached the western coast before its waters were
stirred by steam and the thousand of miles of mountain spanned by rail-
road. While a vast majority of the early immigrants boldly encountered the
hardship of crossing the continent with their teams, others crossed the
Isthmus, or sailed " direct," as it was called, though in fact an exceedingly
circuitous route "round the Horn." In January, 1853, we find the subject
of this narrative, with family and effects, on a staunch thirteen-hundred-ton
clipper, sailing far toward the coast of Africa ; then, from a south-east, the
good ship "tacks" and takes a south-west direction, and in forty days rounds
the " stormy cape ;" seventy days farther sailing their ears were cheered by
the welcome words, " Land, ho ! " from the mast-head, the second sight of any
portion of old terra in sailing fourteen to sixteen thousand miles. It
proved to be Mount St. Helena, our friend little dreaming then that
he was destined to assist in pioneering one of the most important
industries of the State nearly under its shadows. Turning back, the
Farallones were soon in view, and near which the clipper surrendered
to a pilot that met and conducted her through the Golden Gate. And
here we would gladly indulge in his description of what San Francisco
was then, with its surroundings, with the shores of the bay, Oakland,
ferry facilities, etc., and contrast with the magnificent proportions to which
422 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
all these have attained ; but an account of his journey to Santa Clara and
San Jose" must suffice for the present. Competition in travel and transpor-
tation at that early day protected the public against the robberies of soulless
monopolies, and if extortionate prices became unendurable a rival line or
business would soon regulate and bring them to a healthy standard, even
though great sacrifices were made in bringing things to a proper balance.
On the 3d of May, 1853, for twenty -five cents he was taken to Alviso by
steamer, and on by stage to San Jose-, the seven miles of staging meander-
dering in every direction over the unfenced plains, to find the dryest ground
after an unusually wet season, and enabled him to see for the first time the
ground-squirrels and coyotes about which he had read and heard so much.
At San Jose" he lived and prospered for four years, when, his wife conceiv-
ing that the prevalent north winds aggravated her cough, he relinquished
the charge of the City and County Hospital and a large private practice,
and sought a more healthful change in Napa City. Here the luxuriant
growth of Mr. Patchet's vineyard attracted his attention, but his reading of
French and German authors on vine culture led him to inquire whether a
fine wine could be produced by an adobe or any kind of superior grain-
producing soil. It was claimed that vineyard ground should be selected
more with reference to the quality of wine it would make than the quan-
tity ; that a small crop from land unfit for the production of breadstuff's
would command more money than a large one grown on rich land. Com-
paring the physical geography of this valley with that of some of the most
celebrated vineyard regions of Europe, to which we might superadd our
confessedly superior climate, he came to the conclusion that if Nature had
specially designed any one spot of earth for vineyard purposes, Napa County
had that or those spots. He had noticed in the books that vineyard prop-
erty in Europe was regarded as the most reliable for securing a competency
for the support of families, and on a large scale for the accumulation of wealth,
notwithstanding the frequent failure of crops from frosts, excessive rains,
oidium, and other diseases, while General Vallejo assured him that his thirty-
year-old vineyard in Sonoma had never failed of a crop and never called for
manure. All this, to which he added a very natural desire to engage in a
vocation at once as remunerative as his profession, and unlike it — freer from
unavoidable hardship and exposure, caused him to turn attention seriously
to the question of abandoning the one and engaging in the other. It had
not, nor did it on subsequent reflection and inquiry, occur to his mind that
native wines might not prove acceptable to palates accustomed only to the
imported varieties, and, at the best, that it would be a long time before our
wines could figure in the commercial world as a staple commodity — but of
that hereafter. The business aspect of the case being settled, a consideration
of much graver character arose : Will the addition of an abundant supply of
Biographical Sketches. 423
the fermented juice of the grape to the intoxicating distilled liquors in gen-
eral use as a beverage increase the amount of drunkenness ? An affirmative
answer to that question once established, he held that no conscientious man
could feel at liberty to engage in the business. But an appeal to history,
sacred and profane, and a reference to the habits and state of temperance
of the human family throughout Christendom, clearly led to the conclusion
that a pure wine would not only fail to increase the amount of intoxication
among the people, but would prove an auxiliary to the temperance cause.
To justify himself in the estimation of his old associates in the temperance
movement, and in the minds of the friends of temperance generally, he
assigns, among others, the following reasons why he believed, and still be-
lieves, that a prohibition of the use of pure wine by the rules of temper-
ance societies is not only impolitic, but fatal to the philanthropic object of
their organization. He reasons thus : In sacred history we find wine gen-
erally associated with the indispensable necessaries of life ; its use never
forbidden, but its abuse always condemned. This is a precedent in favor
of the use of wine from which it is strange that .Christians ever appeal.
Would temperance reformers allow all to drink it, young and old, as they
did in the apostolic age — as they did in the days of Moses, Elias and Eze-
kiel, without damage to physical or moral health, so far as we can learn —
and employ every agency within their reach to restrict to the artisan and
apothecary distilled alcohol, the happy result would soon be apparent.
Distilled spirits, when used as a beverage, have been proved by experience
to be ten-fold more potent in the formation of intemperate appetites and
habits than the undistilled, fermented juice of the grape. This fact, so
vitally important to the welfare of our country, did not escape the saga-
cious mind of President Jefferson. Encouraging the people of Virginia to
engage in vine culture, he wrote : " In all countiies where wine is cheap,
drunkenness is rare ; but in all countries in which wine is so costly as to
cause people to satisfy their natural desire for stimulants by the use of dis-
tilled spirits, drunkenness is common." That truly great man and genuine
philanthropist was not only a careful observer of the habits of men and
nations, and the causes which led to their different manners and customs,
but he knew that human nature in general demanded something in addi-
tion to mere satiety of food. He knew that no people had ever been found
on the face of the earth so savage, or so refined and civilized, as not to be in
possession of something, aboriginal or imported, that was used as a luxury in
the shape of stimulants or narcotics or both. These facts convinced him that
it is natural for man, after supplying the necessities of life by food, to desire to
multiply his enjoyments, intellectual and animal, and for the time to exalt
them. And the history of the so-called temperance reform in our own
country abundantly proves, that whatever is really and truly founded in
424 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
nature cannot be successfully opposed. Over a third of a century had
already passed since the ruin left in the wake of intemperance had aroused
the alarm of the philanthrophist, the statesman, and the divine. Appeals
had been made in the name of our common humanity, to every class of peo-
ple for their co-operation, in efforts to stay the progress of the fell destroyer.
Men, women and children, were induced to pledge themselves to abstain
totally from all inebriating liquors as a beverage, which resulted only in
spasmodic and temporary reform, if indeed it did not weaken the sense of
moral obligation, by habituating people to the violation of solemn pledges.
Legislation was invoked and superadded to moral suasion, liquor laws
enacted and evaded or openly defied. A generation had lived and died
amid the most zealous and energetic exertion on the part of the humani-
tarian, political economists and reformers generally, the best of men and
women meantime, ever ready to barter their hearts' blood for the protection
of their sons from the drunkard's grave, and their daughters from drunken
husbands. When, after thirty or forty years had been devoted unremit-
tingly to this cause, a cause that appealed alike to the common interests of
society and the deepest and tenderest sympathies of our nature, its advocates
were made to stand aghast by the discovery that the statistics of poverty
and crime caused by intemperate liquor drinking was not only not dimin-
ished but absolutely increased, and it was found by reference to the custom
house and returns of domestic distilleries, that consumption of distilled
liquors had also increased 'pari passu, with the population. From the above
facts he was driven to the conclusion, that it is impossible to so change the
nature of the Caucasian, as to induce him to consent to live without the
luxury of stimulating beverages of some kind, and consequently that wisdom
and prudence call for such a regulation of his appetite as it is possible to
effect, and this possibility we find in the remedy for the prevention of
drunkenness, hinted at by the sage of Monticello, Mr. Jefferson, " make wine
cheap." Experience demonstrates that the free use of wine from youth to
old age in France, Germany, Switzerland and other countries, inhabited by
our own race, where wine making is a leading industry, engenders but a
tithe of the beastly drunkenness which characterize the habits of people
where wine stimulation is more costly than distilled spirits, and we have
among us an abundance of superior constitutions, physical and mental, from
those countries, who are living witnesses to the correctness of Mr. Jefferson's
statement. And if further testimony is needful to prove that wine is useful
to the world and not dangerous to morals, we have only to invoke more
particularly that of Holy Writ. Noah's first enterprise after leaving the
Ark, if we are to accept the account as historic, was the planting of a vine-
yard. Moses reserved the choicest of the wines for his priests. David, the
" man after God's own heart," said " wine makes the heart glad." Solomon
Biographical Sketches. 425
was not in favor of red or mixed wine, and cautioned all against using any
kind to excess. He knew that good things could be abused, but the climax
of approval of wine drinking we find at the wedding feast in Cana of
Galilee. With all these facts and reflections he naturally concluded that
wine making was compatable with a clear conscience, and the next thing
was to seek a locality and soil most likely to produce a superior article.
This he believed he found in the upper part of Napa Valley, and over
twenty years, of experience has confirmed his opinion. At that time
he could find no one who would admit that vines could be made to
grow without irrigation. Soils too light for the production of wheat
and on which water could not be artificially conducted were thought
valueless. A large proportion of the upper valley land was of this charac-
ter, with some rather fertile spots here and there. He was made the butt
of gibes and jokes for paying six or seven dollars per acre for three or four
hundred acres of this kind of land, one-half covered densely with chemisal
brush and on none of which could cereals or esculents be successfully culti-
vated, and fruit culture was considered impossible for want of water. In
self-defence he facetiously claimed that his aim was to raise rabbits for
market. He procured Mission cuttings from San Jose-, there being no
foreign ones in the country, and put them down three feet deep with a crow-
bar, in the expectation that moisture at that depth would remain till roots
could sprout at the lower end. Years afterward he found that these lower ends
of the cuttings had neither sent out roots nor even swelled in growth, but roots
were plentiful near enough to the surface of the ground to feel the sun's heat
sufficiently. About sixty per cent, of the twelve acres planted in this way
in February, 1859, grew well, and by the next season he had learned to
plant with a spade, and so supplied the missing places, planted many acres
in addition, besides cuttings from a nursery of foreign vines, which by that
time he was able to procure in San Jose" and from Europe, by the help of
Colonel Haraszthy, paying in San Jose* $40 per thousand for cuttings ten
inches long, and he continued to plant from year to year till he had a full
hundred acres of vineyard. But the above-named, and what remains to be
told about the want of a market, etc., by no means cover all the difficulties
he and his neighbors were compelled to encounter in getting the vine-grow-
ing business in running order in the St. Helena district. To the ravages of
the army of hare, squirrels and cotton-tail rabbits in the destruction of
young vines was superadded the opposition of temperance fanatics. A
preacher who was wise above what is written, and who was more temperate
than the Savior, attempted to correct an error of " Him who spake as man
never spake," by praying that " God would blight the vineyard business now
being commenced in this valley." At this point our friend the Doctor vocif-
erated— " spoke out in meeting," as the newspapers have it — in a voice
426 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
audible to everyone in the large congregation, exclaiming, " That prayer
won't go six feet high." This irreverent anecdote has gone the rounds of
the Press about once a year ever since, correctly adding that vineyard pros-
pects continued to brighten after the sacriligious invocation for their blight.
Before this time, however, his neighbors, of whom he had but few, began
to admit that brush and naked upland was worth something, and it has in-
creased in demand, and what has proven on trial to be perfectly worthless
for cereals and esculent roots will now sell for $100 or more per acre, and
yield, when well cultivated in grapes, from two to four or five times as much
annual net profit as the best bottom land devoted to general farming, and
bring a large amount of cash to the State for the sale of wines, instead of
sending to Europe to pay the foreign laborer there. He claims the credit of
pioneering, at a large expense to himself, the utilizing of worthless land as
a politico-economical measure. But the next and unforeseen contingency
was forced upon him. His cellars, which he had very unwisely dug into
the ground, instead of adopting the present mode, became full, and, unable
to sell a gallon in our Bay City, he hauled to Napa on wagons some twelve
thousand gallons and sent it around the Horn to New York for eight or
nine cents per gallon freight. Crossing the Isthmus himself, he met his
wine in our great commercial metropolis, but could not find one dealer in
that great city who would buy a barrel of it. Fortunately, he had taken
money enough with him, or he could not have paid the freight by the sale
of the wine, every hundred of his coin at that time (1867-8) bringing one
hundred and forty of currency. His white wine, owing to soil, age of
vines, or its handling by H. A. Pellet, fermented in pipes, was mainly
very good. His claret not clear. Some of the foreign dealers would
condescend to examine it. Other California wine also was there. But
while the wholesale dealers refused to buy, they did not fail to
take alarm. Large sums of money were raised by foreign houses,
and special agents sent to Washington to get import duties on foreign
wines reduced. After fruitless delay he determined to seek a market in the
west, where Nicholas Longworth, of Cincinnati, and the Hermon Missouri
Company had already familiarized the people with native wine. Finding
at that time that he could not stand the cost of sending his stock by rail-
road, it was shipped via New Orleans and the Mississippi to Saint Louis,
where he found plenty of native wine made of the Catawba and other
American grapes by the aid of alcohol and New Orleans sugar, a large pro-
portion of which was " gallized." The low saccharine quality or strength
of grapes in every locality in the Atlantic States in which wine was made,
compelled the employment of sugar. Glucose was then unknown. He was
told by one of the proprietors of the Croton Point Vineyard, on the Hudson,
that he paid $2000 for the sugar that year for six thousand gallons of Isa-
Sketches. 427
bella juice, and the gentleman was astonished to learn that that was more
than the whole cost to the California producer of an equal amount of pure,
unadulterated wine, and he said the days of Eastern native wine growing
were numbered. He worried along as best he could in Saint Louis for two
years at destructive expense to himself physically and pecuniarily, realizing
when too late, that if he had understood the business like the practical
vintners who succeeded him in that city, that his enterprise would have been
a success. But finally, worn out by the sweltering heat and benumbing
cold, he traded his cellar of wine and brandy, which had been largely
increased in quantity by importations from home, for a Saint Louis County
farm, which he ultimately lost after refusing $16,000 cash for it, by causes
and complications irrelevant to the object of this Napa County History.
Making his effort to create a market for the product of California vineyards,
let him down financially over $20,000 below where he would have been if
he had remained at home and sold during the Franco-Prussian War for
such prices as he could then have realized in San Francisco. But mistakes
and errors are unavoidable in all attempts to develop new industries, yet
in the present case he has the gratification of knowing that those who were
encouraged to embark in the vineyard business, by his example have avoided
many of his errors and are now not only reaping a rich reward, but have
enriched the county by causing the poorest lands to make larger returns
than were realized from the deep alluvial soils before the inauguration of
the vineyard business in our valley, and he has the more selfish satisfaction
of realizing that what was regarded as his folly and want of business fore-
sight in 1860, and for years afterwards, and in spite of his ignorance of the
business and many mistakes, the wine-making enterprise has placed him
financially beyond the contingency of want in his old age. This he is enjoy-
ing on his " rabbit patch," within the corporate limits of St. Helena, in the
company of a lady who was the widow of A. J. Grayson, the ornithologist
who lost his life while painting the ornithology of Central America and
otherwise developing its natural history in the interest of science. He
made many contributions to the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C.
The former Mrs. Crane, after participating in the cares and arrangements
necessary for the conversion of a " barren wilderness " into a literally " fruit-
ful field," was not permitted in earth-life to enjoy the full developments
which characterize the surroundings of her worthy successor, but the Doc-
tor's happy faith assures him that she still regards with lively interest the
welfare of her grand-children, the McPike family, and hopes they will never
be forgetful of the moralizing and industrial lessons she impressed on their
infant minds while she was subjected to the discomforts incidental to laying
the foundation on a virgin soil of comforts and luxuries for time and culture
fully to develop, and his realization of this development now presenting an
428 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
aspect so different from primitive appearances and conditions twenty years
ago afford him a pleasure that is not diminished by the fact of having been
outstripped by some of his neighbors in the march of improvement.
Then he saw near by a little hamlet of redwood shanties, called St.
Helena, occupied by one hundred and fif iy or two hundred people, and a
landscape devoid of all ligneous or vegetable growth, except what kindly
Nature planted, which have now given place to vines, fruit, ornamental
trees and shrubbery, teeming with wealth and beauty. Then the territory
that now embraces four regularly organized school districts was embraced
in one, which led but a poor dying life for want of pupils. Now, the largest
district of the four alone numbers three hundred and forty-four census
scholars, a proportionate amount of school-house room, with convenient and
even luxm-ious appointments, and he hears the " church-going bell," and
counts six edifices within the town limits dedicated to Sunday-schools, re-
ligion and sectarian morality. Then, though but two hundred rods from
the post-office, he was sometimes unable to reach it in consequence of floods
and mire. Now, a substantial bridge and solid road gives him access to that
establishment on the arrival of two San Francisco mails a day, the year
round, and he well remembers being shut from the outer world two weeks
at a time by the impassable condition of the road to Napa City. Then,
when traveling was good, the St. Helena and Sulphur Springs people could
take a stage at or before sunrise, connect with steamer at Napa City, and
about sunset reach San Francisco. Now, they can leave after breakfast, do
business in that city, and be home at supper time. And the reader in the
next generation will be desirous of learning how these public conveniences
were so speedily obtained, and what the character of our civil service has
been to bring about the existing financial condition of the county, which
bids fair to entail a public debt on him and it. If our archives and their
records fail to explain, to forewarn and consequently to forearm our suc-
cessors against the crooked ways by which the producers — the creators of
the wealth of this county have suffered by designing men, by public ser-
vants and capitalists who betrayed and swindled them in spite of the honest
efforts of many worthy officials to prevent it, it will become a matter of
serious regret that the limits of the present history — a book to which all
may have access — -prevented a full expose- ; but the subject of our narrative
believes that a mere reference here to the history of our railroad, and the
fact that the county was swindled out of its ownership by special legisla-
tion ; that exorbitant salaries of officials have been caused and maintained
by special legislation ; that capitalists have virtually escaped taxation ; that
county expenses generally, have far exceeded reasonable limits, and the rod
in terrorem has been held over Grand Juries to prevent investigation of the
administration of county affairs, he hopes will suffice to put the future
Biographical Sketches. 429
voter and taxpayer on the alert, to guard against a repitition of such abuses
and against all attempts to repeal that provision of our New Constitution
which prohibits special legislation.
We are indebted to Mrs. G. B. Crane, of St. Helena, for the excellent
portrait of the old pioneer George C. Yount, and also for the sketch of his
history which she furnished us, and which will be found in the body of this
work, written by Mrs. Day, of the Hesperian, in 1859, at Mr. Yount's own
home in Napa Valley. Mrs. Crane's fellow feeling for the adventurous is
but natural, and has led to the preservation of the history of many early
immigrants with whom she was personally acquainted. Her own immigra-
tion to this coast partook largely of the romantic. It supplemented on an
extraordinary scale her wedding tour, and protracted in a most unusual
manner the honeymoon, till even after the advent of a third party. Much
the same may be said of Mrs. William M. Boggs, of Napa City, who started
upon the western journey when a bride of but a few days. Her father-in-
law, ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri, with his train joined that of A. J. Gray-
son, and to their number was also added the painfully historic Donner party,
whose separation from them at Fort Bridger led to their terrible fate.
None but the most daring spirits at that day (1846) would risk their lives
on the arid plains, barren mountains and savage wilderness generally, which
separates the great central valley of the continent from the Pacific Ocean.
Of these Mrs. Crane's former husband was confessedly one. His advertise-
ments in the St. Louis papers of that date soon called together resolute
men and women equal to the emergency. Colonel Grayson and his
family went to San Francisco, then a mere hamlet known as Yerba Buena,
in the midst of the Mexican War, which added California to the stars and
stripes, and in which most of the company were destined actively to par-
ticipate. To narrate her experience in this and incidents in the lives of
prominent men whom the gold excitement brought to and through San
Francisco en route to the mines, would be most interesting to the general
reader, but rather out of place in this local history, although it is within
the purview of our subject to add her statement to the effect that the sum-
mer of 1859 she spent on the ground where the flourishing village of
Calistoga now is, while Colonel Grayson was painting the ornithology of
the Mount St. Helena region, the place being then only known by the less
musical names of " Sam. Brannan's sheep ranch " and " Hot Springs " —
Aguas Calientes, as the Indians and natives who visited them called the
waters.
COOMBS, HON. NATHAN (deceased). The subject of this memoir,
whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born in Middle-
borough, Massachusetts, in 1826, and at an early age went with his mother
430 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
to the Territory of Iowa, and settled near the then embryotic city of
Muscatine. His father was dead, and his mother was then married to a Dr.
Carpenter. In 1842 the family went to Oregon across the plains, and in
1843 came to California, locating in Yolo County. In 1845 the subject of
this memoir came to Napa Valley and purchased a farm from Salvador
Vallejo, which was located about one and a half miles north-west of where
Napa City now stands, and where he resided till his death. He also owned
the land on which a portion of Napa City now stands, and laid out the
original town site in 1848. He served in the State Legislature, and
always took a very active part in whatever conduced to the welfare and
advancement of the city and county in which he resided. He was a very
liberal contributor to public improvements, and was well known all over
the State as a raiser of blooded stock and a patron of the turf. He reared
a family of intelligent children, one daughter having married Hon. John M.
Coghlan, and one of his sons is the present District Attorney of Napa
County. Much more could be said of the life of this most worthy pioneer,
but we regret that the proper data could not be obtained, and we were de-
pendent upon the press notices for all the facts stated above. His death
occurred December 26, 1877. On the 29th of that month, the following
resolutions were placed upon the records of the Board of City Trustees of
Napa : Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the City of Napa deplore
the death of Hon. Nathan Coombs, an early pioneer and a distinguished
citizen of California, and the founder of this city. Resolved, That, as a
mark of respect for his memory, the Board do now adjourn.
CHAPEL, B. A. Was born in Chenango County, New York, July 10,
1831. When nineteen years of age he went to Illinois, and in March, 1854,
started for California. He came by steamer, and arrived at San Francisco,
May 19th, of the above year. The following two years were spent in the
mines of Placer County. He then went to Nevada County and engaged in
milling for about four years. We next find him once more in Placer Count}',
where he followed different occupations until 1868, when he sold all his in-
terest in Placer County and went to San Jose", where he engaged in hotel-
keeping. In 1869 he sold out and moved to San Diego, where he followed
carpentering about fifteen months. He then went to Colusa, where he re-
mained a short time. In April, 1871, he went to Olympia, Washington Ter-
ritory, where he remained until the fall of the same year, when he returned
to California, and resided at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, until July, 1872 ;
then moved to Oakland, and after a short time went to Sacramento. Here
he remained six years, and then returned to Oakland, and from there he
came to Napa County, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming.
Since Mr. Chapel's advent into California he was in the employ of the
c
I
* .
- ^
Biographical Sketches. 431
Central Pacific Railroad Company, and Contract and Finance Company, until
he located in Napa County. He married, April 1, 1863, Mrs. Ellen Vincent,
a native of Quincy, Illinois.
COGHLAN, HON. JOHN M. (deceased). The subject of this memoir,
whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Louisville, Kentucky,
December 8, 1835, and was the son of Cornelius Coghlan, a native of Phila-
delphia, and Lavina Fouke Coghlan, a native of Kaskaskia, Illinois. When
he was but a boy he came across the plains to California with T. Frank Raney.
He went to Nevada County with A. J. Raney, and made his home with
him until 1859, when he came to Gordon Valley and engaged in farming
till 1861. In that year he came to Napa City, and became foreman for
Nathan Coombs, and employed his leisure moments in reading law. He
was then appointed to the position of Deputy Recorder by J. H. Howland,
but being ambitious he soon gave it up, and entered the law office of J.
Brunson, and was admitted to practice in the courts of Solano County in
1864. He shoi-tly afterwards formed a partnership with Hon. W. S. Wells.
He was elected to the State Legislature in 1865, and to the Congress of
the United States from the Third District in 1872. He was appointed
Supreme Judge of Utah in 1875, and United States Attorney for California
in 1877. He was tendered the position of Supreme Judge of Utah a second
term, but declined the honor. He died March 26, 1879. Truly he was a
self-made man, building up from humble foundations to almost the topmost
pinnacle. He was the only man who was ever elected on the Republican
ticket to Crongress from the Third Distfict. He was married July 14, 1864,
to Miss Eva, only daughter of Nathan and Isabella Gordon Coombs, who was
born in Napa. Their children are Mary, born December 28, 1865 ; Willie 0.,
born February 22, 1870, and died March 19, 1871 ; Katie E., born Augt^t
11, 1872, Nathan Coombs, born April 5, 1875 ; John C, born December 25,
1878. ■■ .
CORNWELL, GEORGE N. Was born in Albany County, New York,
March 22, 1825. When he was quite -.young, his parents moved to near
Lake George. At the age of eleven he moved with. his parents to Lansing-
burg, that State, and at that place his mother died. At the age of fourteen,
he moved to Fulton, Oswego County. At the age of sixteen he, with his
father, went to Helena, Arkansas, where his father died. During this time
young Cornwell had partially learned the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he
worked two years. At the age of eighteen he went to Cincinnati, where he
completed his trade. In the summer of 1846 he returned to Albany, New
York, when he enlisted in Stevenson's regiment and came to California,,
arriving in March, 1847. He remained in the-service until the fall of 1848.
He was a member of Company H, under Captain J. B. Frisbie. In- 1848 he
A
432 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
went to the mines and spent about six weeks. He then returned to Sonoma
and shortly afterward came to Napa as the manager of a store for Vallejo
and Frisbie. In 1850 he had a field of grain near McBain's tannery, this
being the first grain raised in the vicinity of Napa City. In 1852 he pur-
chased the vessel " Josephine," and used it as a store-ship in Napa. In 1853
he was elected to the Legislature. At the end of his term he returned to
Napa and engaged in farming. In 1860 he was one of the locators of the
Redington Quicksilver Mine, and still owns a large interest in it. He has
served on the Board of Supervisors for three years — from 1860 to 1863. In
1875 he was elected to the Legislature a second time. In 1876 he was sent
from this district to the National Democratic Convention in St. Louis. His
present beautiful residence, located in the south-western portion of Napa
City was erected in that year. Mr. Cornwell has always been prominently
identified with the interests of Napa County from its incipiency to the
present time, and in all his relations of life, both social and political, he has
been found a worthy and honorable gentleman. He was married, Novem-
ber 20, 1854, to Anna J. West, a native of Bangor, Maine. Their children
are : Fannie G., Clara F., Morris L. and Carleton M.
CROUCH, HON. ROBERT. Was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in
the year 1823. He was educated in the town of Hopedale, and, after leav-
ing school, lived on a farm until the waning of his minority. When twenty
he lodged in Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, and there, after a course
of pharmacy, clinical instruction, and surgical experiments, began the prac-
tice of medicine. The gold of California had more charms for him though
than the healing art, and in 1850 he, with others, started out on the long
journey across the plains to the Pacific. He reached the Napa Valley, and
it is small wonder that he has not cared to reach any other part of the State.
It was not in his present position that he took up his residence among the
oak-covered knolls of that garden corner of the earth, but, bidding good-
bye to ^Esculapius — whom he found would have to be attended with more
patience than patients — he accepted an offer to work at good wages in a
carpenter's apron. In those days, when a handy man could make from half
an ounce to an ounce and a half gold a day at mechanical labor, lawyers,
doctors, merchants, and soft-handed people of all kinds were glad to harden
them for such good pay. Mr. Crouch did not find himself one whit less
respected because he pulled his coat off to work ; to the contrary, in fact,
and in 1855 he was made Deputy County Clerk of Napa, and in 1857
elected Clerk by a large majority. This latter office he retained until De-
cember, 1863, at which time he was elected County Judge, holding that
position for nearly eight years. Law here seemed to offer advantages as a
sion, and, studying, he was soon admitted to practice in all the courts
Biographical Sketches. 433
of the State, and to-day is one of Napa's prominent lawyers. He is mar-
ried— those for whom he works being a wife and two children. Mr. Crouch
was elected on the Republican ticket to the Constitutional Convention which
convened at Sacramento during the winter of 1878.
COOPER, WILLIAM R. Was born in Buffalo, New York, January 7,
1830. At the age of fourteen, he learned the miller's trade. February 1,
1853, he sailed for California on the steamer " Ohio," via Aspinwall, and
arrived at San Francisco March 3d of that year. He went to the mines on
Bear River, and at the end of a month returned to San Francisco and en-
gaged in his business, which he followed, with the exception of one year
spent in Sacramento, till June, 1859, when he came to Napa County. He
began working for Heald, Seawell & Gregg at the milling business, and at
the end of eight months purchased Mr. Gregg's interest. He continued in
the business until June 11, 1877, when he became sole proprietor, and has
since conducted the business — the Vernon Mills. He was married in 1856
to Elizabeth Bunting, a native of Erie County, New York. Their children
are Ella M., and Herbert L.
COOK, J. Was born in Canada, May 10, 1841, and resided at his birth-
place until he was twenty-two years of age. May 10, 1863, he came to
California ; and after spending a month in San Francisco, he came to Napa
Valley, and began work on a ranch for Mr. Grigsby, near Yountville, where
he remained for two years. He then farmed one year at that place, when
he came to Calistoga, and engaged in driving a stage from that place to
Harbin Springs, which he followed for two years. He then opened a saloon
and fruit stand, which he has since followed, except two years of the time,
when he was working for J. A. Chesebro at the Magnolia Hotel, and stage-
driving. He was married in August, 1875, to Mrs. Snow. They have one
child, Gertrude, born August 18, 1876.
CRADDOCK, SILAS M. Was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia,
December 25, 1825. Leaving there in his tenth year, he moved to Wilson
County, Tennessee, where he resided until 1846, being then twenty-one
years of age. He moved with his parents to Laclede County, Missouri,
and there followed farming until 1852. April 1st of that year he started
across the plains with an ox-team, and driving a drove of cattle, arriving in
Napa County in December of that year, having first stopped a few weeks
in the mines. He located at Yountville, and remained there until the fall
of 1853, when he returned to Missouri, where he remained until April 14,
1856, when he once more returned to California, driving a drove of cattle
to Sonoma County for his brother-in-law, Elija H. Duncan. He then again
returned to Yountville where he farmed until he removed to Chiles Valley
in 1873, purchasing his present farm, consisting of four hundred and hfty-
three acres.
28
434 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
CRADDOCK, JAMES COLEMAN. Bora August 16, 1827, in Pittsyl-
vania County, Virginia, and followed the moves of his brother, Silas M.,
and is at present with him. Both are unmarried.
CARRILLO, A. F. Was born in Santa Rosa, California, May 1, 1855,
and is the son of Julio Carrillo, and a nephew of General M. G. Vallejo. He
remained at his birthplace until he was of age, receiving his education, and
learning the butcher's trade in the meantime. He then spent two years in
San Francisco, working at his trade for J. Y. Wilson & Co. He then re-
turned to Santa Rosa and followed his trade for two years. In 187(5, he
came to Calistoga, and worked at his trade for Mr. Wooley. In 1881, he, in
company with Mr. Bennett, opened a meat market. He was married Sep-
tember 20, 1879, to Miss Maggie Enright, a native of the city of New Yoi-k.
CONN, CONNELLEY. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
will be found in this work, was born in County Londonderry, Ireland, June
13, 1832. He came from Liverpool, England, to America, leaving the former
place April 28, 1852, and arriving at New Orleans June 20th, of that year.
He proeeeded to Illinois, where he engaged with an uncle in the cattle busi-
ness, and remained there upwards of two years. Thence he went to Phila-
delphia, where he made arrangements to proceed to California to join an
uncle, who then lived in Conn Valley, Napa County, and who was a pioneer
of the valley, and from whom it was named. His uncle had written to his
friends but once in many years. After arriving in Conn Valley in 1855, he
soon proceeded to the mines with a small party from Napa County. He
engaged in mining with varied success until 1856, when he returned to
Napa County, and has since resided in Conn Valley, being engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising.
COOMBS, FRANK L. Son of Nathan and Isabella Gordon Coombs,
was born in Napa County, California, December 27, 1853. He received a
common school education in the public schools of his native place, and
graduated at the Columbia Law School, in Washington, District of Colum-
bia, June 10, 1875. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Courts of
Washington, District of Columbia, in June. 1875, and to the Supreme Court
of California in March, 1876. He was elected to the position of District
Attorney for Napa County in September, 1870. He was united in marriage,
December 27, 1879, with Miss Belle M. Roper, a native of Boston, born
November 14, 1855. She was educated at Mount Holyoke Seminary, and
a teacher in the public schools of Boston. They have one child, Nathan
Foster, born January 1, 1881.
CRABB, H. W. Was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, January 1, 1828,
and is the eldest child of Henry and Esther Walker Orabb. When he was
twelve years of age, he, with his parents, moved to Adams County, Ohio,
Biographical Sketches. 435
and he received his education at the common schools of that county. Jan-
uary 4, 1853, he sailed from New Orleans for California, and arrived in
the State on the 31st. He immediately proceeded to the mines, and en-
gaged in that occupation in Placer and Nevada Counties for about six
months. He then settled in Alameda County, and engaged in farming near
the town of Haywards. He remained here till 1865, when he came to Napa
County and began the grape business, and he is now one of the largest
wine makers in the county. A full description of his wine cellar, etc., will
be found in its proper place. He was married in 1851 to Rebecca A.
Donohoo, who died in 1862, leaving three children, Amanda M., Adda H.
and Horace A. He married secondly Miss Elizabeth P. Carmer, a native of
New York, and by this union they have one daughter, Cora Carmer, born
in 1864.
CLARK, SIDNEY. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap-
pears in this work, was born in Kentucky, October 21, 1829. While
he was still quite young his parents removed to Boone County, Mis-
souri, where young Sidney resided until 1850. April 22d of that year
he started for California, coming with ox-teams across the plains, and arriv-
ing in September of the same year. He began mining operations at once in
Calaveras County, which he followed some seven months. He then opened
a store on a tributary of the Amador River, which he conducted for one
year. May 28, 1852, he moved to and settled in Suisun Valley, his place
still being one of the well-known landmarks on the road leading from
Suisun to Vacaville, and being adjacent to the famous Tolenas Springs
property. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising till 1876, when he
moved to Berryessa Valley, and engaged in the same occupation. He owns
eight hundred and five acres of valuable land in the valley. He held the
office of Supervisor for one term in Solano County. Mr. Clark married
Miss Elizabeth Jane Devilbiss, December 23, 1869, who is a native of
Missouri, born March 23, 1849. Their children are Sidney G., born Decem-
ber 19, 1870 ; John R, born September 18, 1872 ; Elizabeth Jane, born
June 18, 1874; Emma Ella, born July 23, 1876 ; Lulu Margaret, born Octo-
ber 29, 1878 ; Sarah Ann, born April 6, 1881.
CARTER, JOS. Was born in Ireland, where he resided till 1850.
He then emigrated to America and resided in Wisconsin and Illinois,
where he was engaged in surveying until 1854. He then came to Cali-
fornia, and was engaged in mining for three years. In 1856 he came to
Napa County and began the mercantile business in connection with which
he was engaged in buying and selling real estate. He continued in this
until 1875, and since that time has not been engaged in any active business.
Mr. Carter is one of Napa County's well-to-do citizens, and now owns some
436 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
of the choicest business blocks in that city, and is highly respected by all.
During the last five years he has visited the European countries and the
Eastern States twice. His visits to Europe were made for the purpose of
settling the estates of his deceased mother and brother.
CLEGHORN, JOHN. Was born in Haddington, Scotland, November
11, 1820, and there, at an early age, he learned the trade of harness-maker,
and resided in his native county until March, 1847, when he started for
America. He sailed from Glasgow and arrived in New York in May of the
above year. Remaining in that city a short time, he went to Cleveland,
Ohio, and remained one year. He then traveled through the Southern
States, and in the spring of 1862 left Macon, Georgia, for California, coming
through Texas and Mexico, and thence to Havana, from which place he took
passage to San Francisco, arriving in August, 1862. He first located in
Sonoma County and remained one year, and the following three years the
subject of this sketch spent in Australia, and returned to this coast in 1867.
In July of the above year he proceeded to Napa County, locating in St.
Helena, and opened his present business of saddle and harness-maker, located
on the corner of Main and Spring streets, and in 1874 built his present shop
next to the National Hotel. Mr. Cleghorn is yet unmarried.
CONNER, JOHN. Son of William and Amelia Cheny Conner, was
born in Miami County, Indiana, December 8, 1846. He remained in his
birthplace until he was twenty-one years of age, and was educated at the
common schools of that place. He then, with his parents, left the farm they
had resided on'for thirty-seven years, and moved west, first settling in La-
bette County, Kansas, and began the general merchandise business in Labette
City, remaining there for some years. In the fall of 1874 the subject of
this sketch came to California and came immediately to Napa County,
locating in Calistoga, where he secured a situation as clerk, which position
he held for two and a half years. He worked for the Clear Lake Stage
Company for eighteen months, and then started in his present business of
livery and feed stable, near the depot in Calistoga. He was united in mar-
riage January 12, 18 — , to Miss Jerusha Bollevine, a native of Licken
County, Ohio, born April 27, 1853, and by this union they have three chil-
dren: Walter E., born October 21,1874; Daniel E., born Deeember 11,
1878 ; Daisy, born March 28, 1880.
COLMAN, FREDERICK W., M. D. The subject of this sketch was
born in Portland, Maine, September 15, 1838, and resided in his birthplace
until he was nine years of age, and then moved with his parents to Ogdens-
burg, New York, and there sojourned about one year. They then moved to
Salem, Massachusetts, where he was educated at the Philipp School of that
city, and afterward served an apprenticeship as a druggist, about 1855. We
Biographical Sketches. 437
next find him in Boston, still engaged in a drug store, where he remained
until he came to California, which occurred in 1860. He sailed from New
York on board the steamer " Ariel " to Aspinwall, and on the Pacific side
on board the " Sonora " to San Francisco, arriving at the latter place June
28, 18C0. He there entered the employ of W. B. Keith in a drug store,
staying only a few months. He then moved to Stockton, where he remained
a short time, and proceeded to Hornitas, Mariposa County, and remained
until the spring of 1862. He then returned to Boston with the intention
of enlisting, but owing to physical disabilities at that time was refused
admittance into the army. He then once more sailed for the Pacific Coast,
via Panama, arriving in San Francisco for the second time November 20,
1863. He then went to Washington Territory, and remained there
until 1870, when he sold out and removed to California, locating in
Napa City. He purchased a drug store, and then began taking a course of
lectures at the Medical College of San Francisco, graduating from that insti-
tution November 4, 1873. In September of that year the Doctor was elected
to the office of Coroner of Napa County, which position he has continuously
held since, and is the present incumbent, giving satisfaction to the people
and doing credit to himself. Also, in 1873, was appointed physician for the
County Hospital, located in Napa City, for one year. August 29, 1880, he
removed to St. Helena and opened his present office, on Hurst avenue. Is
a member of the State Medical Society, and is now enjoying a lucrative
practice. Doctor Colman was united in marriage at Walla Walla, July 10,
1867, to Miss Emily W. Sylvester, who was born in Brooklyn, Long Island,
June 26, 1840. By this union they have five children: Annie S., born July
26, 1869 : Emily D., born October 7, 1870 ; Charlotte G., born February 7,
1872 ; Florence, born February 25, 1879, and Mary, bom May 28, 1880.
CLARK, ALFRED GREEN. The subject of this sketch was born in
Butler County, Ohio, November 10, 1818, and is the son of Jonathan and
Catharine Jonas Clark. When he was six years of age his parents moved
to Montgomery County, Indiana, where he remained, receiving his education
in the County Seminary and in the Wabash College until seventeen years
of age. In 1835, having a strong predisposition for mercantile life, he com-
menced the study of merchandising in a store in Crawfordsville, Indiana,
where he remained as apprentice and clerk for two years. He then
moved to Michigan City, La Porte County, Indiana, where, following his
former occupation, he remained till the fall of 1838. He then moved, cross-
ing the Mississippi at Bellevue, on the first through stage from Chicago to
Galena, to Jackson County, Iowa, and there settled down to a farmer's life,
which he continued till 1844. In 1841 he cast a vote at the election which
changed Iowa from a Territory to a State. In 1844 the old mercantile
438 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
spirit took possession of him, and he sold out his farm to settle in the town
of Andrew, where he remained in the merchandising business till June,
1849. In that year the " golden pictures " of California caused him to turn
his steps westward. The winter, however, stopped him at Council Bluffs,
and there he remained till May 20, 1850, when he again took up his march
towards the setting sun. He crossed the plains by the northern route and
arrived at the Dalles, Oregon, where he sold his teams, and by means of a
small boat proceeded to the Cascades. There they took passage on the
" Columbia," a steamer of such diminutive size that it became his duty to
roll a barrel of flour from side to side of the little boat, and thus " trim
ship." At New Astoria he took passage on board the steamer " Panama "
for San Francisco, at which place he arrived September 29, 1850. His
first business transaction in California, after seeing his family comfortably
located in a hotel, was to borrow $30, and then commenced to look
around for something to do by which he could earn a few dollars.
Seeing that, though he had served no apprenticeship, he was a
better workman than the so-called carpenters of those days, he
went to work as master workman in carpentering. But two weeks
found him with funds enough on hand to repay the loan and carry him
through to the mines, his objective point from the day he left the town of
Andrew, Iowa. Leaving San Francisco, he went to Woods Creek, and
mined with good success. His success was such that after six weeks' min-
ing, he returned to San Francisco, and moved with his family to Corte Ma-
dera, Marin County, where he helped to erect two saw-mills. In January,
1852, he returned to San Francisco, purchased an interest in Port Orford
City from Captain Tichenor, and on the 23d day of January embarked with
the captain on the steamer " Sea Gull " for the purpose of viewing his new
purchase, and on the 25th of that month arrived at Humboldt Bay. On
the morning of the 26th they steamed away from Humboldt, and, attempt-
ing to pass over the bar at low-water and a rough sea, they met with the usual
consequence — a totally wrecked vessel. Mr. Clark had on board a large
supply of groceries and provisions, of which he was fortunate enough to
save a comparatively large amount, only to have the greater portion thereof
stolen by wreckers. He was taken across the beach to Bucksport, and
then erected the first dwelling-house in what is now the city of Eureka.
He then engaged in the lumber business, which he followed success-
fully until May, 1855. He then tried mining again, first in Cottonwood.
Siskiyou County, then with a party prospected Hungry and Beaver Creeks,
Four of the prospecting party laid out the town of Soda City. There, two
pack-trains, accompanied by fifty miners, coming in, drew down upon the
place a large band of hostile Indians, who massacred twenty-two of the
party. Mr. Clark, fortunately escaping, went to Sawyers Bar, on Salmon
Biographical Sketches. 439
Creek, and there engaged in mining, and remained till November, 1855. He
then returned to his family at Eureka, and, after disposing of his interests
there, came to Napa Valley, where he located on a farm of one thousand
acres, about eight miles above Napa, which he and his family improved. This
farm he still owns. In September, 1871, the old mercantile spirit coming
to the front once more he moved to Napa, and engaged in the hard-
ware business, which he continued till September, 1880. Mr. Clark was a
member of the first Union Convention held in 1861, but has not been an
office-seeker, having always declined all nominations tendered him, in-
cluding the nomination for Governor, till the fall of 1880, when his temper-
ance proclivities overcame his aversion to political contests and he accepted
the Prohibition nomination, and became a candidate for Congress, from the
Third District. Mr. Clark has been a member of the Independent Order of
Good Templars for the last fifteen years, and has, for nine years, been one of
the trustees of the Good Templars Home for Orphans, at Vallejo. During
all the years that he has held the position of trustee, he has met every three
months with his fellow members, and strange to say, not one single jar of
discord has ever disturbed the harmony of that Board, of which he and Mr.
W. H. Mills of the Sacramento Record- Union, have been members since
the Home was established. Mr. Clark has always been identified with the
best interests of the county. All other actions, however, being second and
subservient to his strong and ardent temperance principles. He has occu-
pied almost every chair and held every position in the Order of Good
Templars, and was in 1878, elected a delegate to the Right Worthy Grand
Lodge of Good Templars, and attended that session in Minneapolis, Minne-
sota. In 1881, he was again elected a delegate to attend the same body, to
meet in Topeka, Kansas. March 13, 1842, he was united in marriage to
Cyrena Phillips of Miami County, Ohio, who still lives, happily filling the
position of grandmother. They have two children living, as follows : Tam-
enena De Los Clark and Cyrena Susie Clark Willey.
CYRUS, JOHN. This old pioneer of thirty-five years' residence in
Napa County, is the son of Enoch and Rebecca Cook Cyrus, and was
born in Hancock County, Illinois, March 20, 1831. He remained in his
birthplace until he was three years of age, and then, with his parents, moved
to Iowa and located near the present site of Burlington, this being several
years before Iowa was admitted into the Union, where they remained for
two years engaged in farming. In the fall of 1836 he moved, with his
parents, to Burton County, Missouri, where he resided on a farm for one
year. He then moved to Jackson County, that State, and remained in that
locality until 1845. He then moved to Andrew County, that State, and
engaged in farming for one year. In the latter part of March, 1846, he
started with his parents to cross the plains to California, crossing the Missouri
440 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
River at St. Joseph and coming the old emigrant route via Salt Lake
and Humboldt, first entering this State at Truckee and coming by Donner
Lake, arriving in Sacramento October 21, 1846. Staying there but a short
time, he proceeded to Napa Valley, arriving in the first part of November,
1846. On arriving in Napa Valley, Mr. Cyrus, with his parents, first settled
on what is known as the Yount grant and carried on general farming there
for two years. They then moved to Calistoga where his father took charge
of a ranch for Mr. Fowler. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Cyrus' father bought
the farm that the subject of this sketch now resides upon, one mile west of
Calistoga. Here, in 1853, the father of the old pioneer died ; his mother
passing away in 1873. Mr. Cyrus has prospected in mining at different
periods, and is now engaged in some extensive mines in Modoc County. He
was nominated in 1877 as candidate for County Treasurer on the Republi-
can ticket but was defeated by A. G. Boggs. It can be truthfully said that
Mr. Cyrus is honored and respected by all those having the pleasure of his
acquaintance, as he is known for his truthfulness, honesty and generosity
throughout the community in which he lives, and after a residence of thirty-
five years' duration, he is now enjoying the comforts of a happy home beside
the wife of his youth, beloved by his children and friends and respected by
the citizens of the county in which he dwells. Mr. Cyrus was married June
5, 1855, to Miss Lavina Graves, a native of Illinois, who was born July 3,
1834, and by this union they have five living children : Hemy E., born
April 12, 1859 ; James W., bom February 10, 1861 ; Mary A, born April
26, 1863; Sarah G, born December 11, 1866, and Rachel E., born January
27, 1873.
CASTNUR, WILLIAM H. Was bom in Lincoln County, Maine, March
8, 1829, and remained in his birthplace until he was twenty-eight years of
age, and there learned the trade of ship-carpenter. In the early part of
1857 he started west, and located in Wheatland, Rice County, Minnesota,
and engaged in farming for about two years, and the balance of his time up
to his coming to California was employed at his trade on the steamers
plying on the Mississippi River between St. Paul and New Orleans, and
continued in this until the spring of 1860. He then sailed for California,
coming via Cape Horn, and after a passage of one hundred and sixty-two
days he arrived in San Francisco. He immediately began to work at his
trade for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, making occasional trips to
Panama, remaining in their employ until 1870. He then moved to Napa
County and bought his present ranch of sixty acres, located one mile north
of St. Helena, and engaged in grape growing. Mr. Castnur was united in
marriage in Lincoln County, Maine, October 7, 1852, to Miss Sarah C.
Soule, a native of that county. They have five living children, William H.;
Lewis P., Frank E., Albert and Mary A.
'
4*ffc£W
Biographical Sketches. 441
CLARK, SAMUEL G. Son of Samuel G. and Roxanna Frisel Clark,
was born near Montreal, Canada, October 22, 1835. When he was but an
infant, his parents moved to McDonough County, Illinois, where he resided
until 1846. He then moved further west, locating in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
In July, 1849, when only fifteen years old, he started out to do for himself;
and joining a train bound for California, came across the plains to the
Golden State ; and after an unusual and weary trip of almost one year, they
arrived at their destination July 12, 1851. The subject of this sketch im-
mediately proceeded to Napa County, and was employed on a ranch near
where now stands the Ciystal Springs Hotel. After one year in that place,
he settled on the place now owned by John Safeley, above Calistoga, where
he resided for three years, and afterward followed farming in the vicinity
of Calistoga until 1862. He then married, and purchased his present place
of ten acres in the limits of St. Helena, and is now eagaged in viniculture.
Mr. Clark was Town Marshal of St. Helena in the years of 1869-70, and
in the latter year was District Road Supervisor. Mr. Clark was united
in marriage in Santa Rosa, September 27, 1862, to Miss Agnes E. Clark, a
native of Iowa, who was born August 29, 1844, and died November 21,
1880. By this union they had four sons, whose names and ages are as
follows : Ralph G., born August 17, 1863 ; Lewis G., born November 3,
1865; Frank A, born August 12, 1869; August F., born November 30,
1873.
CARVER, D. B. Son of Henry and Anna Strahl Carver, was born in
Harrison County, Ohio, February 9, 1831. He resided at his birthplace
until his seventeenth year, during which time he was educated at the com-
mon schools. He then moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was
engaged as clerk until his departure for California, which was February 1,
1852, coming via New Orleans and Nicaragua, landing in San Francisco
June 4th of that year. He immediately proceeded to the mines in Yuba
County, and began mining at Missouri Bar. He continued at that place
until the following November. He then went to Placer County, where he
engaged in mining until the spring of 1853. He then moved to Prairie
City, Sacramento County, where he engaged in mining until the fall of
1857. He then moved to Tuolumne County, where he found employment in
a flouring mill, and remained till 1858. In that year he returned to the
Eastern States, being absent about four months, when he once more re-
turned to Tuolumne County, California, where he remained until he came to
Napa City. He sojourned there only a few weeks, when he came to St.
Helena, and immediately began business in general merchandise, which
he continued till July 1, 1881. He was appointed Postmaster at St.
Helena in 1864, having, however, taken charge of the office within a
few weeks after he came to the place, and has been Postmaster since
442 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
that date, with the exception of one year. Married, August 1, 18G0,
Miss Annie Webber, who was born in Penobscot County, Maine, March G,
1837. By this union they have but one living child, D. B. Carver, Jr.,
born September 24, 1873, and two deceased, Henry E., born April 28, 1861,
and died May 7, 1881 ; Laura M., born April 14, 1862, and died May 4,
1877.
CLARK, ABRAHAM. Whose portrait appears in this work, was born
in Buckinghamshire, England, June, 1820, and is the son of Abraham
and Henrietta Falkner Clark. At nine years of age his parents came to
America and settled in Oneida County, New York, where they resided for
one and one-half years. They then moved to Frankford, Herkimer County,
same State, where they resided till 1835, when they emigrated west, and
settled in Huron County, Ohio. In 1836, he, with his parents moved to
Crawford County, that State, where he resided till 1842. He then returned
to Huron County and worked on a farm till 1846. In 1847, he moved and
settled in Wyandotte County, Ohio, where he followed farming till 1853.
We next find Mr. Clark located in Spring Grove Township, Green County,
Wisconsin, but he only remained there till the spring of 1854, when he
settled in Chickasaw County, Iowa, where he pitched his tent and turned
the first sod in that county. He resided there till May 19, 1864, when he,
with his family, came to California, across the plains, and after a long and
tedious journey of five months, they, in November of that year, arrived in
Napa County. On his arrival, he had but $2.50 to his name, and was
obliged to beg his first meal of victuals in this county. He immediately
rented the farm now owned by the Fly Brothers, mortgaged his teams for
seed wheat and began farming, which he continued on that place for one
year. He then rented the Davis Farm in Sonoma County, for one year,
and there lost everything he had made the year previous. In the fall
of 1866, he came to Berryessa Valley, $1000 in debt. But there he
rented land and once more began anew. He continued to farm in Berry-
essa Valley till 1871, when he moved to Colusa Count}'', where he rented a
tract of ten thousand acres of land, under the plow. He remained there
till 1873, when he returned to Berryessa and purchased his present home-
stead, where he has since been engaged in farming. He now owns nine
thousand eight hundred and ten acres of land in this valley. Mr. Clark
was married November 5, 1845, in Livingston County, New York, to Electra
J. Snider, daughter of Jacob and Lena Dougherty Snider, she being a
native of Cayuga County, New York, born January 28, 1820. By this
union they have six children : Alonzo Cortes, born in Wyandotte County,
Ohio, February 15, 1848, who was married in May, 1877, to Miss May
V. Stoft'ord, and now resides in the valley ; Norman, born February
27, 1854: Reuben, born in Chickasaw County, Iowa, December 16, 1855,
Biographical Sketches. 443
now in charge of the ranch in Colnsa County ; Amanda J., born in Chick-
asaw County, Iowa. June 20, 1858, now married to Mr. John Anderson, and
resides in this valley ; Henrietta, born in Chickasaw County, Iowa, Novem-
ber 4, 1860, now Mrs. Harris, and Alice, born May 27, 1867, in Napa
County, and two children deceased. Norman Clark was married to Miss
Annie Gillaspy June 21, 1877. Etta Clark was married to Mr. J. W.Harris
May 2, 1881.
CLARK, ISAAC G. Son of Lafayette and Mary Hoyt Clark, was
born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1854. He, with his
parents, moved when he was ten years of age from his birth-place, and
settled in Chautauqua County, New York, and resided there until October 21,
1878. In that year he moved to California, and on December 13, 1880, he
purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty acres, and is chiefly
engaged in farming.
COLLINS, S. W. Son of John W. and Miriam R. Piper Collins, was
born in Nicholas County, Kentucky, June 13, 1829. He resided in his
birthplace until he was three years of age, when his parents moved to
Greene County, Illinois, where he received his education at the common
schools, and afterwards worked a farm until 1854, when he moved to Green-
field, that county, and was engaged in selling goods until 1857. He then
went back on his farm and sold that in 1859, and moved to Girard, Macou-
pin County, Illinois, and was engaged in selling goods again at that place,
until 1862. He then sold out and moved to Linn County, Kansas, and located
in Mound City, and was engaged in selling goods at that place until Decem-
ber of that year. Then he sent his family to Leavenworth City, and he
took a stock of goods down into the Osage Nation, about fifteen miles south
of Humboldt, Allen County, Kansas. After the war had closed in 1865, he
moved with his family to Labette County, Kansas, and remained there until
the ninth day of June, 1875, and arrived in California June 14. He spent
a couple of weeks in Stanislaus County with his brother-in-law, near Hills
Feny, then came to Napa County, and July 29, 1875, he settled on his
ranch of forty acres, about one mile west of Calistoga, where he still resides
surrounded by his family and respected by all who know him. Mr. Collins
was appointed in August, 1879, to the office of Justice of the Peace, and the
following year was elected to the same position, which he now holds. He
is also a Notary Public, having been appointed by Governor Perkins in
February, 1880. Mr. Collins was twice married, first, December 12, 1850,
to Miss Sarah O. Dickerman, who was born in Mount Holly, Vermont, Nov-
ember 3, 1832, and died March 26, 1867. By this union they had five
children, Isaac W., born December 9, 1851, and died March 19, 1853; Miriam
H., born December 30, 1852 ; Samuel A., born September 18, 1855 ;
444 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Nelson W., born January 29, 1862 ; Major C, born February 20, 1866. Mr.
Collins was married, secondly, in March, 1869, to Mrs. Mary A. Hawes, a
native of Indiana, who was born November 2, 1831. By this union they
have one daughter, Anna S., born October 14, 1871.
CHESEBRO, JOHN A. Son of Gilbert and Lucy Stanton Chesebro,
was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, April 20, 1832. When he was but
two years of age, his parents moved to Stonington, Connecticut, where the
subject of this sketch made his home until he came to California, and was
there educated in the common schools. At the age of fourteen he went to
sea, first shipping from Stonington, and engaged in the fur sealing trade,
which he continued until his twenty-first year. In November, 1852, we
find young Chesebro on board of the clipper ship " Contest," bound via
Cape Horn for California ; and after a passage of nearly five months, he
arrived in San Francisco February, 1853. Staying a short time in the city,
he proceeded to Sierra County, and engaged in mining, residing in that
county about ten years. In the mean time, 1855, he paid a visit to his
home, where he sojourned some four months. While in the above county,
Mr. Chesebro was largely interested in mining, at one time being one of the
six owners of the " Union Claim," at that time very valuable. Mr. Chese-
bro's next move was to Washoe City, Washoe County, Nevada, where he
resided for three years. In 1865 he paid a second visit to his home in Con-
necticut, going via Panama, and there got married, and sojourned some six
months. In the spring of 1866, with his wife, he returned to this coast,
coming direct to Napa County, locating in Napa City, where he engaged in
the hotel business as proprietor of the Revere House, in which he continued
some two years. In January, 1868, Mr. Chesebro first came to Calistoga,
and was employed in the hotel at the Calistoga Hot Springs for one season.
We next find him in business for himself in the building now occupied as a
dry goods store by Mr. Weller. He next leased a building and opened a
saloon and chop-house where his present hotel now stands, and run this for
some time. He then purchased the property, and in 1876 bought the ad-
joining property, and built his present commodious hotel, the Magnolia.
In 1876, Mr. Chesebro made a third visit to his home, accompanied by his
wife and family. The subject of our sketch was married in Wakefield,
Rhode Island, to Miss June P. Champlin, a native of that State ; and by
this union they have one son, Edwin.
CHILES, JOSEPH BALLINGER. Whose portrait appears in this
work, was born in Clark County, Kentucky, July 16, 1810, and is the son
of Henry and Sarah Ballinger Chiles. He was reared on a farm, and had
only the advantages of a common school education. In 1831 he moved to
Jackson County, Missouri, and engaged in farming and stock-raising until
Biographical Sketches. 445
1838, when he joined a regiment of Missouri volunteer infantry and en-
gaged in the Florida War, and was in the hard-fought battle of Orcha-
chebee, which decided the war. He then returned to Missouri, where he
resided until April, 1841. He then, with thirty-one men, one woman, and
one child, started across the trackless desert and unsealed mountains, bound
for California. In this party were Sam., Andy and Ben. Kelsey, the latter 's
wife and child. They passed up the Platte River, thence to the head of the
Humboldt River, thence down that stream to the Sink ; thence southward,
on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Joseph Walker Pass;
thence down the Stanislaus and San Joaquin Rivers. They arrived in the
State in October, and their first stopping-place was at Doctor Marsh's, near
the northern foot of Mt. Diablo. They then proceeded to Sonoma, where
passports were issued to them, upon the vouching of Doctor Marsh and other
American residents, for their good behavior. After receiving their pass-
ports he and Charles Hopper spent the winter in traveling. In the spring
they went to Sutters Fort, and there provided themselves with provisions,
etc., for their return trip. In his travelings around the country that winter
he passed through what is now known as Chiles Valley. In 1842, with a
company of nine men, he made the return trip to Missouri. Thirteen started
in the party, but at Fort Hall four of them left the company and started for
Oregon. Just at this time the Sioux Indians were very hostile, so the Chiles
party changed their course and went by way of Santa F6. Once arrived in
Missouri, they set about organizing another party to cross the plains to Cali-
fornia. In 1 843 he, with a company of fifty or sixty, well equipped with teams,
wagons, provisions, etc., started for California. When the party arrived at
Fort Hall they met Captain Joseph Walker, and his services as guide were se-
cured. Colonel Chiles then took a party of thirty horsemen and proceeded
by way of Fort Boise" and Pitt River to the Sacramento Valley, arriving
safely at Sutters Fort. The wagon train under Walker moved slowly, and
on their way from Carsons Lake to the Walker Pass they had to cache
what goods they could not pack, and had also to desert their wagons.
They finally all arrived in California about December of that year. In
1844 Colonel Chiles came to Napa Valley and went before an Alcalde and
took the proper steps to secure a grant from the Mexican Government of the
tract of land now known as the Catacula Rancho. All that he paid
for that princely domain was $10 for a sheet of paper on which to
write the deed. In 1844 he erected a log-house on the present site
of his adobe. He took an active part in the Bear Flag War, and cared
for the families of General Vallejo, Jacob P. Leese and others. He
never visited the mines, but devoted his whole attention to stock-raising in
the early days. In 1847 he returned to Missouri with Commodore Stockton,
acting as pilot, for which service he received $2 per day. In 1848 he brought
446 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
his children to California. In 1853 he again returned to Missouri, and was
married, and in 1854 came again to California, bringing his wife with him.
He then settled in Chiles Valley permanently and has since resided there
until within a few years past. His present residence is in Coyote Valley,
Lake County. He also has a very beautiful dwelling in St. Helena, which
he erected specially for the benefit of his children. It affords us great
pleasure to present to our readers the portrait of this most excellent and
worthy pioneer of pioneers, for be it here noted that he is the oldest living
American settler in Napa County. He is still hale and hearty, and the
prospects are good for him to spend many years yet, ere he is called hence
to meet the reward of a well -spent life. It is a rare treat to sit and listen
to his reminiscences of the days now long gone by. He is particularly noted
for telling wonderful bear stories, all of which are " true to life," and we
regret that our space forbids the reproduction of a few of his best. He
was married in Missouri to Miss Margaret Jane Garnhert, December 25,
1853, who was born in Jefferson County, Virginia, January 27, 1827.
DAVIS, JOHN C. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears
in the body of this work, is the grandson of that grand old pioneer of
pioneers George C. Yount, and son of John C. Davis, Jr., and Elizabeth
Yount. He was born at the Yount homestead, March 8, 1849, and was
educated in San Francisco in the primary studies, and completed his course
in Swiss and German colleges^ traveling back and forth until 1868. He
then came to Napa County and located permanently on his present ranch of
six hundred acres, near Oakville, where he has since remained, being engaged
in farming and grape-growing. July 5, 1870, he was married in Germany
to Miss Margaretta Claus, a native of Saxony, Germany, and their children
are Daisy, George, Susie and Elizabeth.
DECKER, PORTER A., Son of Francis and Mary Thorpe Decker, was
born in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, August 19, 1852, and resided there
until he was six years of age. His parents then moved and settled in Moni-
teau County, Missouri, and resided there for sixteen years, where the subject
of this sketch was educated at the common schools. January 12, 1874, he
started to California, arriving in this State January 21st of the above
year. He went direct to Calistoga where he engaged in the livery business,
and is now manager of the Harbin Springs stage and livery stable of that
place. Mr. Decker was united in marriage in Calistoga, July 20, 1879, to
Miss Luella Cole, a native of Illinois, and by this union they have one
daughter, Mabel, born July 19, 1880.
DICKINSON, JOHN J. This worthy and much respected citizen of
Napa County is the son of John M. and Evalina Middleton Dickinson, and
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1829, where he attended
Biographical Sketches. 447
the common schools, and afterwards was educated at a private academy
taught by Jonathan Collorn. At the age of eighteen, September 3, 1847,
Mr. Dickinson went to Cincinnati and there remained about eighteen
months. He then moved to St. Louis, and there embarked in the clothing
business, and there resided until he came to California, his departure from
that place occurring in February, 1854. In company with his young wife
he sailed from New Orleans via the Nicaragua route, and arrived in San
Francisco April 19, 1854. He spent two months in sight-seeing on this
coast, and then in company with, and under the firm-name of William Mentz
& Co., he started the first cheap newspaper published on this Coast, under
the title of Town Talk, this small sheet being the beginning of what is
now the most valuable paper in the State, the Morning Gall. Mr. Dickin-
son remained in this firm for eighteen months, and then moved to Crescent
City, then Klamath County, but now Del Norte, and there engaged in mer-
chandising, in which he continued for the succeeding thirteen years, in the
meantime taking an active part in the formation of the latter county. He
also served one term as County Judge, and received a re-nomination in 1872,
but declined owing to his previous arrangements to leave the county. In
September, 1873, Mr. Dickinson located in St. Helena and engaged in mer-
chandising, and remained in that business until December, 1880. He then
accepted his present position as traveling salesman for Charles Krug. The
subject of this sketch was united in marriage in St. Louis, October 10, 1853,
to Miss Susan D. Haslip, a native of Albemarle County, Virginia, and by
this union they have one son and one daughter, Frank E. and Cora.
DAVIS, CORNELIUS E, M. D., D. D. S. The subject of this sketch
is the son of Isaac and Nancy Harrington Davis, and was born in Essex
County, New Jersey, October 5, 1832. When he was quite young his
parents moved and located in Coshocton, Ohio, and there remained until he
was twenty-one years of age, and received his education at the high school
of that place. In the spring of 1853 Dr. Davis, in company with five
brothers and one sister, started across the plains for California, and arrived
on this coast in October of the above yeai\ The subject of this sketch first
located at Stockton and practiced his profession, having studied and gradu-
ated in medicine in his former home in Ohio. Remaining in Stockton until
his health failed, he moved to San Francisco and there turned his attention
to dentistry for a time, and then went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to
complete his education in that profession. After graduating in dentistry,
Dr. Davis returned to San Francisco, where he remained only a short time,
and after locating in several different parts of the State, we find him again
in San Francisco, and in rather poor health. With the idea of bettering
his health he paid a visit to Napa County with the intention of remaining
a short time, but liking the climate and location of St. Helena, he concluded
448 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
to locate in that place, and in 1868 Dr. Davis opened his office in Os-
born's building, over Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office, and for the past thirteen
years he has practiced his profession without intermission, which, through
a pure love of the same, he still continues, although not through necessity,
as the Doctor, through wise speculations, has accumulated a good share of
this world's goods, owning now, in the aggregate, a block of buildings in the
business center of St. Helena. Dr. Davis was twice married ; first in Peta-
luma, February, 1859, to Miss Kosanna Martin, a native of Indiana, and by
this union had two children, Ellen M. and Emma R. His second marriage
occurred at St. Helena June 1, 1871, to Miss Francis E. Hall, a native of
Maine, and by this union they have four children, Maud L., George H. (now
deceased), May E., and Ira Frank.
DOWDELLE, JAMES. The subject of this sketch was born in County
Louth, Ireland, August 29, 1845, where he resided until he was nineteen
years of age. He then emigrated to England and found employment in a
rolling mill, and remained there for nine months. He then went to New
Zealand and engaged in farming, where he resided for over three years. We
next find Mr. Dowdelle on board a schooner, bound for California, coming
direct to San Francisco, where he arrived July 28, 1868. Remaining but a
few months in San Francisco, he started East, the point of destination
being Philadelphia, arriving November 7, 1868. During his stay in Phila-
delphia Mr. Dowdelle was married, and in February, 1869, started with his
wife, via Panama, for the Golden State. He first worked in San Francisco
and afterwards in the employ of General Keyes, on his ranch near St. Helena,
in whose employ he remained for three years. During this time, having saved
his earnings, he purchased ten acres of land where Mr. Story now resides,
and after one year sold it and bought twenty -tive acres where Dr. Crum now
lives, and in 1875 added thirty-six acres more to his estate, making sixty-
one acres. He is now chiefly engaged in hop and grape growing. He was
united in marriage in Philadelphia, November 4, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth
Corbely, a native of Ireland. The names of their children are, James W.,
Arthur B., Edward, Walter, Albert and Joseph.
DINNING, WILLIAM. Whose portrait appears in this work, is the
only child of John D. and Francis Kirby Dinning, and was born in Sumner
County, Middle Tennessee, October 25, 1829. When but two or three j'ears
of age, his parents moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and settled near
Independence, where he resided until 1844, when his father and he moved
to south-west Missouri, and settled in Taney County, close to the town of
Forsyth, where he remained for three years. Then, after the death of his
father, the subject of our sketch returned to Tennessee and Kentucky, to
settle up some of his father's business, and he then returned to the old and
Biographical Sketches. 449
last home of his father in Missouri, with the intention of coming to Cali-
fornia. In the latter part of March he started, and at Springfield, Missouri,
he met a company of one hundred and four wagons, and joined them in a
journey across the plains for the new El Dorado, arriving in Sacramento
August 16, 1849. On the trip across the plains some of the party died with
the cholera, among whom was Isaac Collet and a Doctor Tatum ; hut aside
from this the trip was a pleasant one. After stopping in Sacramento one
week, heing sick and out of funds, he proceeded across the river and started
for Fremont. At the junction of the Feather and Sacramento Rivers there
was a ferry-boat which he run for a period of six weeks. He then started
for the mines on the Yuba River, in company with " Billy " Moore, of So-
noma, and followed mining only a short time. In January, 1850, he started
with a drove of cattle, belonging to Mr. Moore, to the Yuba River Mines,
and spent a portion of that winter with him there in the mines, when he
then came to Calistoga, this county, where he remained with Henry Fowler.
In the spring of 1850 he, with William Elliott's son, Frank Kellogg, brother
of Irvin Kellogg, John Cyrus, and Frank Bedwell, of Russian River, went to
the Yuba River and hunted the most of that season, south of the Yuba and
down the American River. In the fall of that year he returned to Napa
County and stopped in the valley, and worked a portion of the time for
David Hudson, getting out pickets to fence the fruit orchards of this valley.
The subject of our sketch nest moved to Mission San Jose", and stopped
with Henry Smith and Homer <fe Beard, and drove team for them, staying
there only a short time. His next move was to engage to cut saw-logs for
Isaac Howell on Howell Mountain, with which to build a saw-mill. At this
he continued all that winter. He then began working for Mr. Fowler in
Coyote Valley, where he continued that summer. He then returned to Napa
County, where, in the fall of 1851 or spring of 1852, he came and settled
on his present place, and is now possessed of six hundred acres of land in
this county, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was united
in marriage May 25, 1853, with Phoebe A. Howell, who was born a short
distance from New York City October 9, 1832, being the daughter of
Isaac Howell and Margaret Tunison. They have seven children : Francis
M., born March 6, 1854; John R., born January 2, 1856; Isaac, born
March 24, 1857; Arzelia, born December 25, 1864; Nellie, born April 6,
1867 ; Minnie, born September 25, 1869 ; Phoebe A, born December 29,
1871.
DODGE, ALBERT HENRY, M. D. The subject of this sketch is the
son of Everett K., and Clarissa Fowler Abbot Dodge, and was bom in
St. Louis, Missouri, March 5, 1850. In July, 1852, he, with the family,
reached California via the Isthmus of Panama. After a few years spent
in other portions of the State, they made their home in San Francisco, at
29
450 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
which place Albert H. received the most of his school education having
been a student at the City College, under its venerable founder, Rev. Dr.
Burrows. In 1874 he entered the Medical Department of the Universit}7
of Pennsylvania, graduating after a three years' course. At the expiration
of a term of service as Assistant Physician in the Philadelphia Hospital, he
returned to this coast, located in Napa City, and began the practice of
his profession. The Doctor was united in marriage, July 8, 1880, to Miss
Annie M. Franklin, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
DAWSON, WILLIAM J. G., M. D. Was born in New Bandon,
Gloucester County, New Brunswick, Canada, January 12, 1846. His mother
dying when he was but fourteen months old, he was taken by his grand-
parents to New Castle, Northumberland County, and there brought up and
educated. In the fall of 1865, he went to New York City, and attended
the Medical Department of the University, graduating from that institution
in March, 1867. He was then appointed Assistant Physician in the New
York City Lunatic Asylum, a position he held for over one year. In the
spring of 1868 he was admitted, by competitive examination, one of the
House Staff of the Charity Hospital, New York, acting as Assistant Physi-
cian for six months, and then entering as one of the House Physicians and
Surgeons in October, 1868, which position he held for one year. In Octo-
ber, 1869, he returned home to New Castle, New Brunswick, and remained
there practicing medicine until the fall of 1876, when he started west,
sojourning a few weeks in Colorado, and then continued west to California,
locating in St. Helena January 12, 1877, where he has since been practicing
his profession. His office and residence are next to the Catholic Church on
Oak avenue.
DWYER, THOMAS. Son of Patrick and Hanora Crotty Dwyer, was
born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1828. In 1848 he, with his
parents came to America and located in Boston. In 1853 he came via the
Isthmus to California, arriving in San Francisco in November of that year.
In 1854 he went to Shasta County and began mining on the east fork of
Clear Creek. He then went to Siskiyou County in 1856 and mined at
Sawyers Bar on the north fork of Solomon River. In July, 1859, he left
Sawyers Bar and went to Boston and New York, at which place he was
married. They left that city in October of that year for Califoi-nia and
arrived in November. He returned to Sawyers Bar, where he resided till
May, 1869, when he came to San Francisco. In October, 1870, he came to
Napa County and purchased his present place of one hundred acres, where
he is engaged in farming and grape-growing. He was married, September
14, 1859, in New York, to Miss Mary Cummings, a native of County
Waterford, Ireland, born March 13, 1836. They have four living children :
Biographical Sketches. 451
Margaret, born December 22, 1860; Edward P., born April 22, 1862; William
F., born April 25, 1872, and Cecilia, born March 5, 1878. They have lost
seven children : Annie M., Mary B., Thomas P., Therca, Katie, Philip, Valen-
tine and Agnes who was born in San Francisco and died in that place in
September, 1870. Five of these children died within four weeks in No-
vember, 1877, with diptheria at Oakville, Napa County, and one, January
4, 1878, of the same disease. The two eldest living were born at Sawyers
Bar, Siskiyou County, and the two youngest were born at Oakville, Napa
County. Four of the children that died were born at Sawyers Bar, Siskiyou
County, and of the other two that died one was born at San Francisco and
the other at Oakville, Napa County.
ESTEE, HON. MORRIS M. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
appears in this work, was born November 23, 1833, in the town of Free-
hold, Warren County, Pennsylvania. His father, Ansel Estee, was born in
Buffalo, New York, in 1806, and his mother, Phoebe Moran, was born in
Rochester, New York, in 1810, and died but recently in Erie County, Penn-
sylvania, where his father still resides. At a very early period of his child-
hood his father, with the family, moved from Warren County, Pennsylvania,
to Concord, Erie County, that State. His father was a farmer, owning one
hundred acres of land, which business he followed during the whole period
of the childhood and youth of the subject of this sketch. At a very early
age Morris, who was the eldest of a family of nine children, was sent to the
district school ; but as soon as he was old enough to be of assistance on the
farm his school terms were restricted to the winter seasons only, and he
worked at home during the summer months. When he was fourteen years
of age, having advanced beyond the studies taught in the district school, he
went to Waterford Academy, in Erie County, which institution he attended,
except during the summer terms, for two years. At the age of sixteen he
began teaching school during the winter terms, boarding around, as was the
custom then, among the patrons of the school, and attending the academy
during the fall terms, and working on his father's farm during the summer
months. He continued in this manner until the summer of 1853, when he
borrowed money of a neighbor, his father not being willing for him to leave
home, for the purpose of paying his passage to California. He gave this
neighbor no security for the money borrowed, except his personal promissory
note, agreeing to repay double the amount borrowed within six months,
which promise he duly fulfilled. Upon his arrival in California, September,
1853, he went to Cold Springs, El Dorado County, and engaged in mining,
where he remained until 1854. He then went to Volcano, Amador County.and
continued in mining at that place until 1855. He then engaged in school
teaching in Volcano, and began the study of the law at the same time,
452 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
under the tuition of the late Judge T. M. Pauling, who was also a Pennsyl-
vanian, and a man of great culture. In the winter of 1857-8 he went to
Sacramento, and entered the law office of Messrs. Clark & Gass, where he
remained until the spring of 1859, when he was admitted to practice in the
Supreme Court of the State. He then opened an office in that city and
began at the foot of the legal ladder, upon the topmost rungs of which he
was afterwards destined to plant his feet. But the pathway of his earlier
professional days was not strewn with the roses of success, and the fledge-
ling found it a hard struggle at first. But his was not an ambition to be
daunted by the seeming adversities of an hour, and with patience and per-
severance he wrought on, hoping, ever hoping, for the brighter to-morrow.
At last the clouds began to lift, and the true worth of the man began to be
appreciated by his fellow men, and his election, in 1862, to the Assembly
from Sacramento County, let a grand rift of sunshine in upon his profes-
sional career. That was a memorable session of the Legislature of Cali-
fornia, being composed of some of the ablest men in the State, and it was in
this session that the Hon. John Conness was elected to the United States
Senate. In the fall of 1863 he was elected to the office of District Attorney,
for the City and County of Sacramento, which position he held until 1866.
He then went to San Francisco and began the practice of his profession in
that city, and he has remained there ever since. In 1867-8 he published the
legal work entitled "Estee's Pleadings, Practice and Forms," in three volumes,
a work that has now reached its second edition, and is generally received
and recognized as a standard work in all the States and Territories that
have a code. During Mr. Estee's residence in Sacramento he became a warm
friend of Mr. Newton Booth, and when that gentleman was announced as a
candidate for Governor, Mr. Estee devoted all the energies of his character
to secure his nomination. After Mr. Booth's nomination, Mr. Estee was
made Secretary of the Republican State Central Committee, and the
following campaign, in which Mr. Booth, as the nominee of the Re-
publican party, and Governor H. H. Haight, as the nominee of the
Democratic party — two good and eminent men — aspired to the guber-
natorial position, was one of the most memorable political contests in the
history of California The organization of the Republican party was, at
that time, brought from chaos into absolute perfection, and Mr. Booth was
elected Governor by a majority of some five thousand. In 1875 Mr. Estee
was elected to the Assembly from San Francisco. During that session no
party had a majority in the Assembly, there being about thirty-four Inde-
pendents in that body, and the remaining members were about equally
divided between the Democrats and "straight-out" Republicans. Mr.
Estee was chosen Speaker, for which position he was eminently qualified,
which was evinced by the fact that no decision of his was ever overruled,
Biographical Sketches. 453
and but little wrangling occurred on the floor of the House. At the close
of the session Mr. Estee returned to his practice in San Francisco, which had
become very large and lucrative. In the winter of 1878 he was the unani-
mous choice of the Republican caucus for the United States Senatorship and
received the entire vote of the Republicans in the Legislature for that
position; but the Democrats being in the majority, Mr. Farley was elected.
He was elected delegate from the State at large to the Constitutional Con-
vention from the San Francisco district. His well-known anti-corporation
sentiments marked him out as Chairman of the Committee on Corporations
and he was appointed to that position. The report of that committee, which
has now become a part of the organic law of the State, shows how well the
labor assigned to it was performed. He was the only member of the eight
delegates from the San Francisco district, representing the State at large,
who upon returning to his constituents supported the New Constitution, he
believing that, while there were some things in it which were crude and ought
to be amended, yet in the main it was a good Constitution and that it would
benefit the people, and that it should have a fair and just trial before it was
condemned. He returned again to his practice in 1880 and was elected
one of the twelve men to whom was assigned the duty of framing
a new charter for the City and County of San Francisco. The in-
strument was duly drawn up by them ; but when it was submitted to the
people for adoption it was defeated. In politics Mr. Estee is a Republican,
though he is very independent in his views ; and from the earliest step he
took in politics until the present time, he has most strenuously opposed, in
the Legislature and out of it, the exactions of railroad corporations, and
their continued interference, by the use of money, with the politics of the
State. He is one of the leading horticulturalists of Napa County, having
at this time a vineyard of about three hundred acres, and owning in Napa
Valley in one body about six hundred acres of land under a high state of
cultivation. He also takes great interest in agriculture. Upon the organi-
zation of the Napa Viticultural Society in 1881, he was chosen as its presi-
dent ; and much of the good that society has accomplished is due to the
suggestions and energy of its chief officer. His family spend about eight
months of the year at their beautiful country residence a short distance
north-east of Napa City, and the remainder of the year is spent in San
Francisco. At the law Mr. Estee has for years been a leading member of
the bar, and now stands in the foremost ranks of his profession in San
Francisco, and enjoj's a most lucrative practice. He is industrious, frank,
open-hearted, and loyal to those to whom he turns in friendship. He is
firm in his convictions, strong of will, and when his purpose is once formed
nothing can swerve him from it. As a public speaker he is always earnest,
logical, sincere and fair ; few men are his superiors, and he never fails to
454 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
impress an audience ; his manners are dignified, and he often reaches the
plane of elocpaence. In February, 1863, Mr. Estee was united in marriage
with Miss Frances H. Divine, a daughter of Judge Davis Divine of San
Jose*. They have had three children, two of whom are still living, one aged
sixteen years and the other five years.
EPLEY, THOMAS H. Was born in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
October 18, 1836, and is the second child of Henry K. and Rachel Moe Ep-
ley. He resided at his birthplace until 1852, receiving his education in
public and private schools in the meantime. In the fall of that year, he
went to Fayette County, Iowa, where he built the first house in Brush
Creek. In the spring of 1853, he erected the first hotel in that place. In
that year he moved to Central Point, Goodhue County, now Lake City,
Wabasha County, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming for three years.
He then went to work for Starr, in a saw-mill at Lake City. In 1857,
he went to Davenport, Iowa, on a raft. In the fall of that year he returned
to Michigan. Thence in 1858, he went to Lake City, and thence to Omaha,
where he spent the summer, and in the fall he went to Savannah, Missouri.
In 1859 he returned to Omaha, and during that year he crossed the
plains to California with ox-teams, and arrived September 20th. He first
worked on a ranch in Lassen County, and then run an engine in a saw-mill.
In the spring of 1860, the mill was moved to Washoe Valley, and was the
first steam mill ever put up in Washoe County, Nevada. During that spring
the Piute War broke out, and he enlisted in the volunteer service, and was
detailed to guard Carson City, and was not in any active engagements.
After this excitement died out he finished the erection of the mill, and ran
it for Penroad & Lewis, until the fall of that year. He then rented the
mill, paying a rental of $1,000 per month, and ran it for six months. In
the spring of 1862, he built a house in Gold Hill, where he ran a lumber
yard, and also purchased forty feet in the Crown Point Mine, and set the
first engines to work on it, and worked there for six months at six dollars a
day. On account of failing health he began teaming. In 1864, he traded
his Gold Hill property for a section of land in Honey Lake Valley, Lassen
County, California, and farmed until 1874, when, in the spring of that year
he moved to Napa County. While living in Honey Lake Valley he owned
a saw-mill, which he lost by fire. He began his present business of sta-
tionery, notions, etc., in 1874, and conducts it in connection with Mr. L.
Paccaud. He was married January 1, 1858, to Miss Mary E. Robinson, a
native of Calhoun County, Michigan. They have three children : Dora M.,
Carl and Myrtle Leona.
EDGINGTON, WILLIAM. Was born in Garrett County, Kentucky,
March 20, 1816, where he resided till 1840. He then emigrated and settled
Biographical Sketches. 455
in Platte County, Missouri, and for the first year he was engaged in the
distilling business. He then embarked in farming, which he followed till
April 28, 1846. He then started with an ox team across the plains for
California, arriving in the Sacramento Valley October 2 2d of that year.
On leaving home they expected to go to Oregon, but at Fort Hall they met
Messrs. Applegate and Gough, by whom they were persuaded to change
their route for California. This route led them down the Humboldt River
two hundred miles, and there they found orders from Applegate and Gough
that they would find a comfortable camping place near the foot-hill eighteen
miles farther on. Finding no water or grass for their stock they held a
meeting and took a vote whether they should proceed on to Oregon or come
to California, by which it was decided that they would go to California.
While on the Humboldt four of the party died, and as above stated they
reached the Sacramento Valley on the 22d of October, 1846. On Bear
River Mr. Edgington left the party and enlisted in Fremont's battalion, Com-
pany E, under Captain Hastings, and was mustered into service at San
Francisco, and from there proceeded with the company to Santa Clara
Valley. He stayed in the service till March, 1847, when he was mustered
out. On arriving at San Francisco he found that the company with whom
he had crossed the plains was located in Chiles Valley, Napa County, and
he immediately started to go there. He at once began work for Mr. J. B.
Chiles, with whom he continued till May, 1848. On the 8th of that month
he was united in marriage to Theresa A., daughter of Captain John Grigsby
and Nancy Wilson Grigsby, a native of Tennessee, born November 21,
1830. In July, 1848, he, with his wife, went to the mines on the American
River, just below Sutter's old mill, where he embarked in mining with
good success, which he followed for three months. They then returned to
Chiles Valley, and spent the winter of 1848-9 with Captain John Grigsby.
In the spring of 1849 he, with Captain John Grigsby, went to the middle
fork of the Yuba River, where they " struck rich diggings," and continued
mining for two months, returning to this valley with lots of coin. He
then went to the redwoods, a few miles north-west of his present home,
where he cut, hewed and whipsawed lumber, which he hauled into Napa
with ox teams, and there erected his first house and home in California.
It was built near where James & Boggs' lumber yard is now situated. He
resided there till 1850, when he moved to his present home, and has since
been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He now owns one thousand
acres of land in Napa County ; also much valuable property in Napa City.
By his marriage he has nine children.
ELLIS, FREDERICK W. Was born in New York, April 20, 1841.
When he was but one year old his parents moved to Dearborn County, Indi-
ana, where he resided till he was eight years of age. In 1849 his parents
456 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
died within twenty minutes of each other with cholera, and left three
orphan children. The subject of this sketch was taken by the Masons
and Odd Fellows, who cared for him till his grandfather came from New
York and took him home with him. In 1860 he came to California. He
proceeded to the mines, and thence started for Washoe on snow-shoes. In
the fall he returned to California, and came to Napa Valley searching for a
mill to run, having learned that trade in New York. He began work for
Ellis & Erwin, in the old Bale mill, and remained there till the spring of
1863. He then went to the mines, and in the fall returned to this valley
" dead broke," and began working in the Yount mill, which he has since pur-
chased, and continues to conduct, in connection with farming. He owns
fifty-one acres of land adjoining his mill. A full description of his mill
will be found in the proper place. He was married November 27, 1864, to
Miss Minnie Holland, who was born in Oregon. Their children are Minnie
E., Willie and Freddie.
ELGIN, WILLIAM A. This old and respected resident of Napa County
is the eldest son of the Rev. Lewis and Elizabeth Thompson Elgin, and
was born in Patrick County, Virginia, January 4, 1829. When he was but
two years of age his parents moved and settled in Howard County, Missouri,
where his father engaged in farming, and the subject of this sketch received
his education at the common schools, with the exception of eighteen months,
when he attended the Highland Academy, of Jackson County, same State.
He then engaged in teaching school and followed that vocation for three
years, his parents having in the meantime moved to Greene County. From
that place, in April, 1853, Mr. Elgin, accompanied by his wife and young
daughter, and in company with his brother-in-law, the Hon. William L.
Anderson, of Lake County, started across the plains for the Golden State,
at that time the land of promise, and after a tedious journey of some
five months, finally arrived in Sacramento. He remained there but a few
days, and then proceeded to Napa Valley and first camped on Cache Creek,
when the subject of this sketch proceeded on horseback to seek a location
in the then almost uninhabited Napa Valley. He finally settled three miles
east of St. Helena and engaged in stock-raising and there resided until
August, 1857, when he moved to the town of St. Helena and embarked in
merchandising in the building now occupied by the Swiss Union Hotel, and
continued in that business until the spring of 1860. Mr. Elgin then bought
the place now occupied by E. Heyman and then engaged again in farming
until 1866, when he sold his ranch and in 1867 embarked in his present
business of livery and feed stable, located on Main street, opposite the Pal-
ace Hotel. In 1859 Mr. Elgin was elected a member of the County Board
of Supervisors from this district, and in 1880 to the office of Justice of the
Peace of Hot Springs Township, an office he now holds. Mr. Elgin is one of
Biographical Sketches. 457
St. Helena's most energetic and thriving citizens, and one most highly
esteemed by all who know him. He was united in marriage in Springfield,
Missouri, March 12, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Anderson, a native of Tennessee,
and by this union they have five living children and one deceased : Sarah
C, now Mrs. L. H. Boggs ; Ira P., Clarence E., Lewis H, deceased, Jessie F.
and Alice G.
EARL, THOMAS. This worthy pioneer, whose portrait appears in this
work, was born in Canada, and is the son of John and Frances Burney Earl.
In 1835 he emigrated to Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, where, with the
exception of a year spent in Lexington, Kentucky, he remained until 1850.
May 20th of that year he, with three others, started overland from Inde-
pendence, with a team of mules, bound for the land of gold. On the Platte
they joined the Henry Boggs' train. The party made the trip in the short
period of three months, arriving in Sacramento in August of that year.
He paid Napa a visit, then mined a while, and finally, in 1851, he returned
to Napa and established the pioneer saddlery in the place. In this pursuit
he was very successful, and, satisfied that Napa's future was destined to be
bright and prosperous, he determined to cast his lot permanently with her
citizens. Accordingly, in 1853 he purchased a tract of eighty-five acres
from James M. Harbin, and erected a house thereon. The tract was used
by tenants for farming purposes until 1858, when he disposed of it to John
Lawley, and it is now known as the Lawley Addition to Napa City. In 1853
Mr. Earl bought a lot sixty feet square on Main street, adjoining the
lot on the corner of Main and First streets, owned by William H. James.
In 1856, after much urging, the latter joined Mr. Earl in the erection of a
substantial brick building covering the two lots, which was the first business
building of brick ever erected in Napa City. The brick were procured by
Mr. Earl in Sacramento. The first floor was used for stores and the second
story of Mr. Earl's part of the block was occupied for several years as a
Masonic hall. In 1857 he erected another brick store building of thirty-
six feet frontage, adjoining the first. The upper story was finished into one
room, 36x55 feet, and was used for a hall for lectures, theatricals, etc., and
was known as Earl's Hall. It was subsequently occupied by the Odd Fellows
for a lodge-room. This building had an iron front, and was the first
of the kind ever erected north of San Francesco. In the spring of 1858,
he returned to New York for the purpose of purchasing a large stock of
saddlery, etc., in his line. He combined business with pleasure, and pro-
ceeded to Monroe County, Michigan, where he formed the acquaintance of
Miss Fannie Montgomery, and married her on the 3d of January, 1859.
He then returned to California and erected a third brick building, and the
second one with an iron front. In 1861 he had the honor of erecting the
first concrete house ever built in Napa, it being 30x34 in size, and is his
458 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
present residence. It will thus be seen that Mr. Earl has contributed in no
small degree to the improvement of the appearance of the town. In 1857,
when the big fight was being made concerning the re-cession to Solano
County of a strip of territory annexed to Napa by the Legislature in 1855,
Mr. Earl was found in the foremost rank, standing out boldly and doing his
share towards retaining this valuable property as a portion of Napa County.
He also took a very prominent part in securing the making of the toll-
bridge across Napa River a free bridge, heading and circulating the subscrip-
tion himself. He also took a very active part in the locating of the Odd
Fellows College and Home here. He also took a very active part in striv-
ing to get the State Normal School located in Napa City. In 1863 he was
elected to the office of Public Administrator, which he filled two years. He
was again placed in nomination, but declined ; he was put on the ticket,
however, and elected, but refused to qualify. He held the office of City
Marshal during the years 1874-5-6. In September, 1879, he was elected
President of the Pioneer Association of Sonoma, which position he has
since filled. Mr. Earl is a man of worth and integrity, one who has full
and unbounded faith in the future of his favorite city and county; one who
has not been sparing of time or money for their advancement ; and while
some have been loud in their acclamations of what they intended to do, Mr.
Earl has gone quietly along and accomplished great results. To him then
let us accord the honor.
EVEN, JOHN. Was born in Prussia, January 21, 1829. In 1848 he
came to America, and settled near Buffalo, New York. In the fall of 1849
he moved to Wisconsin. In 1851 he sailed from New York City for Cali-
fornia, arriving in San Francisco January 21, 1852. He went to El Dorado
County and engaged in mining, which he followed for eighteen months.
He then began farming in that county, and remained in that business till
185S. He then began the mercantile business in that county, in connection
with which he conducted the freighting business. In 1868 he came to Napa
City. In 1869 he began the butchering business in Napa City, and con-
tinued in it till 1878. In May, 1880, he began the same business, and has
since remained in it. He now owns ninety acres of land in Napa County,
and an interest in the McBain & Co.'s tannery. He was married July 11,
1857, to Miss Kate Weaver, a native of Ohio. Their children are as fol-
lows : Kate, John, Ellen, Lizzie, Ada, Lena, and Robert.
EMERSON, D. Was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 10,
1823. In 1833 he, with his parents, moved to Steuben County, Indiana.
In 1843 he went to Wisconsin, where he worked in a saw-mill for three
years. In 1846 he returned to Cincinnati ; thence to Memphis, where he
spent the winter chopping wood. He then returned to Wisconsin, and
Biographical Sketches. 459
remained till 1849, when he came to California. He mined till the fall of
1850, when he came to Sacramento and began buying beef cattle, which he
took to the mines. In the fall of 1857 he came to Napa County, and set-
tled two miles above Calistoga. In 1865 he took a trip to Mexico, and
thence to Walla Walla, where he remained fourteen months. He then
returned to Napa Valley, and purchased a fifth interest in the Pope Valley
grant. In 1866 he returned to his old home in Indiana, via Panama, and
spent the winter. In the spring of 1867 he returned to California overland,
and has since resided in Napa County, being an extensive farmer. He was
married February 8, 1857, to Miss Lizzie Deering. Their children are Eu-
gene, born February 28, 1859, and Mary Emma, born November 7, 1870.
FISHER, WILLIAM FREDERICK. The subject of this sketch,
whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born in Bolivar,
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December 14, 1834, and is the son of George
Frederick and Eva Hippie Fisher. His father was born in Wurtemberg,
Germany, May 10, 1811, and his mother was a native of Pennsylvania.
He remained at his birthplace until 1856, receiving his education in the
meantime. In April, of that year, he sailed from New York for
California via Panama, being at the latter place during the great
riot. He then took passage on the " John L. Stevens " for San
Francisco, where he arrived early in May. He immediately proceeded
to Marysville, and thence to Bidwells Bar, where he engaged in staging
from that place to American Valley. This business was followed till
fall, when he came to Napa City and entered the employ of Nathan
Coombs, thus becoming the agent for a daily stage line from Napa to
Benicia, and which connected with boats at the latter place for Sacra-
mento, Stockton and San Francisco. He retained this situation until
the completion of the Napa Valley Railroad to Oak Knoll. He then
accepted the position of express messenger for the Pacific Union Express
Company, which he held for eighteen months, at the end of which time
Wells, Fargo & Co. bought out the other company. He then came to Calis-
toga and put on a line of daily stages between that place and Healdsburg,
which he continued until the completion of the North Pacific Railroad to
the latter place. He then sold his stage stock and purchased the Lodi
stable at Calistoga. In 1873 the Clear Lake Stage and Navigation Com-
pany was organized, of which he was a stockholder, a director, and also
general superintendent. In 1876 he purchased the interest of the com-
pany, and has since conducted the business himself, in a first-class manner.
Mr. Fisher is, in the parlance of the day, a " rustler" — a driving, energetic
man ; very prompt and liberal in all business matters ; firm in his convic-
tions, honorable and upright in all transactions with his fellow men. He
460 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
believes that success in business depends upon personal supervision by the
man most directly interested, hence he can always be found at his post.
He has a fine residence at Calistoga, and is enjoying not only the fruits of a
lucrative business, but also the confidence and esteem of a very extended
circle of acquaintances. He was married on the 11th of November, 1873,
to Miss Agnes M. Safley, a daughter of Andrew Safley, who came to Calis-
toga with his family in 1865. Mrs. Fisher was born in Linn County, Iowa,
October 9, 1853. Their children are Howard Frederick, born May 29, 1877,
and Alice Hortense, born November 17, 1879. Elma Loeda, now deceased,
was born October 19, 1874.
FISHER, WILLIAM A. The subject of this sketch is the son of John
and Elizabeth Fisher, and was born in Rosshire, Scotland, March 13, 1820.
When ten years of age, he, with his parents, moved to and settled in Upper
Canada, where he resided on a farm until 1850. In that year he sailed
from New York, and after a voyage of over three months, he arrived in
San Francisco, in September of that year. Thence proceeded direct to the
mines, and followed that occupation for one year. Leaving the mines he
began farming near Marysville, for one season. Then came to Napa Valley
in January, 1853, and purchased some land and farmed. Having disposed
of his interests in 1854, he engaged in the purchase and shipping of grain
in Napa City for one year, during which time he purchased a tract of three
hundred and fifty acres from C. Fry, about two miles north-west of Napa
City. Finally, again bought part of the place owned by him in 1853, con-
sisting of seventy acres, and is now residing on it. Although engaged
principally in general farming, he has, more or less, taken an active part in
advancing principles of sound policy ; aided and sustained the Republican
party since its organization, and in the late co-operative movement towards
the advancement of all interests connected with agriculture, he has some-
what prominently performed his part. He was married to Sarah Atwood
in 1864, and by this union, they have one child, William Morse.
FLYNN, JOHN D. Was born in Washington County, Vermont, May
9, 1844, and resided in his birthplace until 1862. He then, being eighteen
years of age, and at his country's call, enlisted as a private in Company " I,"
9th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, May 30th, of the above year, and served
his country for three years, and took part in all the actions in which his
regiment was engaged. At the close of the war, Mr. Flynn was mustered
out June 13, 1865, in Richmond, Virginia, and immediately returned to his
home in Vermont, and engaged in farming. We next find the subject of
our sketch in 1872 located in Chicago, where he resided until April 30,
1875. On the above date Mr. Flynn crossed the mountains to the Pacific
Coast, first located in San Francisco, and eighteen months later we find him
Biographical Sketches. 461
renting a place for five years of Mr. Wm. Baldridge, of Napa Valley, in
which business he remained until he began his present business, November
1, 1880, in Oakville. Mr. Flynn was married in Chicago, April 10, 1875, to
Miss Bridget Allen, a native of Ireland, and by this union they have two
children: Mary A., born September 5, 1876 ; Margaret E., born April 6, 1878.
FRANCIS, G. M. Whose portrait appears in the body of this work,
is the editor and proprietor of the Napa Register, and was born in
Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan, May 28th, 1844. He served an ap-
prenticeship of three years in the office of the Grant County, Wisconsin,
Herald, and was foreman of that establishment when President Lincoln
called for three hundred thousand more soldiers to put down the Rebellion.
He enlisted in Company " C," of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry, and served
from August, 1862, to the end of the war, in the Department of the West,
being with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea, and through the
Carolinas and Virginia to Washington. His first newspaper was the Butler
County, Iowa, Argus, in 1865, and was not a paying one. June 14, 1866,
he married Miss Eliza H. Horton, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, and settled in
Lacrosse, of the same State, being connected with the Lacrosse Republican
from that date to 1869, when he came to California, settling in Napa City
in August, 1870. September 28, 1881, Mr. Francis was appointed Postmas-
ter of Napa City. He has three children : Mildred, the eldest, being seven
years of age ; Ethel, five ; and George H, three.
FRYE, JOSHUA. Son of William A. and Eunice Ramsdell Frye, was
born December 17, 1823, in Kennebec County, Maine. He resided at his
birthplace until the fall of 1839, when he went to Lynn, Massachusetts, where
he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1845 he returned to Kennebec County
and remained there till 1850, when he began the shoe business in Augusta,
Maine. He followed this three years, when he settled in Lincoln County,
that State, and began the same business in the town of Damariscotta, where
he remained till 1865. He then came to California, locating in Nicolaus,
Sutter County. At the end of two years he returned to Massachusetts,
where he did a jobbing business in boots and shoes for the next
two years. He then began business in Chelsea, and remained there till
1878, when he came to California again and settled at St. Helena. He
engaged in business there for ten months, when he came to Rutherford and
in August, 1880, in company with F. M. Nottage, began business in that
place. Married July 1, 1850, to Miss Jane H. Porter, a native of Boston.
FITCH, ISAAC. Son of David and Sarah Fitch, was born in Clark
County, Illinois, April 11, 1846, and resided on a farm in that county until
1864, when he crossed the plains to California. He first settled in Solano
County, and remained there until 1869, when he moved to Wooden Valley,
462 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and began farming, which he followed until 1872. In that year he, with
his family, went East, where they remained until 1876, and then returned
to Napa County and commenced farming, which he continued until 1878,
when he became proprietor of the Windy Flat Hotel, which he conducted
until 1881. January 1st of this year he opened his present hotel in Monti-
cello, where he is now doing business. Married November 12, 1868, to
Minerva A. Bonham, a native of Clark County, Illinois, born January 1st,
1850, and by this union they have three children : Nancy E., born Decem-
ber 23, 1871 ; Charles H., born May 26, 1877 ; M. I., born February 20, 1880,
and two children deceased.
FRASER, GEORGE WILLARD. Second son of J. K. and Martha
Crampton Fraser, was born in Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, March 16,
1855. He resided at his birthplace until he was fourteen years of age,
when, with his parents, he moved to Ashland, Ohio, and there he served an
apprenticeship to the barber's trade. In 1873 he located in Clinton, Iowa,
and followed his trade for two years. In 1875 he came to California and
settled in Napa City. In 1876 he opened his present shop, which business
he has since followed. Mr. Fraser was united in marriage with Miss Josie,
oldest daughter of Harvey and Martha Porterfield, October 4, 1878, who
was bom in Yolo County, California, July 11, 1855. They have one child,
George Willard, Jr., born December 24, 1879.
FOUNTAIN, GEORGE C. Son of H. K. and Eliza Dustin Fountain,
was born in Tomkinsville, Staten Island, January 19, 1826, and resided at
his birthplace until he was sixteen years of age, being educated at the com-
mon schools. He then entered the employ of a mercantile firm as clerk, in
which position he remained for five years. In 1847, Mr. Fountain then
being twenty-one, moved west, locating in Wisconsin, where he resided for
two years. He then paid a visit to his home, and in February, 1850, sailed
from New York via Panama for the new El Dorado, arriving in San
Francisco in the following May. He immediately went to Humboldt Bay,
but remained there but a short time, and then returned to San Francisco,
and after a short time, engaged in the hay and grain trade, which he con-
tinued until 1856. His next move was to Sacramento, where he engaged
in his previous business under the firm name of Fountain & Fenel and
remained there some two years. He then again returned to San Francisco
and embarked in the same business until 1862. Mr. Fountain then drifted
around locating in several places, at one time owning the place where now
stands the Vallejo Water Company's reservoir. In the fall of 1870 he
moved to Napa County and purchased his present property of fifty acres,
located in the town limits of St. Helena, and is now engaged in viticulture,
being proprietor of a wine cellar, a full account of which appears in its
X
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. f ** ,y^w
Biographical Sketches. 463
proper place in this work. Mr. Fountain married in Sacramento July 3,
1858, Miss Sarah Sidgreaves, a native of St. Louis, Missouri. They have
four children: Maggie, George, Bud and Alice.
FIELD, WILLIAM A. Was born in Buffalo, Erie County, New York,
March 15, 1834, and is the son of John W. and Ann Johnson Field. When
he was but an infant his parents moved to Kenzun, MeKean County, Penn-
sylvania, and his father engaged in mercantile pursuits, and resided there
for ten years. They then moved to Illinois, where the subject of this
sketch received a common school education, and worked on a farm until he
came to California, which occurred in November, 1856. His mother having
died during their stay in Illinois, he, in company with his father, two sis-
ters and one brother, came by steamer via Panama, and arrived in San
Francisco, December 29, 1856. Mr. Field then engaged in the hotel busi-
ness for one year in Santa Clara, and then moved to Solano County, and
embarked in farming, where he remained until the spring of 1864. He
spent the succeeding two years in the stock business in Mendocino County.
We next find Mr. Field in Santa Clara County, engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, where he remained until he came to Napa County, in September, 1871.
He then purchased his present place two miles south of St. Helena. The
subject of our sketch was united in marriage in Santa Clara, September
10, 1868, to Miss Phidden B. Shaw, a native of Otto, Cattaraugus County,
New York, who was born September 6, 1836. They have one living child,
and one deceased : Carrie E., born October 30, 1872 ; Mattie E., born Decem-
ber 20, 1869, died September 25, 1870.
FEALLY, T. W. Was born in Ireland in 1851. When he was seven
years of age his parents came to America, settling first in New York. His
father died in that State. May 5, 1859, he, with his mother's family, started
for California via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco June 1st of that
year. His mother located in St. Helena and he worked at different places
at ranching until 1867, when he started into business in St. Helena. In
1870 he purchased his partner's interest. He now owns eighty-two acres,
about one mile east of Rutherford, and is engaged in farming. He was
married in San Francisco December 29, 1880, to Miss Mary Craddick, a
native of New York.
FISHER, G. W. Was born in Ohio March 5, 1849. When he was two
years old his parents moved to Indiana. When he was about nine years of
age his parents died. At the age of fourteen he enlisted in the 12th
Indiana Volunteer Cavalry as a private and served till the close of the war.
He then went to Kansas and engaged in freighting from Atchison to Denver.
In 1867 he went to Julesburg and freighted from there to Fort Laramie.
At the end of a year he went to Laramie Plains and helped draw the logs
464 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
for the first house in Laramie City. He then worked on the Union Pacific
Railroad until the connection with the Central Pacific was made. He then
went to Elko, Nevada, and freighted from there to White Pine and other
points. In 1869 he came to California, locating at Calistoga. In March, 1870,
he came to St. Helena and engaged in the butchering business, and shortly
afterward opened a shop in connection with J. Bruce. In May, 1876, he
bought his partner out, and is still conducting the business. He was married
August 25, 1877, to Miss Emma Horton, a native of Wisconsin. They have
had two children, both of whom are dead.
GETLESON, HENRY. Son of Hessel and Rachel Getleson, was born
in Hamburg, Germany, in May, 1832. He resided in his native place until
1848, when he sailed for New York, where he worked at his trade, that of
sculptor, and remained there until January 28, 1851, when he sailed via
Panama for San Francisco, arriving in the latter place March 28, 1851 ;
remaining there but a short time, he went to Shasta, Shasta County, and
engaged in general merchandising, and continued in business there until his
store and almost the whole town was destroyed by fire, Mr. Getleson's
individual loss being in the neighborhood of $20,000. In about one year
after that the subject of this sketch, in company with Ball & Baker, rebuilt
a block, and he there remained in business until 1863. Mr. Getleson next
moved to Placerville, Idaho, and engaged in the general merchandise trade,
and remained in that place until 1866. He then moved to San Francisco,
and there followed his trade of sculptor, to which he had served an appren-
ticeship in Germany. From San Francisco he came, at Sam. Brannan's
request, and opened the first store of general merchandise in Calistoga, in
which place and business he is still engaged, and in connection with it is
interested in several good mining prospects near Calistoga.
GILDERSLEEVE, GEORGE W. Was born in Glen Cove, Long Island,
December 31, 1828. When eleven years old he moved to the east end of
Long Island, and lived with an uncle for five years ; then returned to Cold
Spring and learned the silverware trade. Api-il 15, 1850, he sailed from
New York City on the ship " St. Patrick," via Cape Horn, for San Francisco,
which port he reached September 17th of that year. He immediately pro-
ceeded to Stockton, where he embarked in the dairy business, which he
followed till 1853. He then located on Goverment land near that town,
which he farmed until 1862, in which year he sold his place and removed
to San Francisco, where he embarked in the wood and coal business until
1866. He then began teaming, which he followed until 1871, when he
moved to Napa County and settled on his present place, ten miles north-
west of Napa City, where he is engaged in farming, wood chopping, and
fruit-raising. He was married February 24, 1865, to Charlotte A. White, a
Biographical Sketches. 465
native of Chelsea, Massachusetts, born December 22, 1842. By this union
they have five children : George W., born November 19, 1865 ; Susie M.,
born September 22, 1867; Charles H., born September 15, 1869; Freddie
W., born February 13, 1872 ; Eddie S., born June 29, 1874, all living with
their parents on their ranch in Napa County.
GREENFIELD, THOMAS G. Was born in Cumberland County,
Nova Scotia, June 1, 1832, and is the youngest son of James and Jane
Rutherford Greenfield. He remained at his birthplace, attending the public
schools, until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Soquelle, New
Brunswick, and began the carriage and wagon-maker's trade, serving an
apprenticeship of five years. He then spent seven years in the same shop
as a journeyman. In 185S he began business for himself in the same place.
In 1859 he sold out and returned to Nova Scotia, and remained idle for one
year. He then went to Portland, Maine, and spent nine months ; thence
to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he worked seven months ; and then
came to California via the Isthmus, arriving at San Francisco May 16,
1867. In a few days he went to Washington Corners, Alameda County,
where he worked for A. 0. Ricker. In February, 1868, he went to Santa
Clara County, and worked at his trade one year ; thence to Centreville,
Alameda County, where, in partnership with H. Hortop, he worked for one
year. In 1869 he came to Napa, where he has since been engaged in his
business. He was married in 1856 to E. A. Sears, a native of Soquelle,
New Brunswick. Their living children are, Charles H., Clarence F., Cassie
E., William E., Fred E. and Francis E. (twins).
GOODMAN, GEORGE E. Son of Harvey and Mary N. Goodman,
was born in Rochester, New York, July 5, 1823, where he resided until
1842, receiving a common school education in the meantime. He then
went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he was engaged as a clerk until 1852.
He then came to California via Panama, arriving in San Francisco October
5 th of that year. He immediately embarked in the grocery and provision
business, which he followed until September, 1855. He then came to Napa
City, and engaged in the general merchandising business, which he con-
tinued until 1859, when, in connection with his brother James H, he began
the banking business ; and now they have one of the finest private bank
buildings north of San Francisco. In 1861 Mr. Goodman was elected
Treasurer of Napa County, a position he held for nine consecutive years.
He was married to Carrie A. Jacks, and their children are, Harvey P. and
George E., Jr.
GRITMAN, CHARLES R. Son of Samuel and Harriet R. Potter
Gritman, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, December 10, 1838. When
he was quite young his parents moved to New York City, and there Charles
30
466 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
received his primary education, and afterwards attended Yale College, grad-
uating at the age of twenty-one. He then was tendered and accepted the
position as secretary of the Burlock Manufacturing Company, and came to
Chicago in the interest of that company. In 1865 he changed his business
and became a partner in the firm of J. A. & H. F. Griswel & Co., dealers in
coffees, spices and fancy groceries, in which firm he remained until 1873.
Mr. Gritman then spent two years in Wyoming Territory, and in 1875 came
to this coast and accepted a clerkship in the Bank of Napa, a position he
held until January 1, 1881, and on that date he succeeded Mr. W. C. Watson,
as cashier of said bank, a position he now holds with credit to himself, and
with satisfaction alike to the officers of that institution and the general
public. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage July 22, 1869, to
Miss Ella C. Head, a resident of New Haven, Oswego County, New York,
where she was born July 13, 1841.
GOODRICH, HIRAM. Son of Alvin and Pauline Monroe Goodrich, was
born in Cayuga County, New York, August 7, 1814. He was given the
advantages of a common school education, and resided on a farm until he
was twenty-one years of age. He then moved to Berrien County, Michigan,
where he began life as a laborer. In 1840 he began the livery business
in Niles, Michigan, which he conducted in connection with farming
until 1853, when he came to California. In February of that year he pro-
ceeded to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he fitted up ox-teams and started
across the plains, coming via the old Carson route, by Salt Lake. He
arrived in California, in September, 1853, and immediately joined his
brother-in-law, Isaac Sackett, in Napa County, and began farming. In the
spring of 1857 he settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and
sixty-four acres, and is engaged in wheat and grape growing. In 1864 he
took charge of the Revere House in Napa, and conducted it for thirteen
months. He was married December 25, 1840, to Miss Etta Sackett, who
was born in Sodus, Wayne County, New York, April 8, 1822. Their
children are Harriet J., Luman L., Alice, Ida R., Lee G., and Minnie E.
They have lost one child, Lilburn, aged five years, five months and twenty
days.
GILES, JAMES. Was born in Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts,
June 16, 1817, where he resided until the age of thirteen years. He then
followed a sea-faring life for fifteen years, until he was twenty-eight
years of age. He next settled in Boston, until he came to California, which
was in November, 1849. He sailed on the schooner " Savilion," via Cape
Horn, having the stern boat filled with onions. The vessel was owned by
the passengers. He sold his onions for fifty cents each, on their arrival in
San Francisco, where they landed in March, 1850, after a passage of four
Biographical Sketches. 467
months and fifteen days. He immediately proceeded to the mines, and em-
barked in mining in the vicinity of Hangtown and Georgetown, which he
followed until November, 1850. He then, on account of ill health, shipped
for the Marquise Islands, but went to Valparaiso, where he remained two
months. He then once more returned to San Francisco, arriving in July,
1851. Here he stopped until December of that year, when he returned
East via the Isthmus of Panama, locating in Boston, where he engaged in
the manufacture of piano-fortes, which business he followed until 1859.
He then returned to San Francisco with his family, where he sojourned for
six months, and then came to Napa City and engaged in the cabinet busi-
ness, in which he has been steadily engaged since that time, and is the
oldest furniture dealer in this city. The subject of this sketch was married
October 12, 1849, to Hannah Elizabeth Lange, who was born in Whitefield,
Maine, in 1829, and by this union they have three living children — George
F., born February 22, 1855 ; Antoinette, born June 6, 1859 ; Dody, born
August 4, 1866.
GARNER, JOHN R. Whose portrait will be found in the body of this
work, is a son of Valentine and Sarah Edington Garner, was born in Wright
County, Missouri, July 22, 1838, where young Garner was reared on a farm
and given the advantages of a common school education. In 1857, at the
age of eighteen, he came to California, across the plains, with ox-teams, and
arrived September 18th of that year, after a tedious trip of five months. He
came at once to Napa Valley and began renting land of George C. Yount.
In 1863 he purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty acres,
and now owns three hundred and twenty acres, and is engaged in farming
and stock-raising. He was married November 13, 1864, to Miss Roberts,
who was born in Wayne County, Tennessee, October 5, 1845. Their child-
ren are, Thomas, born November 26, 1866 ; Joseph, born September 24,
1868 ; John, born July 25, 1871 ; Louis, born November 6, 1873 ; Frederick
W., born March 25, 1876 ; and Bush G, born September 9, 1879.
GRIGSBY, WILLIS P. The subject of this sketch is a native of Napa
County, and was bom near Yountville, December 14, 1851, and is the son
of one of the first pioneers of the county, Jesse and Margaret Alexander
Grigsby. He attended the common schools amd afterward completed a
course at the Collegiate Institute of Napa, graduating from that institution
in the class of 1872. Mr. Grigsby has remained all his life in this county,
and February 1, 1880, commenced keeping his present livery and feed
stable in St. Helena, under the firm name of W. P. Grigsby & Co., located
on the corner of Main and Polk streets. He was united in marriage Sep-
tember 12, 1872, to Miss Evaline Osborn, who was born in Ogle County,
Illinois. They have three children : Willis 0., born in St. Helena, March
468 Histoiy of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
24, 1873; Gertrude E., born in St. Helena, May 21, 1875, and George P.,
born near Yountville, February 5, 1880.
GIBBS, WILLIAM H. Was born in Posey County, Indiana, June 29,
1829, where he resided till 1852. In that year he crossed the plains to
California and settled in Colusa County. He engaged in teaming which he
followed for six years, when he began farming on Stoney Creek, that county,
where he remained till 1860. He then went East, but returned during the
same year and settled where he now resides, owning two hundred acres of
land. In 1874 he, with Mr. Cooper, opened the store at Yountville, which
property he still owns but is not carrying on the business. He was mar-
ried January 1, 1849, to Lucinda Williams, a native of Gibson County, Ohio,
born May 1, 1833. Their children are, Charles H, born April 14, 1855 ;
Samuel W., born September 25, 1859, and George, born August 5, 1865.
GARDNER, CHARLES A. Son of Charles and Annice Dickson Gard-
ner, was born in Middleport, Iroquois County, Illinois, August 22, 1842, and
he remained at his birthplace until 1853. He then moved to St. Anthony,
Minnesota, in company with his father's family. After a residence here of
two years the family proceeded to Lake Pepin, where the father engaged in
the practice of his profession — the law. The elder Gardner was an ener-
getic and highly respected gentleman, as is evinced by the fact that he was
a member of the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota in 1855-6, and was
further honored with the position of Speaker of the Lower House of that
body. He afterwards received the nomination by President Buchanan to
the position of Governor of Dakota, but it was not confirmed by the Senate.
About 1857 the father purchased a stock of goods and engaged in mercantile
pursuits at Delhi, Iowa, where he remained for two years. He then moved
to Franklin County, where he practiced his profession until the fall of 1859.
That winter was spent by the family in Kansas, and in the spring of 1860
they started overland for California, coming the old emigrant route, and
arriving in Sacramento in September of that year. Young Gardner first
found employment as a clerk in the post-office in that city, under Post-
master Hardenberg, where he remained for one year. He then began work
on the Sacramento Union, which he followed for about one year. In 1863
he went to San Francisco, and was engaged in his father's law office, and at
several other occupations. He was a carrier for the Democratic Press of
that city, and was present when that building was sacked at the time of the
assassination of President Lincoln. While in San Francisco Mr. Gardner
was a member of the Washington Guards and the City Guards, and helped
to preserve order at that time. He was also a member of the Olympic Club.
In 1865 he went to Portland, Oregon, and purchased a tract of land, and on
his return to San Francisco he engaged in the publication of the Commercial
Biographical Sketches. 469
Record, and after disposing of that he bought an interest in the Guide. He
retained this but a short time, when he sold to his partner, and engaged in
the study of law in his father's and other law offices. He was afterwards with
Brooks & Ranleun, Hope, McKillop & Co., and others. He was with Bancroft
& Co. for about one year on the Digest of California Reports. He then went
to Portland, Oregon, with his family, and there filled the position of book-
keeper for the Oregon agency of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of
New York. In 1870 he went to Anaheim, California, and there practiced
law, being at one time Deputy District Attorney of Los Angeles County.
At the end of one year he returned to Portland and engaged in the practice
of law in connection with his father. He remained there but a short time,
when he returned to Anaheim and purchased the Gazette of that place.
In the fall of 1872, having changed the name of the paper to the Southern
Californian, he sold out, and in December of that year came to Napa
County, locating at St. Helena, and purchasing a vineyard of fifty acres.
He then purchased a half interest in the Napa Register, which was con-
ducted under the firm name of Francis & Gardner, for about two years.
He then disposed of his interest to Mr. Francis, but remained in charge of
the editorial department of the paper for another year. In June, 1876, he
came to St. Helena and purchased the Star, which he has since continued to
conduct in a manner that reflects great credit upon himself and best sub-
serves the interests of the community in which he has cast his lot. He has
been twice honored with the appointment of delegate to the Republican
State Convention. Mr. Gardner was married in St. Helena, January 26,
1869, to Miss Sarah A. Clark, a native of Hartwick, Delaware County,
Iowa. Their children are, Miriam Emma, born April 15, 1870, at St. Helena ;
Edith Maria, born April 28, 1872, at Anaheim ; Katy, born December 7,
1874, at Napa, and Ruth, born October 6, 1877, at St. Helena.
GRIFFITH, CALVIN C. This old and respected pioneer of Napa
County, whose portrait appears in this history, is the son of James A. and
Elizabeth Rogers Griffith, and was born in Chatham County, North Caro-
lina, March 1, 1828. When he was but seven years of age, his parents moved
and settled in Macon County, Missouri, and engaged in farming and
stock raising, and there the subject of this sketch received the education
that the common schools of that place afforded at that early date. After
a residence of ten years in Missouri, he, with his parents, with ox-teams
started for California in company with others, among whom may be
mentioned Mr. John York, David Hudson, James Gregson and Harvey
Porterfield, and under command of John Grigsby, started from Independ-
ence, Missouri, to cross the then almost unknown plains, with the intention
of going to Oregon. On their arrival at Fort Hall, however, they procured
a guide, John Greenwood, who prevailed on them to change their route and
470 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
come to California. A division of the original train took place — some going
on to Oregon, while the balance turned their faces toward what afterward
proved to be the Golden State. Among the latter, was the subject of our
sketch, and with thirty wagons, out of as high at one time as one hundred
and twenty-five, arrived in California, and we believe this to be the first train
that ever successfully crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They arrived
at Johnsons Ranch October 17, 1845. In a few days they proceeded to
Sutters Fort, near Sacramento, and there, building a raft, they crossed the
Sacramento River and proceeded to Napa Valley, arriving on Mr. Yount's
ranch November 1, 1845. After six months residence in this valley, Mr.
Griffith and family were compelled to seek protection in the town of So-
noma on account of the Mexican War. Calvin Griffith was a volunteer
under General Fremont, during the war in California, serving in all about
nine months, receiving his discharge in April, 1847, and now has a medal
made out of the brass of one of the cannons captured during this war. At
the close of the war, Mr. Griffith returned to Sonoma, and went thence to
the mines. In 1852, he embarked in farming, and in the fall of 1853, re-
turned to Napa Valley, and engaged in farming near St. Helena, for three
years. In 1856, he returned to Sonoma County, continuing farming on
Mark West Creek until the spring of 1871. He then purchased his present
property, consisting of eighty-three acres, and engaged in general farming,
about one-half mile north of Rutherford. Mr. Griffith was united in mar-
riage in St. Helena September 6, 1855, to Miss Lydia Lensibaugh, a native
of Wisconsin. They have seven living children : Oliver O, Mary E., Alice
M., Clara A., Albert J., George A. and Jessie G.
GROEZ1NGER, G. Was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Sep-
tember 18, 1824. There he received his education, and learned the trades of
hotel-keeping, baking, and wine-maker. He resided in his birthplace till
1840, when he went to Switzerland and embarked in hotel-keeping, which
he continued till 1848, when he immigrated to America and settled in New
York City. There he was engaged as head-waiter in the Delmonico Hotel.
In January, 1848, he sailed in the steamer " Oregon " to Panama, and there
engaged as steward on that steamer, but gave it up and came on to
California, arriving in San Francisco February 22d of that year. He
soon found employment as steward in a hotel, which he followed only a few
months. He then proceeded to Yuba County, where he opened a general
miners' store, which business he continued till 1854. He then made a trip
to Switzerland, Germany and France, being absent one year, and returned
to San Francisco, bringing along several thousand grape cuttings of best
varieties. In 1858 he turned his attention to the manufacture of wine in
San Francisco, buying his first grapes of Colonel Haraszthy, and paying
liim for the same three cents per pound. He has since continuously fol-
Biogi-aphical Sketches. 471
lowed that business. In 1871 he came to Yountville and erected his present
wine-cellar, a full history of which will be found in its proper place. He
now owns five hundred and fifty acres of land, and has two hundred and
thirty acres in vines. Married in 1872 to Rosalia Trondle, and has two sons,
Gottlieb and Emile.
GREER, JOHN. Was born in Ireland. When he was eighteen years
of age he went to England and remained for three years. He then went
to the West India Islands, and resided there two years. In 1850 he went
to Albany, New York, where he worked in a hotel for five years. In 1855
he came to California, arriving December 15th. He engaged in various pur-
suits till May, 1856, when he came to Napa County, locating at the White
Sulphur Springs, and in the following year he took charge of the Spring's
stables, and conducted them for the following fourteen years. He, in com-
pany with Mr. Tainter, purchased one hundred acres of land, on which is
now situated the business portion of St. Helena, and he still resides on about
thirty acres of that tract, lying on Spring street. He has also other exten-
sive interests in Napa Valley. He was married in Albany, New York,
October 15, 1854, to Mrs. Ellen McGuire, a native of Ireland. Their chil-
dren are Mary, John, Thomas, Clarence and Lizzie.
GRIGSBY, JESSE. Whose portrait will be found in the body of this
work, was born in Roane County, Tennessee, February 23, 1819, and is the
son of George and Rebecca James Grigsby. When he was quite young his
parents moved to Monroe County, that State, where he received his education
and resided till 1837. He then went to Missouri and located in Pulaski
County, where he engaged in farming and stock raising until 1840. He
then moved to Greene County, and began the same business, which he fol-
lowed until the spring of 1850. February 19th of that year he started
across the plains for California, coming via Green River route and South
Pass, entering the State by the Truckee route, and arrived in Napa County
September 18th of the above year, and settled with his brother, Captain
John Grigsby, who was then residing in the valley. Here he began farming
and stock raising, which he followed till 1872, when he sold to D. Emerson.
He then moved to Berryessa Valley and engaged in the same business, and
remained there for one year. He then gave up his farm to his son, P. D.
Grigsby, and has since retired from business. He has held the office of Su-
pervisor for two terms, and has always been one of Napa County's most
staunch and stable farmers and citizens. He was married June 27, 1837, to
Margaret Alexander, who was born in Gifford County, North Carolina, in
March, 1819, and they are still hale and hearty, after spending over forty-
four years of married life. They have seven living children ; Pulaski D.,
William T., John W., Rebecca, Willis P., James, Jesse F., all but one of
whom are now living in Napa County.
472 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
GRIGSBY, P. D. Oldest son of Jesse and Margaret Alexander Grigsby,
was born in Pulaski County, Missouri, April 30, 1838. When he was but
two years of age his parents moved to Greene County, that State, and there
resided until April, 1850, when they came to California, locating first in
Napa Valley, where they arrived September 18th of that year. They re-
sided near Yountville until 1857, when he embarked in business for himself.
He began farming near Oakville, and remained there until 1859 ; he then
moved to the Trancas, one and one-half miles above Napa City, which he
rented for five years. In 1864 he purchased a farm on the " Big Ranch "
road, and remained there until 1875. He then moved to his present place
in Berryessa Valley, consisting of two thousand acres, and is extensively
engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married August 26, 1857,
to Miss Louisa Crowey, who was born February 19, 1840, and died Feb-
ruary 25, 1871, leaving the following children : Margaret J., born June 1,
1858; Jesse W., born December 11, 1860; Rebecca, born September 2, 1862;
John W., born February 1, 1864; Louisa D., born June 14, 1865 ; William
W., born November 11, 1869. He married, secondly, November 14, 1872,
D. Garner, who was born March 2, 1844. Their children are : Julia A.,
born December 29, 1873 ; Nelson, born June 19, 1875 ; Dana, born November
23, 1876 ; Estella, born September 5, 1878 ; and Homer, born April 23, 1880.
GOSLING, C. Was born in England January 16, 1829. In 1836 he,
with his parents, came to America and settled in Oakland County, Michigan.
In 1846 he went to steamboating on the Mississippi River, running from
Memphis to St. Louis. May 5, 1850, he started overland to California,
arriving in July of that year. He proceeded to Sacramento and began
steamboating between San Francisco and Marysville, which he continued
until March, 1851, when the steamer sunk. He then returned East via
Panama, and returning to California overland, brought his family with him.
He went to Sacramento and engaged in the hotel business, keeping the
Bee Hive House, in connection with which he ran a bakery. In the fall
of 1852 he went to near Freeport, on the Sacramento River, and engaged in
farming. In 1869 he purchased his present place of two thousand acres in
Berryessa Valley, and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising.
In 1879 he was elected Supervisor from his district. He was married
August 11, 1852, and now has seven children, as follows: Adela (now Mrs.
F. G. Huskey), Mary E., Lucy E., William H, Emma M., Walter J., and
Alice A. They have lost Frank W., Emily E., Austin F., and Letitia A.
GILLAM, JOHN. Was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
April 1, 1830. At the age of sixteen he moved to Illinois, and was engaged
in blacksmithing in Rushville for three years. In 1850 he crossed the plains
to California, arriving at Placerville Autmt 23d. He mined there for two
Biographical Sketches. 473
months and then went to Coloma, where he engaged in the restaurant busi-
ness. In 1851 he went to Mormon Island, and in 1853 to Mud Springs, El
Dorado County, where he engaged in blacksmithing and continued until
1860. He then came to St. Helena, Napa County, and began working at
his trade, which he followed for ten years. He then took a contract for
supplying wood to the Central Pacific Railroad, and remained in that business
for six years. He then went to Salmon Creek, Mendocino County, and
built a saw-mill in company with D. A. and J. A. McKinley. He is next
found in Lodi as superintendent of a lumber company. In 1877 he returned
to St. Helena, where he still resides. May 23, 1855, he married Miss Mary
Perry, a native of North Carolina.
HASTINGS, JUDGE S. CLINTON. The subject of this sketch, whose
portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born in Jefferson
County, New York, November 22, 1814, and is the son of Robert C. and
Patience Brayton Hastings. His mother's family, the Braytons, were among
the first settlers in that section of New York State. His father, a native
of Boston, in early life moved from Rhode Island to the interior of New
York, where he married, and reared a family of seven children, all of whom
are now deceased except the subject of this sketch and one sister, Mrs.
Suel Foster, now a resident of Iowa. When young Hastings was but ten
years of age, his father moved to near Geneva, New York, where the father
died at the end of a year. After this event occurred, he, with his mother's
family, moved to St. Lawrence County, where he was nominally a member
of the Governeur Academy for a period of six years, under the special
instruction of two tutors, who were graduates of Hamilton College, New
York. At the age of twenty he became principal of the Norwich Academy
of New York, and filled that position for one year with great credit to
himself, and to the entire satisfaction of the patrons of the institution,
having in that short space of time fully restored the success of the academy.
He then went to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he engaged in the study of
law with Daniel S. Mayor and the Hon. Amos Lane for about two years.
During the campaign of 1836 he edited a political paper in the interests of
the Democratic Party. In the spring of 1837 he went to the then Blackhawk
Purchase, now the State of Iowa, and settled at where is now the City of
Muscatine ; and was honored while a resident of that place, with the posi-
tion of member of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa for several years.
In 1846 he had the still greater honor conferred upon him of being elected
to the United States Congress, being a member of the famous Mexican War
or Twenty-ninth Congress. Upon his election Iowa was not yet admitted
into the Union ; but through his exertions she was added to the sisterhood
of States, and he then took his seat. Upon his return from Congress, he
474 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
was appointed Chief Justice of the State by the Governor. In the spring
of 1849 he set out overland for California, arriving in Sacramento City in
August of that year. He was elected by the Legislature of California to
the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. Having
filled his term of two years, he was elected by the people to the office of
Attorney-General. Having become almost entirely impoverished during
his term upon the Bench, owing to the great expense of living at that time,
he sought the office of Attorney-General, so that he might be able to prac-
tice his profession in connection with his office, and thus replenish his
exchequer. At this time he had a family of four sons and three daugh-
ters. After practicing law for a year or two, his accumulations of
property became so great and his interests so varied that he ceased
its practice, and has since then to the present devoted his entire time
to the management of his country and city real estate. He has made
his home principally in Napa Valley, where he has a fine, large estate near
Rutherford station. Here he has burried his wife and two of his sons. He
is extensively engaged in vineyards and vine planting in Napa and Lake
Counties, and wool and wheat growing in other counties. For the last
twenty years he has devoted a great amount of his time to foreign travel,
and while abroad took occasion to investigate carefully the various systems
of instruction in prominent institutions of learning in those countries. He
has also carefully studied the systems of instruction in the law in the prom-
inent law schools of those countries and the United States. In 1878 he
donated to the State of California, and paid into the Treasury thereof, the
sum of $100,000 with which was founded the law department of the State
University, which is known as the " Hastings College of the Law." The
only conditions that restrict this magnificent bequest to the State by one of
her most honorable citizens, is that no more than the amount of interest
which would accrue from that sum at seven per cent, per annum, shall be
expended out of this endowment for compensation to instructors in the
department ; and further, the privileges and benefits of the school shall not
be confined to those only who intend to make the practice of law their life
work, but it shall be free to all. The founder is thoroughly impressed with
the grand truth that the study of jurisprudence in all of our institutions of
learning, will conduce greatly to the advancement and advantage of the
future of the commonwealth, hence the last condition of the bequest. Hav-
ing fixed the course of study at three years, Judge Hastings has personally
devoted the most of his time since the founding of the school, now three
years, in establishing the institution and getting it into successful operation.
The best of talent was secured at the first to fill the chairs, and professors
and lecturers of eminence were employed. Judge Hastings was also instru-
mental in founding the St. Catharines Convent and School at Benicia. In
xphical Sketches. 475
18G9 he accompanied ex-Govemor William H. Seward as an escort, on his
celebrated voyage to Alaska, when that gentleman went there to " spy out
the land," as it were, examine its resources, and form an opinion of the value
of that country. The party proceeded to Alaska in the Oregon Steamship
Company's steamer "Active," which was tendered to the Seward party, and
they were absent from San Francisco about forty days. On his celebrated
voyage around the world, ex-Governor Seward and suite were the guests
of Judge Hastings for two weeks. On this occasion the Judge's eldest
daughter, Clara L., was united in marriage with Col. E. C. Catherwood.
It was agreed at this time between ex-Governor Seward and Judge Hastings
that upon the arrival in New York City of the former gentleman from his
voyage around the world, the latter should join him, and they together
should proceed to the North Sea and explore the north-west coast of
Norway and Sweden. The Governor was very urgent in desiring the
Judge to spend a few months at his home in Auburn before they proceeded
on their projected tour. With this object in view the Judge proceeded to
New York City, and while waiting there to meet the Governor the latter
died. The excessively warm friendship which existed between these two
men was remarkable in many respects. In religion their thoughts ran in
widely different channels, and in politics they were at antipodes. The ground
for the attachment on the part of the Judge was that in ex-Governor
Seward he recognized the greatest living ethnological philosopher, and on
this account he was universally known as the " Sage of Auburn." Judge
Hastings stands to-day in the front ranks of California's best men. From
almost impecuniosity he has climbed the ladder of fortune, till he is to-day
a millionaire, owning property in almost every county in the State. As a
financier he is not excelled on the Pacific Coast, and we doubt if he is
equalled. He is broad and liberal in his views, strong in his convictions,
and thoroughly in earnest in whatever he undertakes. His is a mind well
and richly stored with the golden cream of literature, and his library at his
Napa homestead is a marvelous collection of the choicest works of the
world. Through his munificent gift to the State in the endowment of the
Law School his name will be justly perpetuated through the generations
yet unborn, until the great commonwealth of California shall become a
thing of the past, so long forgotten that its records will not cover a page of
history. In 1845, in the city of Muscatine, Iowa, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Azella Brodt, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, who at
the time of her marriage was only seventeen years of age. She died in
1874 at Pau, in the south of France. Her remains were brought home and
are now resting in the family grounds in the cemetery at St. Helena. He
has now six living children, two sons and four daughters, as follows : C. F.
D., at present married and residing in Solano County, near Suisun, and is
476 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
one of the prominent farmers of that section, being also largely in-
terested in, and one of the trustees of the Bank of Suisun. He re-
ceived his education principally in England, at the Trinity College,
Cambridge ; Robert P., his second son, was educated in England, in the
primary branches, and graduated from Harvard College, and is also a
graduate of the Hastings Law School. He is at present engaged in the
practice of that professsion, being associated with R. B. Wallace, Esq., son
of ex-Chief-Justice W. T. Wallace. His eldest daughter, Clara L., was
united in marriage in 1869 with Col. E. C. Catherwood, and has been re-
siding abroad for the past three years, educating her children. The second
daughter, Flora A., was married in 1879 to W. S. Keyes, Esq., son of General
E. D. Keyes, late of the United States army. His two younger daughters,
Ella and Lellia are unmarried, and reside with their sister, Mrs. Keyes. We
will conclude this sketch with the statement that we have not space to
give in detail the many interesting incidents of this gentleman's life. He is
a life-member of the California Pioneers, of which association he has been
president ; is a life-member of the Academy of Sciences, and at the special
instigation of President D. C. Gilman, of the Johns Hopkins University, of
the world-renowned botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, and Dr. Asa Gray, pro-
cured contributions from several distinguished citizens, and caused to be
published in two volumes the botany of the Pacific. This work was accom-
plished to rescue the botany from destruction. Dr. D. J. Whitney, in his
prefatory note to the second volume, thus speaks of the subject of this
sketch : That the volume of 1876 and the present one could be laid before
the scientific public in a style worthy of the subject, and uniform with that
of the other publications of the Geological Survey, is chiefly due to the zeal
and liberality of Hon. S. C. Hastings, who solicited and obtained the neces-
sary means for this purpose.
HARTSON, HON. CHANCELLOR. Whose portrait will be found
in the body of this history, is one of the pioneers of Napa County,
and has acted a very important part in the history of both the county
and city of Napa. He was born in Otsego County, New York, in 1824.
At the age of twenty-one, in 1845, he received a diploma from the Mad-
ison University, an institution of learning second to none in his native
State. Then he entered the Fowler Law School, located at Cherry
Valley, from which he graduated with credit in 1848, and was soon after
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in New York. In 1850 he deter-
mined to seek his fortunes in the far-away gold fields of California, and he
accordingly came to the State in that year. In July of the following year
he came to Napa Valley, and has since remained here, doing giant service
for the advancement of everything that would go to build up the common-
Biographical Sketches. 477
wealth among whom he had cast his lot. He at once entered upon the
practice of law, and in September of that year was elected to the position
of District Attorney. In September, 1853, at the close of his term of office
as District Attorney, he was elected County Judge, which office he held
until 1858. In 1856 he was found in the foremost ranks of the Republican
party, just then springing into existence, and from that day to this he has
ever been a staunch advocate of the principles he then espoused. In 1861
he was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature, and in 1862 to
the upper house of the same body. In both the Assembly and the Senate
he was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Committee, and was chairman
of both committees. He remained in the State Senate until 1866, and by
his entire devotion to the best interests of his constituency gained the
admiration of all. At the close of this term of public service he returned
to the pursuit of his profession, in which he remained until 1871, when he
turned his attention to financial matters. In that year he aided in the
establishment of the Bank of Napa, and was then elected to the position of
president, which he filled until January 1, 1879. In the meantime he also
took a prominent part in the organization of the Bank of Lake, at Lakeport,
and was for years a member of the Board of Directors of that institution.
In 1879 W. J. Maclay was elected to the Assembly, but shortly after-
wards he was called from earthly scenes, and his place had to be filled.
In casting about for a suitable man for the position, the eyes of the entire
population seemed to turn instinctively upon Mr. Hartson, and despite bis
protestations he was elected by a large majority. In this session of our
State Legislature, he was certainly the peer of any man upon the floor of
either House, and his natural abilities as a close and careful financier, came
into grand use when the subjects of revenue and taxation came up for dis-
cussion. His speech on Assembly Bill 404, which embodied those subjects,
was the masterpiece of the session, and we may say of his life. So great
was the demand for it, that in a very short time an edition of seventy-five
thousand was exhausted. A short extract from it will give the reader a
good idea of the character of the man who enunciated such grand senti-
ments : " I rise under deep feelings of embarrassment and regret, inspired
principally by the painful reflection that in the advocacy of this great con-
stitutional measure, I am in conflict with the wishes of many highly esteemed
friends, in and out of this House, whose good will I crave, and for whose
opinions I entertain the highest respect. Nothing but a strong sense of
duty and a clear conviction of right has impelled me to take so decided a
stand, and maintain it with whatever of vigor and ability I possess. So far
as I am concerned, I have no trouble in so construing that language as to
tax all credits, all stocks and all property. I am decidedly in favor of roll-
ing back and off the industries and lands of this State, and back on the
478 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
bondholder and stockholder, the great burden of taxation that belongs to the
latter class to bear. I came here to do a great constitutional duty. I pro-
mised the suffering men and women of my home, when elected, that I would
stand up for their rights against power and wealth, and prerogative. I am
here by my voice to fulfill that promise. My judgment approves this meas-
ure, and the work done for its accomplishment is the work of my hand and
my heart, as well as my intellect." In November, 1880, he was elected to
the same position, and did good work in the Legislature of 1880-1. In
1881 he received the appointment of Collector of the Port of San Francisco,
from President Garfield, the duties of which position he is now performing.
For thirty years Mr. Hartson has resided among the people of Napa County ;
has been honored with high positions of honor and trust more frequently
than any man in the county ; has done as much as any man to advance the
financial prosperity of the community in which he resides; and in no par-
ticular has he been found wanting. A man whose keen perceptions cause
him to see the right, and a man who never fears to do it. The intimida-
tions of enemies nor the pursuasive influence of friends, never cause him to
swerve from his high sense of honor and justice. He was married in Feb-
ruary, 1854, to Miss E. Burnell, who is a native of New York, and their
children are : Burnell C, Ernest, Channing and Asenath. '
HOGAN, JOHN S. (deceased). Was born in Nenagh, Ireland, May 29,
1837. His early boyhood was spent with his uncle, Henry Smithwick of
Smithwick Manor. While under his charge he was placed in Youghel College,
where he remained until 1849. Some years#previous, part of the family
had moved to the United States, and were residing in New Orleans. Sep-
tember 2, 1849, Mr. Hogan, then a boy, started from his old home, bound
for America. On his first arrival in New Orleans, he engaged himself in
acquiring the trade of a cooper. He served faithfully for two years at this
trade, and then became a master workman. Being offered a position at the
desk of the St. Charles Hotel, Canal street, he abandoned the adze and first
connected himself with the hotel business, a vocation in which he passed
the remainder of his years. During the ever memorable yellow fever
epidemic of 1853, he was stricken by the dread disease, but careful nursing,
tender care and a strong constitution, saved him from death. During his
six years' life in New Orleans, he acquired a business knowledge and tact,
and developed traits of character that in after life had much to do with his
financial successes. The fame of the Golden State, and the opportunities
offered industrious and enterprising men reached Mr. Hogan in his Southern
home, and despite protestations he abandoned his position at the St. Charles,
and on the morning of February 8, 1856, he stood on the deck of the outward
bound steamship " Daniel Webster," and saw fade into the hazy distance
Biographical Sketches. 479
the " Crescent City," the " Queen of the South." He crossed the Isthmus
of Panama at the time of the riots between the natives and the passengers
of the Panama Railroad, taking an active part on the side of the latter
He received a wound on the head, the scar of which he carried to his grave.
On the Pacific side of the Isthmus he took passage on the steamship
" Oceanic," and after a pleasant trip, landed in San Francisco May 3, 1856.
He was accompanied on this voyage by his sisters, Ellen and Margaret.
After remaining in San Francisco for a short period he, in company with
James Kelly, started for the southern mines at Sonora. Here was staked
out a claim and hard work done for some time, but failing to strike " pay
dirt," the mine was abandoned, and Mr. Hogan returned to San Francisco
with a considerable amount of money out by the venture. Strange to say,
the claim abandoned turned out afterward to be one of the richest in the
district. Mr. Hogan then started for Napa, and first entered the town in the
summer of 1856, and secured a position at the American Hotel, then con-
ducted by " Uncle " Tom. Alcher. July 4th of the same year he assisted
in turning out the first copy of the Napa Reporter that ever left the press.
He remained in Napa until November, 1858, when he removed to Healdsburg,
having been engaged by Allen & Dickinson, managers of the Russian
River Hotel at that place. He remained with these gentlemen until
the following fall. In the meantime he invested what money he pos-
sessed in real estate. In May, 1859, he purchased the grounds, and buildings
thereon standing, which is now the site of the Union Hotel, in Healdsburg.
In October, 1859, he left Allen & Dickinson and went to San Francisco, and
November 1st of that year, at St. Mary's Cathedral, he was married to
Miss Ellen Barrett, Rev. Hugh Gallagher performing the ceremony. After
a brief honeymoon, in company with his bride he returned to Healdsburg
and opened business in the Union Hotel. Possessed of more than ordinary
business capacity, and of an enterprise bounded only by his ability to act,
his business continued to increase and fortune smiled upon him. During
his residence in Healdsburg the Russian River Flag was started. He
assisted Alexander J. Cox in presenting its first number. Here, Septem-
ber 2, 1860, his eldest child was born. He was named after his father's
uncle — Henry. After a fire had almost entirely ruined Healdsburg, but
from which Mr. Hogan's property fortunately escaped, he visited Napa, and
seeing the progress it had made, and, finding a good opening, he leased his
hotel in Healdsburg and bought out the restaurant conducted by Frederick
Gerkins, situated on Main street, where the stores of Levinson and Mabys now
stand, and opened here in November, 1860. Being well acquainted and
very popular, he commanded a large patronage, and after two years' industry
he leased the Napa Hotel, and December 2, 1862, he took possession, suc-
ceeding Daniel Wheelock. Here he was in his element, and all his efforts
480 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
were crowned with success. Owing to the growing extent of his business,
he kept continually adding to and improving the huilding, and when his
lease expired he purchased the hotel and grounds and subsequently pur-
chased the entire square, now known as Hogan's Block. He was ever alive
to the interests of the town, and, believing in its advancement, he invested
heavily in real estate. One addition of twelve blocks bears his name, and
several subdivisions of additions were laid out in town lots, sold and built
upon through his energy and enterprise. He took no interest in politics ;
although a public man and a highly popular one he never aspired to office.
During the war he was what might be called a Union Democrat. He be-
lieved in the indissolubility of the Union, yet held a strong sympathy for
the South — the home of his boyhood. He continued in the Napa Hotel up
to the time of his death, a space of nineteen years. The illness that carried
him off was sudden and severe, and only of about a week's duration ; but
the dread conqueror had uplifted his scythe and the blow could not be
stayed by human hands or human arts. He departed this life, surrounded
by his family and friends, in full possession of his mental faculties and at peace
with all mankind, on Friday, March 23, 1877, a young man in the prime of
life, being but thirty-nine years of age. He was buried on the Sunday
following, and one of the largest funeral corteges that ever left Napa accom-
panied the remains to the grave. A magnificent monument now marks the
place of his rest. In private life he was all that could be desired in a hus-
band, father or friend — indulgent, loving and unselfish. Publicly he was a
man of enterprise and ability ; honest and upright, generous to a fault, re-
nowned for his hospitality and genial nature. During the time he lived in
Napa he contributed much towards its advancement, and being constantly
before the public he necessarily came into contact with a very large number
of people, among whom he made many thousands of warm friends and
scarcely an enemy. No man was more universally respected than he, and
his untimely death was a loss to the community in which he resided. Peace
to his ashes.
HEYMANN, E. Was born in North Germany, June 26, 1845. In 1860
he engaged as clerk in the wholesale merchandising business. He continued
in this till 1868, when he came to New York, and thence to California. He
soon came to Napa County and located at the White Sulphur Springs, where
he kept bar and had a store. In 1874 he purchased his present place of
thirty-two acres, within the city limits of St. Helena, on which he has
twenty-two acres of vineyard and a wine cellar. November 19, 1873,
he was married to Miss Matilda Kneer, who was born in South Germany.
There children are, Frieda, Matilda, Karl, and Edmund.
HATT, A. E. Was born in Prussia, May 3, 184S. At the age of
fourteen he began a seafaring life, which he followed for two years. In
i (2.Jkzw-^
Biographical Sketches. 483
habits of industry, and an acquaintance with wool. He prepared for college
at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary at Tilton, New Hampshire,
where he was attending school at the breaking out of the Rebellion. In
September, 1862, he enlisted in the 16th Regiment, New Hampshire Volun-
teers, and served one year in the army under General N. P. Banks, during
his Louisiana campaign. Returning from the army he completed his pre-
paratory course, and in 1865 entered Wesleyan University, Middletown,
Connecticut, where he graduated in 1869. Returning to Concord he at
once entered the law office of Minot & Mugridge, where he remained for
three years, and in 1872 was admitted to the bar of Grafton County, New
Hampshire. He formed a law partnership at Bristol, New Hampshire, with
Hon. S. K. Mason, under the name of Mason & Holden, which continued
until 1875, when he came to Napa. A charter had been obtained for the
Bristol Savings Bank ; Mr. Mason was made president, and Mr. Holden,
treasurer, which position he also held at the time of his coming to Cali-
fornia. The bank, without any capital, in a little town of two thousand inhab-
itants, in the space of three years accumulated deposits to the amount of
^60,000. In 1869 Mr. Holden married Mary E. Taylor, daughter of J. S.
Taylor, Esq., of Sanbornton, New Hampshire. One child, Hattie M., died in
infancy. In 1875 the failing health of his wife induced him to bring her to
this State, but, as is often the case, the change was made too late to be of any
benefit, and she died in Napa two months after leaving New Hampshire. On
his arrival in Napa he became book-keeper for B. F. Sawyer & Co., and was
also interested with them in the purchase of fleece wool. On their reorgan-
ization, April 1, 1880, he became a member of the company. He has devoted
himself entirely to business during his stay in this State, and only allowed
the claims of one institution, the Napa Collegiate Institute, to divide his
attention. He is at present a member of its Executive Board and president
of its Board of Trustees. January 8, 1879, he married Anna Smyth, daugh-
ter of Hon. Robert Smyth of Mount Vernon, Iowa, a pioneer preceptress of
Napa Collegiate Institute. They have one child, Robert, born May 13, 1880.
HILL, DEMING D. Son of Daniel and Esther Merriam Hill, was
born in Washington County, Ohio, May 14, 1836, and resided at his birth-
place until his twenty -first year, when he moved to Chillicothe, Ross County,
that State, where he worked at his trade — tinsmith — to which he had served
an apprenticeship in his birth-county. There he remained until 1858, and
then returned to his native county and established himself in the tin bus-
iness, which he followed one year. September 22, 1859, (the day that
Broderick was shot) he landed in San Francisco. After following his trade
for some years in San Francisco and Oakland, he became agent for the
How j sewing machine, and continued at that business for two years. He
484 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
then went to Placer County, and for six months was freight agent for the
Central Pacific Railroad. He next proceeded to Collinsville, on the Sacra-
mento River, where he had charge of the wharf for a short time, and then
proceeded to Fairfield, Solano County, and began his old business — that of
tinner. In 1869 he came to Napa, and settled on his present estate of four
hundred and forty acres, where he is chiefly engaged in stock-raising.
Hill's patent medicated nest-eggs, and also medicated paint for hen-roosts,
have proved to be effectual destroyers of hen lice, and great credit is due
the gentleman for his patent. Married February 22, 1863, Catherine Burns,
a native of Ireland, born February 8, 1839. Daniel D., Francis D., Marietta,
Clarence E., Martha N., Alonzo C, and Oswell N., are their children.
HOTTEL, E. W. Was born in Harrison County, Indiana, March 16, 1843,
and resided in his birthplace until 1864, during which time he was educated
at the common schools. In 1864 he came across the plains in an immigrant
train, arriving October 10th of that year. Mr. Hottel immediately came to
Napa Valley and engaged in farming for one year, when he removed to
Napa and started an agricultural and general machine business, in which
he continued until July, 1877. He next embarked in the grocery trade,
under the firm name of Hottel & Smith, of which firm he is still a member.
The subject of this sketch united in marriage, February 24, 1880, with Miss
Jennie M. Brown, born in Ulster County, New York, September 12, 1856.
HULL, A. J. Was born in Johnson County, Indiana, September 8, 1846.
He resided there until the fall of 1857, when he, with his parents, moved to
Illinois, residing there until December, 1861, when he enlisted in Company
H, 2d Illinois Light Artillery. Re-enlisted in March, 1864, and was mus-
tered out August 8, 1865, having served in the 17th and 20th corps of the
Army of the Tennessee. He returned to Illinois, remaining in that State
and Iowa, working on a farm and teaching school for awhile. He after-
wards attended the Iowa State University, from which he graduated in
1873 ; was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Iowa in December,
1872. April 12, 1874, he was united in marriage with Lottie J. Waite, of
Vermont, at Mason City, Mason County, Illinois, who was born in Shore-
ham, Addison County, that State, March 4, 1848. April 29, 1874, they
arrived in California, settling in Napa County, where he engaged in
teaching school through the summer and fall of that year, and began the
practice of law in December, 1874, at Napa. One child, Lottie May, born
May 27, 1880.
HENRY, JOSEPH. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears
in this work, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 15, 1827. He
remained at his birthplace until he was eleven years of age, when his
parents moved to Iowa, and settled in Cedar County, where he resided until
Biographical Sketches. 485
1849. In May of that year he came across the plains to California, arriving
in the State in the following October. He at once began mining which he
followed for two years. In March, 1851, he returned to Iowa, where he
remained for nearly two years. In 1853 he again crossed the plains and
immediately came to and settled in Napa County, and in 1862 began the
stock business near Napa City, and the butcher business in that place,
which he continued till 1879. In that year he was elected to the position
of County Treasurer, which office he still fills with credit to himself and to
the entire satisfaction of the people. He had previously served for four
years on the Board of City Trustees. He was married December 30, 1851,
to Cynthia Lewis a native of Ohio, born January 30, 1832. Their children
are John M., Stephen A., Joseph H, Cornelius E., Rosa M. and Clarence.
HAAS, DAVID L. Was born in Germany, October 7, 1842, and is the
son of Leopold and Caroline Gassdorfer Haas. He resided in Germany until
1859, receiving his education in the meantime at the mei-cantile college at
Offenbach. In 1859 he came to America, and shortly after came by way of
the Isthmus to California, in the ill-fated steamer " North Star." He came
at once to Napa City and in connection with his brother Martin L. he began
his present business of bookseller, newsdealer and stationer. He was mar-
ried March 31, 1868, to Miss Frances May Squibb, a native of Indiana, who
was born September 12, 1842. By this union they have Leopold, born
March 11, 1869, and Munson, born A.pril 1, 1871.
HORTOP, HENRY. Was born in Ontario, Canada West, June 23,
1848, where he resided until he was nineteen years of age, during which
time he served an apprenticeship of three years to the blacksmith's trade.
We next find him in Oneida County, New Nork, where he followed his
trade for six months, at the end of which time he returned to Uxbridge,
Canada, and again engaged at his trade, where he remained until he came
to California, which occurred in 1869, arriving in San Francisco January 1st
of that year. For the following two years he worked in that city, Stockton
and Alameda; and in 1871, by the advice of his physicians, he took a sea-
voyage for his health, going to Australia, and returning via Honolulu,
arriving on this coast March 5, 1872. In July, 1872, Mr. Hortop came to
Napa County, locating first in Napa City, in the employ of Mr. Hunter,
where he remained until 1874, when he moved to Rutherford, and purchased
a small building, and began business for himself ; and in the same year
built his present extensive manufactory. In connection with his blacksmith
business Mr. Hortop is a manufacturer and dealer in hardware and agricul-
tural implements, and enjoys the patronage and confidence of the whole
community in which he lives. Mr. H. was united in marriage in Elmira,
Solano County, September 7, 1873, to Mrs. C. A. Edington, a native of
Missouri.
486 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
HAGEN, HENRY. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears
in this work, is the son of Philip and Katherine Hagen, and a native of
Germany, born at Manheim, June 5, 1836. In the year 1852 he came to
California, and made San Francisco the seat of his success. After holding
for four years different positions, for various parties, he began a retail cigar
and tobacco business on the south-east corner of Pine and Montgomery streets.
He then was engaged as assistant by Messrs. Kohler & Frohling, where he
acquired a thorough knowledge of the wine trade, and gave rise, after leav-
ing that firm, to the California Wine Depot, on the north-east corner of Pine
and Montgomery streets, which he managed with success for a number of
years. In partnership with his brother Peter, who died June 11, 1880, he
bought, in 1877, in Napa County, the Cedar Knoll Vineyard, which contains
four hundred and thirty-six acres of land, of which one hundred and fifty
acres are at present bearing grapes, and each year Mr. Hagen enlarges their
number by a perceptible extension. Not only the vineyard is of note, but
also the houses and implements necessary for the conversion of its produce.
Of these, the most worthy of mention are the wine and fermenting cellars,
and also the sherry house. The products of this vineyard enjoy a very
favorable reputation among the wine-consuming community of this and
other counties.
HARTWELL, GEORGE FREDERICK. Was born in Orange County,
Vermont, March 2, 1824, and is the son of David and Lois Clark Hartwell.
He resided at his birthplace until he was fourteen years of age, being edu-
cated at the common schools and in the Bradford Academy. He then began
life for himself by becoming a clerk at Wells River, a position he filled for
nine years. In 1850 he went West, and was engaged with the Milwaukee
and Mississippi (now the Milwaukee and Prairie Du Chien) Railroad, and
was connected with different railroads in that State for the next fourteen
years. In 1865 he came to California, engaging with the Central Pacific
Railroad, which he followed until 1870. He then became General Superin-
tendent of the California Pacific Railroad, and in 1871 he moved his family
to Napa. Since 1875 he has been engaged chiefly in farming and mining,
being the principal owner in the Ida Easely Mine, north of Calistoga. In
1876 he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he held for four
years, and was re-elected in 1880. He was married in September, 1859, to
Miss Cordelia V. Pierce, in Delaware, Ohio.
HOWLAND, JOTHAM H. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts,
April 19, 1828, was educated at the Friends' Academy of that city, and
Spring Hill Academy, Sandwich, Massachusetts. When twenty years of
age he left his native place and sailed from Boston on the bark " Carib,"
December 20, 1848, for San Francisco via Cape Horn, and arrived in that city
June 23, 1849. The "Carib" was the first vessel which left the Atlantic
Biographical Sketches. 487
coast for California after the news of the discovery of gold. On arriving in
San Francisco, Mr. Howland, with two young friends, Charles Lumbard
and Thomas G. Bates, camped on the lot on which the What Cheer House
now stands. After remaining there a few days he left for Coloma and
reached there July 4th. He immediately went to mining, washing out with
an ordinary hand rocker one ounce per day. Not being satisfied with this,
he proceeded to Big Bar where miners were averaging $100 per day. In
consequence of the illness of his partner, Charles Lumbard, he remained
there only a few days and returned to San Francisco. December 15,
1850, he left that city and returned to New Bedford. May 21, 1851,
the day of the big fire, he arrived in San Francisco for the second time.
He went from there to Jacksonville, Tuolumne County, where with fifty
others, after working six months, succeeded in turning the river. When
their hopes were highest for an immediate return for their great exertions,
the very night of its completion the dam gave way and all their labor was
lost and they were left in debt and without anything. Mr. Howland then
returned to San Francisco and became a member of the firm of Collins,
Cushman & Co. In February, 1852, he again returned to New Bedford.
April 8, 1852, he was married to Miss Potter, of that city. He left the 20th
of April for California, arriving in San Francisco May 21, 1852. In July,
1852, he came to Napa and entered into the general merchandise business
in the building now occupied by G. Barth, on Brown street. In 1853 he
was elected Public Administrator of Napa County. In 1855 he returned to
the city and revisited New Bedford in 1856, spending fifteen months there.
He returned to San Francisco in 1857 and again went into business in Napa
where he has since continued to reside. In 1864 he was elected County
Recorder and ex-officio Auditor, to which office he was three successive times
elected. In 1875 he was appointed Postmaster by President Grant, and
re-appointed in 1879 by President Hayes, which position he held till Sep-
tember, 1881. In all the various positions to which he has been called, he
has given universal satisfaction.
HAECKL, LOUIS. Son of George and Gertrude DuBoise Haeckl, born
in Strasburg, Alsace, France, August 2, 1832, and remained in his birthplace
until he was thirteen years of age. His parents having died previous to
this time, he went to Bavaria, locating in Munich, and engaged as waiter at
the Golden Cross Hotel until 1849, when he engaged as curler aufamille
to Prince Giza, from Roumania en route to Bucharest, leaving after three
months for Constantinople, where he was engaged to travel with a party of
scientific men to Asia, Bagdad and the coast of the Arabian Seas, coming in
turn through Palestine and Egypt, returning to Constantinople in the sum-
mer of 1851, and starting with the Russian Charge du Affaires, Mouss. Le
488 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Compfc Covalevsky, for a trip around the Levant and Europe, also Egypt,
and remained in his service till August, 1853, when he enlisted in the French
Army, to go to the Crimean War, as a private, and was afterwards promoted
as dragoman to Omeer Pasha, in which service he remained till the close of
the Crimean War, when he removed to Cairo, Egypt, where he remained at
Shephard's Hotel three years, and then moved to Melbourne, Australia, in
1858, where he got married August 6, 1861, to Johanna Kelly of Scotland,
and moved in 1866 to California, where he arrived in November. He
remained two years in San Francisco, and came to Napa City in March,
1868, and arrived in Calistoga in March, 1873, where he still remains, and
has run the Star Hotel since his arrival, and at present holds the office of
School Trustee. He has a family of twelve children, six girls and six boys,
named as follows : Mary, Justus, John, Louis, George, Theresia, Charles,
Willie (died March 31, 1881), Annie, Laura, Eva and Mabel.
HARRIS, HENRY HARRISON. The subject of this sketch, whose
portrait appears in this work, was born in Scotland County, Missouri, April
24, 1838, and is the son of P. F. and Mary J. Mize Harris. He resided at
his birthplace until 1853, when, with his parents, he came to California.
They crossed the plains with ox-teams, and were on the road from April 1st
till September. They first settled in Napa County, one and one-quarter
miles east of Yountville. In 1860 the subject of this sketch began life
for himself, farming near Yountville. In 1870 he purchased his present
place of one hundred and fifty-five acres, and is now engaged in stock-
raising and farming. In connection with his home-place he has leased the
Rutherford Park, a tract of one thousand acres, on which he raises chiefly
grain. In 1875 he was elected Supervisor, which position he held for two
years ; and he has also held the office of Road Master. He is a thorough-
going, active business man, and does all he can to advance the welfare of
the county in which he resides. He was married February 16, I860, to
Miss Lurinda Stice, who was born in Missouri, May 6, 1844. They have
one child, Minnie Maud, born September 3, 1874. They have also reared
three orphan boys, two of whom are grown, and the third one is eleven
years of age.
HACKETT, F. M. Was born in Orange County, Vermont, June 29,
1828, being the son of Benjamin A. and Nancy Knox Hackett. Residing
at his birthplace until twelve years of age, he, with his parents, moved to
Rock County, Wisconsin. In the City of Beloit he received his education ;
also, at that place, he began the study of dentistry under Dr. Bradley. He
continued at work in this profession for two years, and at the age of twenty
he started across the plains for California, arriving at Coloma August 16,
1.S49. He immediately began mining, which he followed for two years. In
Biographical Sketches. 489
1851 he removed to Sacramento, and in 1854 he began the practice of den-
tistry in that city, in which he continued for two years. He then removed
to San Francisco and has since practiced his profession. In 1865 he first
came to Napa and resided until 1873, when he once more returned to San
Francisco, and again in May, 1879, he, with his family returned to Napa
City, where they now reside. United in marriage October 16, 1878, to Mrs.
Mary C. O'Neil.
HALE, CARRICK N. The subject of this sketch is a native of Cali-
fornia, and is the son of Marion and Mary Grisby Hale, born November
25, 1855. At the age of four years, in 1859, his parents moved to Napa
County, locating and engaging in farming near Yountville, where he at-
tended the common schools until sixteen. He then took a course at Heald's
Business College of San Francisco. Then he returned to Rutherford and
vicinity, where he has since resided, with the exception of two years spent
in Stanislaus County, where he was engaged as clerk. He then came to St.
Helena and engaged in his present business, being a member of the well-
known firm of Hale & Bell, grocers, of that place. Mr. Hale was united
in marriage June 16, 1880, to Miss Mary P. Ball, a native of Mendocino
County, California. From this union was born a daughter, Edna Gladys,
July 16, 1881.
HEWES, FRANCIS W. The subject of this sketch is the son of Rev.
Charles W. and R. M. Grafton Hewes, and was born in Lonsdale, Rhode
Island, September 17, 1848. When he was but three months old his
parents moved to Lansingburgh, New York, and in 1857 they moved to
Albany, and here Francis received the principal part of his education at the
common schools. He there resided until the fall of 1862, when he, with
his parents, moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, and there remained for the
following seven years. In the fall of 1869 he came to California, and
first found employment in the 3tore of Hewes & Richards, Mr. Hewes being
an uncle of the subject of our sketch, and the gentleman of the golden
spike fame, it being he who gave the golden spike that bound the two
iron lines of the national highway together. The subject of our sketch
remained in his uncle's store for two years, and then, owing to ill-health,
was advised to follow agricultural pursuits, his father having purchased
a fruit ranch of twelve acres one mile from St. Helena; in December,
1871, Francis moved to the place, where he has since resided.
HUNT, BYRON EDGERTON. The subject of this sketch was born in
Walworth County, Wisconsin, December 24, 1839, and is the son of Charles
E. and Minerva Middick Hunt. He resided there until he was fifteen years
old, receiving his primary education at the public schools, and afterward
attended the Hillsdale College of Michigan for two years. He then began
490 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
teaching school, which he followed until 1861. In the above year, he came
to California and located in Butte County, where he taught school until
1867, and in the same year graduated from the State Normal School, stand-
ing number two of a class of eight graduates. After this he continued
teaching, and in 1878, took charge of the Marysville High School, as prin-
cipal, which position he resigned in 1880. November 18th of the latter year
he was admitted to practice law before the Superior Court of Napa County,
and is now one of the practicing lawyers of this city. He was married
June 1, 1873, to Miss Martha C. Gesford, a native of McHenry County,
Illinois, born March 9, 1845, and by this union they have two children :
Lulu F., born September 7, 1877, and Maud G., born December 15, 1880.
HOOVER, GEORGE. This old pioneer of '49 is the son of Jacob
and Rosanna Orviller Hoover, born in Richland County, Ohio, in May, ] 826.
He moved with his parents, when eight years old, and settled in Quincy,
Illinois, where he attended school and helped his father on the farm, and
remained in that place until March, 1849. He then started for California,
coming the old emigrant route, and first located in the Golden State at Hang-
town (Placerville), where he followed mining for two years. He then made
a visit to his home in Quincy, where he sojourned until September 1st, when
he proceeded to New Orleans, and sailed from that port for San Francisco
September 10, 1852, coming via Panama, and arriving in San Francisco
October 20th of the above year. He then proceeded to Salem, Oregon,
where he engaged in farming, and followed this for three years. In the fall
of 1856 we find this old pioneer anchored in Napa Valley, on the place
where he now resides, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, two miles
west of Calistoga, surrounded by his family and respected by the com-
munity in which he lives. He was married in Calistoga to Miss Elizabeth
Bartlett, a native of Canada. Their children are Charles, Mary, Bell, and
Ada.
HUNT, DANIEL O. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, April 10, 1831,
where he resided until he was nineteen years of age, and was educated at
Lawrence Academy. August 28, 1850, he sailed from New York for San
Francisco i-ia Panama, arriving in this State October 7, 1850. After remain-
ing in San Francisco a short time he then engaged in farming in Santa Clara
County for two years. He then again returned to San Francisco and en-
cao-ed in the dairying business, and remained there until he came to Napa
County, which event occurred in October, 1863. He first located in St.
Helena, and purchased seventy acres of land of Mr. Knapp, and engaged in
farming for several years, and then embarked in the lumber trade, and con-
tinued in this uotil 1872. He then sold out, and has since lived on the fruits
of a prosperous and well-spent life, owning much valuable property in the
Biographical Sketches. 491
town where he resides, and is much respected hy the whole community.
Mr. Hunt married, March 23, 1871, Mrs. Sophie E. Cutter, a native of Bal-
timore.
HANSEN, CHRISTIAN. Was born in Kongsburg, Norway, December
24, 1852, and is the son of Hans Hansen and Karena Christiansen. He re-
sided at his birthplace until he was nineteen years of age, when he immi-
grated to America, and settled in Batavia, Illinois. In his native country
he served an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade under his father ; and on
his arrival in Batavia he immediately began work at his trade, and followed
it for nine months. He then went to Chicago, where he found employment
for a short time. Thence he went to Aurora, Illinois, where he worked for
one year. Then he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until
he came to California, in 1873. He first located in San Francisco, where
he followed his trade until 1878, when he, with his present partner, Mr.
Olsen, came to Napa City, and began their present business of merchant
tailoring, in connection with which they carry a complete line of gentle-
men's furnishing goods. He was mai'ried August 7, 1878, to Miss Emma
Buttoff, who was born in Mendocino County, California, in the year 1859.
INK, THERON H. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap-
pears in the body of this work, was born in Thompkins County, State of
New York, May 24, 1831, and is the son of George and Mary Rose Ink.
He resided at his birthplace until 1849, when he moved to Ohio, where he
was engaged in teaching school for two years. In April, 1852, he started
across the plains to California, coming via Fort Hall, entering the State
July 17, 1852. He soon engaged in mining on Coloma Bar, which he fol-
lowed until November 29, 1853, when he came to Napa County. He at
once engaged in working on a farm, which he continued till the fall of 1854,
when he rented Fly's place on Carneros Creek, and conducted it for one year.
He then took up a piece of land, and afterwards purchased it. In 1861 he
moved to Marin County, where he began the stock raising and dairying
business, beginning with no capital whatever ; but in a short time he ac-
quired a fine ranch of two thousand six hundred and fifty acres ; and he
resided there till 1873, when he moved to his present place, where he is en-
gaged in farming and stock and sheep raising. He now owns in Napa and
Lake Counties upwards of five thousand two hundred acres of land, and
his old place in Marin County. In 1874 he was elected to the position of
Supervisor, and he served three terms. He was appointed by Governor
Perkins as a Director of the Fourth Agricultural District Fair, and is now
a member of that Board. He was married December 25, 18C0, to Miss H. P.
Jane Goodrich, a native of Michigan, born October 8, 1842. Their children
are, May, born June 17, 18C7, and I. G, born February 17, 1872.
492 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
JAENSCH, WILLIAM. Was bom in Germany February 6, 1837,
and resided there till 1863, when he came to Napa, California. Com-
menced work at all kinds of common labor. In the year 1866 he engaged
in the mercantile business on a small scale in Phoenix Block, where he pros-
pered and increased his business, continuing in said place until 1870, when
he removed his business to the store known as " James' Corner," the brick
building known as Edgington's Block, where he continued his business until
1880, when he erected the brick building at the corner of Brown and First
streets, which he now occupies and where he carries a large stock of dry goods,
clothing, groceries, etc. He was married July 11, 1879, to Helen Shulz, a
native of Germany, born November 7, 1851, daughter of the Royal Music
Director Shulz, who is well known as Gorzer Shulz, composer. They have
one child, a boy, born May 13, 1881, whose name is Edwin.
JACKSON, THOMAS. Son of Dawson and Josephine Gafney Jack-
son, was born in Johnson County, Iowa, March 7, 1853. In April of that
year his parents came across the plains to California, arriving in El Dorado
County in August of that year. There the family stopped, and his father
embarked in mining until the spring of 1854, when they moved to Stockton,
and in the same year moved to Suisun Valley, Solano County, and resided
there until 1867, when they moved to Napa County and settled in Capelle
Valley, where the subject of this sketch remained until 1875. He then
came to Chiles Valley and located on his present ranch of five hundred and
thirty -three acres, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock
raising. He was married September 15, 1880, to Kansas Bonham, who was
born in Clark County, Illinois, September 20, 1856.
JAMES, BENNETT. Was born in Monroe County, Illinois, April 6,
1826, and resided at his birthplace until 1853. He was reared on a farm,
and received his education in the schools of his native State and in St.
Louis, Missouri. On the Sth day of April of the last named year, he set out
with ox-teams to make the long and tedious trip across the plains to Cali-
fornia, and he arrived in the State in September of that year. He at once
began mining operations at Hangtown, now Plaeerville, which he followed
until the summer of 1858. He then returned to Illinois via the Isthmus
route, and remained there until 1868. He then once more set his face west-
ward, coming via Panama. He came at once to Napa County, and shortly
after his arrival he located on a farm near Napa City, which he still owns.
He served one term as Supervisor, and in 1875 was elected to the office of
Sheriff, which position he still fills by l-e-election with credit to himself and
to the full satisfaction of the people. He was married April 19, 1860, in
Monroe County, Illinois, to Miss Emily Baniber, a native of Monroe County ,
that State, born July 5, 1841. Their children are, Leander Laurel, Agnes,
Annie, Edward, Willie and Frank.
— g£*3
Biographical Sketches. 493
JACKSON, COLONEL J. P. Colonel Jackson, whose portrait appears
in the body of this work, is an Ohioan. The first fourteen years of his life
were passed in the beautiful city of Cleveland, and the next twenty-one
years in Cincinnati, where he practiced law for fifteen years. In his pro-
fession he was successful, and achieved high honors. This, too, at a bar
that numbered among its practitioners whom he daily met in regular forensic
rivalry the historic names of R. B. Hayes, George E. Pugh, George H. Pen-
dleton, Alphonso Taft, Milton Sayler, Stanley Matthews and Edward F.
Noyes. In 1862, he served with the Army of the Cumberland, under
Rosecrans and Buell ; and from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth, a detached
service, under Grant. He went to Europe in 1867 to negotiate the bonds of
the California Pacific Railroad Company, and this service resulted in his
moving to the Golden State, where he aided in building the road named,
and remained its President until it was bought by the Central Pacific Com-
pany. He then personally built the Stockton and Copperopolis Rail-
road and the Stockton and Visalia branch, until it, in like manner,
became by sale the property of the Central. Finding no further ter-
ritory in the State that would justify in venture, he then turned his
attention from railroading to other channels of business. From his earliest
boyhood he has been prominent as a public speaker. At the age of
nineteen he represented the young men of Cincinnati in the presentation of
a purse of money which he accompanied by a most happy original speech.
As an elector for Lincoln and Johnson, he stumped the States of Kentucky,
Southern Ohio and Indiana, and afterwards did the same service for Grant
and Colfax, speaking often in company with Grant's father, Schuyler Col-
fax and John Sherman. His speeches in California in the Republican cause
continued his Eastern reputation as an eloquent orator, and one of his efforts
in a late canvass was made a campaign document by the State Central
Committee. A specimen of his style is afforded by his speech on the occa-
sion of a banquet to John Russell Young, given by the journalists of San
Francisco, at which was present Generals Grant, McDowell, Kautz and
others of the military, and representatives in full of the local press. It
will pass as a model of post-prandial felicity in speech. Notwithstand-
ing his great interest in politics, Colonel Jackson has always eschewed
official life. He has found his chosen sphere of happiness in active busi-
ness, home life and with his books. He has six sons, two of whom are
nearly ready to graduate from college, one at Amherst, Massachusetts, and
the other in Harvard University. In 1864 Colonel Jackson received the
unanimous nomination of the Republican party for Governor of Kentucky,
and afterwards declined to go as Congressman from the Sixth District of
that State, when his nomination was equivalent to an election. Near
the close of Andrew Johnson's term his friends pressed upon him the
494 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Commissionership of Internal Revenue, but he refused the appointment
and subsequently declined the position of First Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury under Grant. Turning his attention to journalism, he found the
Daily Evening Post not much larger than a good-sized sheet of paper ; but,
taking charge of it, in less than five years he has twice enlarged its size,
changed its politics from Democratic to Republican, and made it a recognized
power in the journalistic field. As an authority upon and defender of min-
ing interests it exercises an influence unequalled by any other Pacific Coast
journal. The career of the Post under Colonel Jackson's charge is the most
conspicuous journalistic success in San Francisco. To meet the increased
demands of its patrons a new press has been made by the Bullock Light-
ning Press Company, Philadelphia. While managing the entire business of
the paper and many other varied interests as well, he writes very largely
the editorial column and wields a ready and able pen. Ideality and
causality are both leading qualities of his temperament, and hence a poetic
imagination is happily supplemented by logical reason. This makes his
writing both engaging and convincing. In 1872 he became the proprietor
of the Napa Soda Springs, and is now giving great attention to the improve-
ment of that property, expending large sums of money annually for that
purpose. In 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Colonel Jackson was united in
marriage with Miss Anna Hooper, a native of Kentucky. They have nine
children, seven sons and two daughters, five of whom were born in Kentucky
and the remaining four in California.
JUAREZ, DON CAYETANO. This pioneer of pioneers, whose por-
trait it gives us great pleasure to present to our readers, was born at
Monterey Presidio, February 24, 1809, and is the seventh son of Joaquin and
Josefa Pasquala Garduno Juarez. He received his education from private
tutors. April 1, 1827, he enlisted in the Mexican Army, under Lieutenant
Martinez and Alferez Sanches, and was located at Presidio, San Francisco,
until August 14th of that year, when he, with the company, was sent to
Sonoma to keep the Indians of Napa and Sonoma Valleys in subjection.
At this time there was also another company located at San Rafael. Their
duty for three months was to take a survey of the town every night and
morning, including a circle of about two miles of the adjacent country.
One night in the latter part of September a very curious and unnaccount-
able phenomenon occurred. Suddenly it grew extremely hot, and the
heavens were all ablaze like as though every star of the firmament was
falling. The priests came forth with their crucifixes and implored protec-
tion from what seemed to be a pending destruction, while the soldiers were
frightened extremely at the unusual occurrence. Nothing more of importance
occurred during the years 1827-8. On the night of February 19, 1829, while
Biographical Sketches. 495
the Don was acting as corporal, an Indian came to him and stated that two
thousand Indians had made an attack upon the Mission at San Rafael, and
had driven the soldiers and their families away, and that they intended to
kill the priest, Ivan Amorosa. He immediately took live soldiers and started
for Mission San Rafael, and on his arrival found that everything was de-
stroyed or stolen, and the place completely devastated. On searching around
they found some of the Mission Indians and soldiers who had been driven
away, and they told him that the priest was hid in the tules near by. He
hunted him up and escorted him to where Saucelito now stands, and the
tame Indians took him to Yerba Buena on a balsa. Juarez then returned
to Mission San Rafael to search for ammunition prepai-atory to making
a campaign against the Indians, but only found some shot and powder, and
some Mexican coins. He then took his party of five, and a few who joined
them at San Rafael, and stai'ted in pursuit of the Indians. They overtook
them at the Laguna south-west of where Petaluma now stands. There was
a man in advance of the main party, who was acting as pilot, and when the
wild Indians saw him they made a rush for him to kill him. He turned
his horse to flee, but it became mired in the mud, and the man was obliged
to dismount and desert his horse, which the Indians killed. The main body
came up at this time, and the Indians beat a hasty retreat, retiring to a
clump of willows which grew near by. Here the brave Juarez and his dar-
ing little band surrounded them, and stood guard all day, trying to get a
chance to shoot some of the lurking Indians. Toward night Juarez hailed
them and dared them to come out and fight, but they said they would not
tight till the next morning. Fearing that the Indians would come out and
overcome them in the darkness, the Mexicans retired to a secluded spot
about one thousand yards away and camped for the night. Early in the
morning the party returned, but found no Indians. They soon struck the
trail and followed it, and about eleven o'clock they came up with the Indi-
ans at the Wahluni rancheria, near where Sebastopol, Sonoma County, now
stands. He found them just arriving at this place, and they were strung
out for a half a mile. They had some two hundred tame Indians along with
them as prisoners, which they had captured at San Rafael. The party
opened fire on them with their muskets, and the Indians got frightened and
broke the ranks which were guarding the prisoners, and the tame Indians
came gladly enough over to where Juarez and his party were. They
left the tame Indians in charge of the plunder, and pursued the wild
ones, who had taken refuge in a dense thicket of underbrush which
grew close at hand. They then pushed the attack into the thicket, hoping
to be able to kill the chief of the band, whom they saw in the center of it.
Jaurez took the lead, followed by one of his men, and they had not pene-
trated the jungle but a short distance when Juarez saw the head of an
496 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Indian pop up, and, drawing a bead on hiin, he exclaimed, " I will shoot
you '" Before he was able to fire an Indian at his left rose up suddenly,
and sent an arrow whizzing at him. It just grazed his arm, and, passing
through a vest of seven thicknesses of rawhide, it penetrated his body
about three-quarters of an inch. Had it not been for this rawhide
coat of mail the arrow would have pierced his heart. The man behind him
shot the Indian, and they both retired to where the tame Indians were.
Among their number there was the medicine man, who proceeded at once
to gather herbs and dress the wound which Juarez had received. He had
one also in his leg. They then sent the tame Indians to San Rafael, and
Juarez and one man returned to Sonoma. This was on the evening of the
20th, having done all this in two days. He then dispatched an Indian to
the Presidio, San Francisco, with an account of what had occurred. A body
of forty men was sent out from there with small arms, and they proceeded
as far as the present site of Healdsburg, when they came upon the Indians
and engaged them in battle, the result of which was a victory on the part
of the Indians. Most of the soldiers being wounded, they beat a retreat
and returned to San Francisco, not having accomplished as much as did
Juarez and his little band. Nothing further of importance occurred during
the military career of Don Cayetano, and he was discharged honorably
February 19, 1836, receiving his discharge at the Presidio, San Francisco.
In the winter of 1837-8 he brought horses and cattle into Napa Valley,
herding them during the day and returning home at night to Sonoma,
where his family then lived. In December, 1837, about fifty of General
Vallejo's soldiers formed a mutiny and swore that they would kill the officers
in charge, General Vallejo, Salvador Vallejo, Alferez Pefia, Sasuro PeSa and
Prado Mesa. About ten o'clock at night General Vallejo sent for Juarez
to come immediately as he apprehended trouble. Juarez repaired to the
General's quarters, and found that official in a high state of excitement,
believing that he was liable to lose his life at any moment. He stated the
case to his friend Juarez and asked his advice regarding how to proceed
in the premises. It was found that the cause of the dissatisfaction
among the soldiers, was the fact that they had been illy provided with
clothing. As he came out of Vallejo's house to go out among the men to
try to pacify them, he was met by a soldier who tried to strike his com-
panion, Alferez Pena, over the head with a club. This Jaurez prevented by
stepping between the two men. He then went and talked to the mutineers
and promised them that they should not be harmed if they desisted from
further acts of violence, and also that their wants should be supplied in the
way of clothing. They finally agreed to go into the hall or assembly-room,
and then General Vallejo came and talked with them, making similar state-
ments. The next day the leader of the gang, one Alferez Damaso, was
Biographical Sketches. 497
captured near where Napa now is, and taken to Sonoma and tried
by a court-martial, in accordance with military rules. The prisoner con-
fessed his guilt, and signified his willingness to accept any punishment the
Court might mete out to him. His sentence was banishment, and accord-
ingly, he was transferred to the south side of the bay and let go where he
chose. In 1839, General Vallejo took a notion that it would be a capital
thing to have some Indian soldiers, so he picked out twenty-four of the
Indians about the place and armed them and put Sergeant Savaz in charge
of them to initiate them into the mysteries of the manual of arms, and to
train them to leave off" their inborn habit of marching single file, and to
present a solid front in ranks. It worked well for a while, and the Indians
were found to be very apt scholars, but trouble grew out of the General's
pet project. One night in December, Don Cayetano was awakened about
eleven o'clock from his quiet slumbers and pleasant dreams, by Sergeant
Savaz knocking at his door. Upon inquiring what was wanted, he was in-
formed that General Vallejo desired his immediate presence at his house.
Don dressed and hastened to the General's domicile, to find that dignitary
wonderfully excited over the fact that his twenty-four Indians had taken
their guns and surreptitiously fled to the wilderness, whence they came.
The Don was consulted as to the best method of procedure in the premises,
and was asked if he thought he could do anything in the way of recap-
turing the crafty sons of the jungle. The Don told him that he thought he
could take one man, if he had commission so to do, and return the deserters
all right. Accordingly, he was despatched, taking with him only one man,
to capture a band of twenty-four armed Indians. When the General asked
the Don to undertake the enterprise, the Don replied that there were an
abundance of soldiers in the barracks, and why not send them ? • The Gen-
eral replied that he could put confidence in the Don, and knew that what-
ever he undertook would be accomplished. The Don and his companion
came as far as the Napa River, near the mouth of Carneros Creek, where
they captured one of the deserters. Just then a squad of twenty men
under the command of Captain Pena, which the General had sent out as a
sort of reinforcement to the Don, came up. Pena was for killing the
prisoner, right there, but the Don would not hear to it, stating that the
prisoner belonged to him, and not to Pena. The Don then captured the
parents of four more of the deserters in the hills near Sonoma. He then
heard that the rest of them were in the vicinity of where Vacaville now
stands, and he pushed over the mountains in that direction, being followed
by Pena's squad. Near where Suisun now stands, they came up with the
Don, and they all rode on together. The deserters were found in the moun-
tains near the Tolenas Springs, on a mountain called Tolenas, and the
party attempted to surround them, but were unable to do so. Prince Solano
32
498 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
was met at this juncture with a band of his braves who were out hunting,
and with their assistance the Indians were captured. They then sur-
rounded the Indians, and the Don went out to talk with them to per-
suade them to return peaceably to the Presidio at Sonoma. While he was
engaged in conversation with them they opened fire upon him, and fired
four shots, none of which took effect. He faced the guns bravely, and
kept talking to them. Finally, the leader of the deserters came out, and
Pena told him to kneel down as he was going to kill him. This the Don
forbade positively, and he and Pena quarreled right there about the matter.
Pena's men all came over to the Don's side. He then got the deserters all
in hand and marched them back to Sonoma, and delivered them to General
Vallejo, remarking at the same time, " When I go on a mission of any kind
again don't send any one after me to do my work." In 1840, he, with his
family, moved upon his present place, the Tulucay grant, which was ceded
to him by the Mexican Government October 6th of that year. It was a
two-league grant, lying on the east side of the Napa River, between Soscol
Creek on the south, and Clarks Creek on the north, and contained eight
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five and fifty-eight one hundredths acres.
During the year 1840 he built his first or smaller adobe house, which is still
to be seen on the east side of the road leading to Vallejo. In 1S45 he built
his second and larger adobe, which is also still standing. In 1844 he was
elected Alcalde of the District of Sonoma. In 1844, about twenty Americans
assembled near where Healdsburg now stands, and Don Cayetano took a
force of men and went and drove them away. The excitement then began
to grow hotter and hotter, and .the Mexicans and Americans began to look
upon each other with general distrust. This finally culminated in what is
known as the Bear Flag War. On Sunday, June 14, 1846, the Americans
captured Sonoma Presidio, took General Vallejo and all therein prisoners,
and raised the Bear Flag. The Don heard of this, and at once sent one of
his boys to Sonoma to inquire of General Vallejo whether or nothewanted
to be succored, to which the General returned answer that he did not need
any assistance, and requested the Don to rest easy, as he was in good
hands. June 18, 1846, he was sent for to join the Mexicans, who proposed
to engage in a war with the Americans. The place of rendezvous was at
the Cotate Rancho, south of Santa Rosa. When he arrived he found that
the Spaniards had taken two Americans prisoners, William Todd and
another man, a sort of half-witted fellow, whom they proposed to kill. The
Don interposed for the two men and saved their lives. These men were re-
captured from the Mexicans at the Olonpoli rancheria in Marin County, a
few days later. The Don then went to Santa Rosa, and on his return he
ran across a man in the dark. A few days later, on the 25th of June, Dr.
Semple came to his place and was going to arrest him for being a member
Sketches. 499
of Ramon Carrillo's barbarous crowd, who fearfully and cruelly mutilated
Cowie and Fowler, near Santa Rosa. The Don told the doctor that he re-
spected his authority and the strong arm of war, but did not think it was
right to take a neutral citizen awajr from the bosom of his family and
his business under the circumstances. He then told him where he was on
the day of the occurrence referred to above, and what he was doing, how
he had gone to the rendezvous to meet the Spaniards, and how he had saved
Todd's life, etc. The doctor believed that he was telling the truth, and so
allowed him to go in peace, and gave him a passport to preserve him
from molestation by other Americans, who did not know him to be a
truthful man. The next day he received a notice from Captain John
Grigsby to come to Sonoma to give an account of his connection with the
Carillo party. This he did not heed, and within the next three days he re-
ceived ten other notices to come to Sonoma for the same purpose. He then
went and was asked if he had been with the Carrillo party, to which he
answered "Yes;" and then related how he had saved the lives of the two
men. Captain Grigsby then gave him another passport. December 19,
1846, ex-Governor L. W. Boggs and party, just arrived overland from the
East, came along and remained over night with him. In February, 1848.
he was called to answer to a charge made against him by one Fernando
Feliz, saying he told the Indians to kill the whites. Juarez had secured the
services of Indians to guard his property in Ukiah, he being the owner then
of the Ukiah grant. One Spaniard, Manuel Sais, was killed in a skirmish.
Captain Brock told Juarez that he had heard that he had told the Indians
to kill any white men that came into the Ukiah Valley. When Juarez
stated to the Captain that he had only told the Indians that if any white
men came there and interfered with their women to defend themselves, the
Captain let him go. In 1849 there were thirty men who were coming to
kill him, and he went to Napa and told Judge Kilburn, George Cornwell,
Johnson Horrell, Turner G. Baxter, and others, and they said they would
assist him. The next day the party got as far as the graveyard (Tulucay
Cemetery), when they turned back, and passed through Napa, and thence to
Sonoma. In August, 184G, Genei-al Fremont passed by his place with one
hundred and fifty men. Sixty of them came to the Juarez rancho and
killed cattle and took horses and saddles. He followed them as far as
Green Valley, where he told Fremont what they had done, and he made his
men give the saddles back to him. Don Cayetano Juarez was united in
marriage, February 14, 1835, to Maria de Jesus Higuerra, daughter of Fran-
cisco Higuerra. She was born in San Francisco, December 4, 1815. They
have seven living children : Augustin, born August 28, 1850 ; Cayetano P.,
born April 28, 1852; Dolores, born April 7,1854; Francisca J., born October
16, 1856 ; Pasquala, born June 28, 1846 ; Domitila, born November 22, 1839;
Sinforosa, born May 3, 1838.
500 History of Napa anal Lake Counties — Napa.
JACKSON, ASA M. Was born in Clarke County, Georgia, March 17,
1842, and is the son of Hartwell and Sarah Jackson. At the age of ten he
left his native county with his parents, and moved to Jackson County, that
State, where he received his education at the common schools of that county.
At the breaking out of the war in 1860 we find the subject of this sketch a
member of Company "L," 3d Regiment, Georgia Infantry, in which he served
until July 23, 1863, when he was captured at Gettysburg and taken as
prisoner to Fort Delaware, and was there confined for over three months,
and then removed to Point Lookout, where he remained for over one year.
He was then exchanged, and discharged in Savannah, November 4, ] 864, and
immediately returned to his home in Jackson County, Georgia, and engaged
in agricultural pursuits in company with his brother, H. D., until 1870, when
he came to California and to Napa County, and first was employed by J. H.
Bostwick to work on a ranch, afterwards taking charge of the same, in which
capacity we find him now employed. He was married November 16, 1873,
to Miss Lucy J. Gillaspie, who was born near Soscol, Napa CountjT, Decem-
ber 27, 1855. The names and ages of their children are as follows : Henry
G., born January 20, 1875; Georgia, born February 7, 1877 ; Robert Cleve-
land, born December 13, 1879, and Hartwell, born August 23, 1881. They
also have one orphan child, Anna Isabella Moore, born in San Francisco,
August 20, 1865.
JOHNSTON, RICHARD P. The subject of this sketch is the son of
David and Jane Purchase Johnston, and was born in Flushing, Long Island,
June 18, 1853, where he resided until he was thirteen years of age, and then
his parents moved and settled in Garden City, Blue Earth County, Minne-
sota, where the subject of our sketch remained for two years. He then
moved west to Madelia, Watonwan County, and was engaged with his
brother-in-law, B. G. Yates, for three years, in a store. He then worked for
two years on his father's farm ; then secured a situation in a store in Man-
kato, and remained there for two years. He then, in the spring of 1874,
started for Colorado and engaged in the stock business with his brother,
Robert A. In the fall of that year he crossed the mountains to California,
first locating in Calistoga, where he found employment in the dry goods
store of H. Getleson & Co. In the fall of 1876 he made a visit home, where
he sojourned about one year. He again started West, and after traveling
through most of the Territories, finally settled in Calistoga, and is now em-
ployed in his former position, as head salesman for H. Getleson. Mr. John-
ston has served as Recorder for the Calistoga Mining District, and in the
spring of 1881 was elected School Trustee of Calistoga District, a position
he now holds. He was united in marriage July 24, 1879, to Helen V. Love-
joy, who was born in Columbus, Michigan, February 1, 1860. By this union
they have one son, Frank H.
Biographical Sketches. 501
JONES, STEPHEN A. Was born in Rush County, Indiana, December
3, 183G, and is the son of Isaac B. and Lucy Stewart Jones. In 1841 his
parents moved to Missouri, where he resided till 1857, when he came across
the plains to California, arriving in September of that year. He immedi-
ately came to Napa County and began farming, which he has at intervals
followed, and in connection with which he is now engaged in sheep raising,
his ranch being located in Capelle Valley. Mr. Jones is unmarried.
JOHNSON, GEORGE W. Son of Edward C. and Jane Hooker
Johnson, was born in Marion County, Indiana, December 2, 1832. He
resided in his birthplace until he was twenty years of age, and received
his education at the seminary of Indianapolis. He afterwards learned
the printer's trade, in the Indiana Sentinel office. He then bought the
old Police Gazette of Indianapolis, and moved it to Bloomfield, Iowa, and
there published a paper under the title of the Western Gazette, and issued
the first copy June 1, 1852. He continued in this enterprise for one year,
and sold out and engaged in the hotel business, buying out the old
American Hotel, located in the above place, and remained in this business
until 1857. He also, in connection with the hotel, run a stage line from
Bloomfield, Davis County, to Appanoose County, Iowa. In 1857 he moved
back to his birthplace and engaged in general trade, keeping store in the
old Bates House, of Indianapolis, and there remained for two years, when
he once more returned to Bloomfied, Iowa, and bought a farm, and con-
tinued in agricultural pursuits until the breaking out of the war. He then
served in the State militia for about two months; and August 13, 1861,
he enlisted in the 3d Iowa Cavalry, being elected Sergeant- Major of the
regiment ; and then, for meritorious and gallant conduct at the battle of
Pea Ridge, March 6, 7 and 8, 1862, he received from Governor Kirkwood,
of Iowa, through the recommendation of General Sigel, his commission as
First Lieutenant of Co. "M," 3d Regiment; and May 3, 1864, he received
his commission from Governor Stone as Captain of his company. He took
part in all the engagements and vicissitudes that his regiment participated
in. At the close of the war Captain Johnson, through the recommendation
of General Winslow, for valuable services on the march and at the battles of
Selma, Alabama, and Macon, Georgia, was promoted to Brevet-Major of his
regiment. Major Johnson was the first Federal officer that took possession
of Hot Springs, Arkansas. From this point he went to Little Rock,
where the regiment re-enlisted for three years ; and they at that time,
on account of having served three years, were granted a furlough for
thirty days. At the expiration of that time they reassembled at Camp
Rankin, at Keokuk, Iowa, and went down the river to St. Louis. At the
latter place Major Johnson was appointed inspector of cavalry horses, and
502 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
transferred to Indianapolis, and remained there one month, inspecting
horses for Sherman's cavalry. From there he joined his regiment at St.
Louis, and proceeded to Memphis, Tennessee. He left Memphis December
23, 1864, and went to Louisville to join an expedition that was fitting out
under General Wilson, to go up the Columbia River to Gravelly Springs,
and they had some severe engagements on their route. When peace was
declared, he was appointed as citizen commissaiy of the State of Georgia,
with headquarters at Atlanta, arriving there May 6, 1865, where it was his
duty to issue rations to the destitute poor of the State. This important
position he held for three months. At the end of that time he was ordered to
Davenport, Iowa, where, August 19, 1865, after a meritorious and honorable
career as a soldier, he was discharged. During his long term of service,
Major Johnson was only once wounded. He at once returned to Bloom-
field, Iowa, and immediately sold his ranch and moved to Corvallis, Oregon,
and engaged in the hotel business. Remaining there only a short time, he
moved to Portland, and from thence to Calistoga, and became proprietor of
the Cosmopolitan Hotel of that place, and run this hotel for three years.
He then took charge of the famous Calistoga Hot Springs Hotel, and after-
ward sold it for the Sacramento Bank to Colonel Tichenor. He then
moved to his present beautiful place of twenty acres situated in the town
of Calistoga, and is enjoying the remembrances of a well-spent life. The
subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary E. Kittleman, who was
born in Indianapolis February 1, 1833. By this union they have three
children: Geo. R, born April 12, 1853; Charles E., born February 8, 1856,
and Annie L., born September 22, 1865.
JOHNSON, JAMES WESLEY. Oldest son of Jackson and Berthena
Johnson, was born in Greene County, Missouri, March 6, 1844, and resided
at his birthplace until 1857. His father died when be was an infant, and
his mother married secondly William Johnson. In May of the last named
year the family started across the plains for California, being on the road
four months, and arriving in this State August 20th. They located at
El Dorado, and remained there one year, and in August, 1858, they came to
Napa County, and located two miles east of Yountville. He remained with
the family until 1864, when he began life for himself, first embarking in
farming, which he followed until 1873. He then began the hotel and liquor
business in Woodland, which he followed for two years. In 1876 he took
charge of the Sabastopol Exchange at Yountville, and has since conducted
the business, adding a hotel in 1879. He was married in October, 1865,
to Amanda M. Stark, who was born in Union County, Iowa. Their chil-
dren are, Ida F., William H, and Cora. He married, secondly, Miss Emma
Root, who was born in Santa Clara County, California. They have one
child, Marion Wesley, born June 26, 1880.
Biographical Sketches. 503
KLUIT, A. P. Was born in Amsterdam, Kingdom of the Netherlands,
March 27, 1847. In 1870 he came to New York and thence to California,
arriving in June of that year. He then traveled all over California and
Oregon in the interest of the Scientific Museum of the Netherlands. In
1872 he went to Yale College and became the private assistant of Professor
O. C. Marsh. At the end of seven months he returned to San Francisco and
engaged in the photograph business for eighteen months. In 1874 he made
a trip to Europe and returned to San Francisco in October of that year.
He then opened a real estate and collection office on Montgomery street. In
June, 1878, he came to Napa County and first located at Calistoga. At the
end of eighteen months he came to St. Helena and engaged in the livery
business, which he still follows. November 24, 1874, he married Johanna
L. Lunterwasser, a native of Amsterdam. They have one living child,
Johanna L., born June 22, 1880.
KICHLER, PLASS (deceased). Was born in Switzerland in 1838,
where he resided until 1872, when he came to California and settled in
Sonoma. In 1877 he came to Napa County and began the dairying business,
which he continued till his death, which occurred February 27, 1881, and
was caused by a kick on the head. He was married in September, 1875, to
Miss Karolin Keiser, who was born in Switzerland in 1859. They have
four children, Joseph, Josephine, Rosaline and Plass.
KORTUM, LOUIS. Son of I. W. and Ida Stave Kortum, was born
in Mecklenburg, Germany, August 25, 1846, and resided in his birthplace —
Schwerin — until 1871, first attending school until sixteen years of age, and
then engaging in the wine and general merchandising business. He re-
mained in this for four years ; then he clerked for two years, and then
engaged with his brother in the same business, continuing in it until he
came to America, arriving in New York in June, 1871. He went direct to
Chicago, where he visited for some time with his friends, and then engaged
in business there for six months. In August, 1872, he started for California,
arriving in this State in the same month, first locating in Los Angeles in the
employ of Messrs. Kohler & Frohling, of San Francisco, remaining in this
place nearly four years. He next moved to Cucamonga, in San Bernardino
County, where he sojourned for three years. He then moved to Napa Val-
ley and located in Calistoga, where he has since resided, and is now the
proprietor of Kortum's wine cellar, of which a full account appears else-
where in this work.
KETTLEWELL, JOSEPH R. Son of Joseph and Nancy Ann Wal-
lace Kettlewell, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 3,
1825. When he was two years of age his parents moved to St. Clairs-
ville, Belmont County, Ohio, and resided there some six years. In 1833,
504 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
his parents moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, where the subject of this
sketch was educated at the common schools. His father died in 1837, and
two years later he moved with his mother back to Belmont County, Ohio,
and there was apprenticed to the trade of blacksmith. Remaining there four
years, he again returned to Virginia and remained about one year. He
then moved back to Ohio, locating in Cincinnati, and there followed his
trade for four years. He then located in several places, staying only a short
time in each, until June 1, 1854. We then find him in Iowa City, Iowa,
engaged in his former business, where he built a large shop and carried on
an extensive business, until he stai'ted for this coast. Leaving Iowa City
April 20, 18G3, he crossed the plains with his family, sojourning in Austin,
Nevada, for one year. He then proceeded to California, arriving in San
Francisco July 23, 1864. He then engaged in his former business, residing
there for eight years. July 1, 1872, he came to Napa County, locating in
St. Helena, and began his present extensive business of keeping hardware
store, blacksmith shop and manufacturing wagons and carriages, etc., enjoy-
ing the confidence and respect of all the citizens of the community in which
he lives. Mr. Kettlewell was united in marriage in Cincinnati, April 15,
1847, to Miss Eliza Paul, who was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August
11, 1825, and by this union they have four living children and two deceased :
Joseph A., born February 12, 1848; George W., born December 23, 1849;
James 0., born April 12, 1852 ; Eliza J., born February 25, 1855, and died
October 25, 1865 ; Benjamin F., born May 8, 1857, and Charles P., born
April 13, 1860, and died October 19, 1866.
KISTER, JOHN SCOTT. Third son of Jacob E. and Catherine Hart
Kister, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Newberrytown,
York County, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1828. At his birthplace he was
educated at the common schools, and there served an apprenticeship to the
boot and shoemaker's trade, and resided there till September 7, 1850. He
then emigrated and settled in Decatur, Illinois, where he followed his trade
and carpentering till March 22, 1853. He then came across the plains to
California. When three days travel from the Platte River, Mr. Kister
started on in advance of the train in the morning, and after walking a few
miles he was attacked on both sides by two Pawnee Indians, who walked
him in front of them for three hours, ti-ying to find out the size of the
train and number of men behind, and would probably have killed him had
he not made them believe that he had a revolver in his inside vest pocket.
He entered the State by the Lassen cut-oft* and arrived at Shasta City
August 22d of that year. He immediately proceeded to Mill Creek, forty
miles from Shasta, where he engaged to drive ox-teams, drawing lumber to
the Sacramento River, at which occupation he continued till the fall rains.
J&tU4y. <p. ^£/g/
Biographical Sketches. 505
He then went, by their orders, to one mile above Tehama, where he made
rails and fenced a farm for Black & Sanborn. Late in February, 1854, he
went to Middletown, Shasta County, where he worked one week in the
mines, and then returned to Shasta City, and was employed by the Clear
Creek Mining Company ; and after he had been with them two weeks he
was honored with the position of foreman of the sluice, and worked with
that company till July. He then came to St. Helena, Napa County, and
leased the Bale saw mill, and sawed lumber during the winter of 1854-5.
At the same time he leased David Hudson's farm, which he continued to
conduct till November, 1856. ' He then moved to St. Helena, and erected a
small building, where he began the boot and shoe trade, and in which he
continued till 1865. He then sold his interest, and moved to Conn Valley
and began farming, which he followed till 1869, when he again returned to
St. Helena and purchased his present place, consisting of twenty-one acres,
where he has since been engaged in grape growing. He was united in
marriage February 18, 1862, with Miss Julia Etta Spear, who was born near
Aurora, Kane County, Illinois, December 2, 1842, and by this union they
have two living children : Alice Emma, born December 27, 1863, and Lilian
Ainsworth, born November 6, 1869.
KEEGAN, JOHN. Was born in County Meath, Ireland, April 16, 1839.
At the age of twenty-eight he left his native land and came to America, and
first located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1868.
In that year he started via Isthmus of Panama, to California, and on arriv-
ing in this State he came directly to Napa County and to Knoxville, where
he embarked in mining until 1877, when he took charge of his hotel, and he
has since carried on that business there. Mr. Keegan was united in mar-
riage May 18, 1867, to Miss Mary Goodwin, who was born in Ireland, March
25, 1840. They have eight living children : Katie, Elizabeth, John, Rosanna,
Mary, Theresa, Agnes and Alice, and one deceased.
KEAN, JOHN. Was born in Granville, Licking County, Ohio, April
29, 1833. He resided there until he was six years of age, when, with his
parents, he moved to Finlay, Hancock County, where he resided for four
years. When he was ten years of age they moved to the adjoining county,
Putnam, where he remained until he came to California. In that county
he received his education at the common schools. When quite young
he learned the cabinet-maker's trade from his father, following it, and
going to school until March, 1852, when he, with his father, proceeded
to Fayette, Missouri, where they procured a team and supplies and left
Independence, same State, May 2, 1852, to cross the plains for the
Golden State, coming by way of Salt Lake City. When on the Platte
River, his father, June 4th, was attacked with the cholera, and died.
506 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
The subject of this sketch continued his journey to the Far West, entering
the State at Placerville in September, 1852, and arrived at Sacramento the
26th of the same month. He immediately began ranching on Cache Creek,
Yolo County, in which he continued until the spring of 1858. He then
removed to Coyote Valley, then a part of Napa County, but now in Lake
County, and there began the'business of ranching, and continued in this for
two years. He removed from there in 1860 to Pope Valley, Napa County,
where he erected a saw mill, andjui connection with it carried on farming
until 1867. In that year he was appointed by B. W. Arnold, Deputy
Assessor, and served until 186S, when, by J. H. Howland, he was appointed
in that year to the office of Deputy County Eecorder, and held this position
until 1869. He was, in that year, appointed to the office of Superintendent
of the County Infirmary, which position he held two and one-half years.
In 1871-2, he was once more appointed to the office of Deputy Assessor
under B. W. Arnold, and served two years. Again, in 1873-4, he was
appointed to the position of Deputy County Clerk and Recorder, by C. B.
Seeley. In 1875 he was nominated and elected to the office of City Clerk
and Treasurer of Napa City, which^position he held one year, and was then
elected County Assessor for the term of four years, and re-elected again in
1879, which office he now holds with honor to himself and satisfaction to
the people. Mr. Kean was united in marriage October 11, 1866, in Pope
Valley with Miss Mary Halterman, she being a native of Jackson County,
Ohio, born September 7, 1848. By this union they have four children,
Leslie G., born January 9, 1870 ; Mary L., born March 8, 1872 ; Maud, born
May 24, 1875, and Zoe, born July 17, 1879.
KELLY, JOHN NELSON. The son of Alfred Moore and Etta Valeria
Donnell Kelly, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 3, 1852, where
he resided until 1871, receiving the principal part of his education in that
State, afterwards graduating from the high school of Richmond, Ohio. In
September of the above mentioned year he moved to Polk County, Iowa,
remaining in that State until February 20, 1879, when he started overland
for California, where he arrived February 29th of the same year. He had
previously visited the State for a period of six months. He went direct to
Chiles Valley and engaged in general farming and herding. Mr. Kelly is
still unmarried.
KENNEDY, W. W. Was born in Indiana, December 10, 1833, and
is the son of Stephen and Eliza Richardson Kennedy. In 1846 he went as
a teamster to Santa Fe\ He then settled in Buchanan County, Missouri,
where he remained with his brother on a farm for one year. In the spring
of 1849 he returned to Indiana, and purchased cattle and an outfit, and
started for California May 10 th of that year. He came across the plains by
Biographical Sketches. 507
the way of Fort Hall and entered the State by way of the Lassen cut-off
about September 10th. He began mining at Spanish Ravine in El Dorado
County, which he followed for six years. In 1857 he came to Napa County,
and engaged with Dwight Spencer at farming, which he followed till 1859.
In September of that year he returned to Indiana, where he lived for six
months, and then went to Missouri, where he purchased a farm. In August,
1862, he enlisted in the 35tb Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served for nine
months. At the battle of Springfield he was wounded, on account of which
he was discharged. In 1864 he returned to California. May 3, 1859, he
was married to Miss Annie Hogan, who died October 10, 1879. Their
children are, Maggie, Andrew, Albert and Clara.
KELLY, LUKE. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appeai-s
in this work, was born in County Roscommon, near Dublin, Ireland, in March
1831, and is the son of Frank and Mary Egan Kelly. He resided at his
birthplace until he was eight years of age, when he, with his parents, came
to America, locating in New London, Connecticut, where he resided, with the
exception of an eight months' residence in Rhode Island, until his coming to
California. When he was about ten or twelve years of age he went to work
for Alberson, a foundryman in New London. After working for him some
time he was engaged with J. N. Harrison, of " Pain Killer " fame, who was
also a hardware merchant for one year. He then became chore and bell
boy in the City Hotel in New London, for one year. He then served an
apprenticeship with a Mr. Gillett, for three years at the brick-layer and
plasterer's trade. In September, 1853, Mr. Kelly sailed from New York on
board the steamer "' Golden Gate " to Nicaragua, and on the Pacific side he
took passage on the steamer " Sierra Nevada," arriving in San Francisco
October 15th of that year. He immediately began plying his trade, work-
ing first on the Marine Hospital, and continued to work at his trade for one
year in different parts of the city. In 1854 he went to Stockton, and
worked on the Insane Asylum for a while ; he then worked for Captain
Webber in the gardening business, and then for Timothy Page in a flouring
mill. In the spring of 1856 he began working for I. D. Hamilton in a
hotel on the Sonora road, twelve miles from Stockton. In 1857 he leased
this hotel and began business for himself, and at the end of one year pur-
chased the property. He remained here for six years, and during that time
purchased the hotel in Copperopolis, and run that property for one year.
He then sold out, and in the meantime leased the Copperopolis Hotel and
ran it three years. He then leased the property and purchased the furni-
ture of the Webber House in Stockton. At the end of two years he
returned to Copperopolis and took possession of that hotel, where he re-
mained until that place was destroyed by fire. In 1866 he moved to San
508 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Francisco and began the livery business on Kearny street, on the present
site of the White House. At the end of two years he moved to Market
street and erected the Charter Oak Stables, near Fourth and Market. He
remained there for one year, when he went to Santa Rosa and engaged in
the hotel business again, having charge of the Kessing and Grand Hotels.
He continued there until March, 1875, when he came to Napa City and
opened the Palace Hotel, where he has since remained. Mr. Kelly was
united in marriage with Miss Bridget Mullen, and their children are, Kittie,
William, and Thomas.
KRUG, CHARLES. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap-
pears in the body of this work, was born in Trendelburg, near Cassel,
Prussia, Germany, March 1, 1825, and is the only son of Caspar and Marie
Steitz Krug. He resided at his birthplace until he was fourteen years of
age, when he went to a Latin school in Hersfeld, and remained there for a
term of six years, completing the full course of the school. He then went
to the University at Marburg, which he attended for two years. In the
summer of 1847 he came to America and located in Philadelphia, where he
was engaged as a teacher in the Free Thinkers' School of August Glaser,
until May, 1848. At this time, called by the outbreak of the Revolution
in France, and afterwards over all Continental Europe, he returned to the
" Fatherland," and began writing revolutionary articles for the press, and
agitating the project of republicanizing Germany. He resided at Frankfort-
on-the-Main, at that time the seat of the first German Parliament. On the
18th of September of that year he was engaged in a revolutionary attempt
to overthrow the then reactionary Parliament, and to create a central revo-
lutionary government for all Germany ; but the attempt failed, and he was
imprisoned for nine months, till the new outbreak of the Revolution in
Baden and Rheinphalz, in 1849, opened for him and about one hundred
other enthusiasts the doors of their prison. In 1851 he returned to Phila-
delphia, and remained there until Jacob Hahnlein engaged his services as
editor of the Staats Zeitung, the first German paper ever published on the
Pacific Coast. He came to California via the Isthmus route, and arrived
in San Francisco June 14, 1852. He remained engaged in that business
until 1854, when, in the early part of the year, he proceeded to Crystal
Springs, San Mateo County, and located on a Government claim, which was
near where Colonel A. Haraszthy had a farm. The first work performed
on this place was the making of a road, which was the first manual labor
performed in his life. There was quite a colony of Hungarians in that
vicinity. Mr. Krug erected a log house, and attempted to become a prac-
tical farmer, but only remained there about eight months, when he returned
to San Francisco, and entered a private gold refining establishment for a
Biographical Sketches. 509
short time. In 1856 he was appointed clerk of the refining department of
the United States Mint, where he remained till Colonel A. Haraszthy, with
Count Wass and W. Molitor, opened the gold and silver refinery on Brannan
street. In January, 1858, he went to Sonoma and purchased a place from
Colonel Haraszthy, and planted twenty acres of vines upon the tract inside
of the next three years. In the fall of 1860 he disposed of his place
in Sonoma, now the property of Messrs. Heller Brothers. December
26, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of
Dr. E. T. Bale, of Napa Valley, and immediately located upon his
present place. In 1858, during his residence at Sonoma, John Patchett,
who lived near Napa City, while on a visit to Sonoma, stated to Mr.
Krug that he had a fine crop of grapes on his place, and was desirous
of having them made into wine. Mr. Krug accepted a proposition, and
came to the place with a small cider press, and began operations. He made
about twelve hundred gallons of wine for Mr. Patchett, which was the
first wine ever made in Napa County by other than the old Spanish pro-
cess, which is fully described in the body of this work. Hence to Mr. Charles
Krug belongs the honor of making the first wine in Napa County, and of
being the pioneer of an industry that was subsequently to be of all-absorb-
ing interest over the entire county. In 1859 Mr. Krug manufactured wine
for Mr. Louis Bruch, on the Bale Mill place, where Mr. W. W. Lyman now
resides. In 1860 he made wine on the shares on Mr. George C. Yount's
farm, making that year about five thousand gallons. The now prominent
Henry Edgerton used to visit Yount's farm for recreation, and for exercise
would sometimes turn the crank of the crusher, which was roughly con-
structed by a friend of Mr. Krug's, Mr. Conrad Tempel, now a hardware
dealer in Petaluma. In 1861 Mr. Krug made the first wine on his present
place. The quantity made was about one hundred gallons, and the grapes
were procured from his neighbors and from Knights Valley. In the spring
of 1861 he planted about twenty acres of rooted Mission vines. This was
the second vineyard in the St. Helena District planted for the purpose of
making the grapes into wine, Dr. G. B. Crane having preceded him two
years. In the following years he purchased grapes in the neighborhood, the
principal growers being David Hudson, John York, Dr. Bale's Mill and
homestead places, Owsley, J. Tucker and others. At the present time he
has one hundred and fifty-three acres of vines, one hundred and twenty-five
of which are bearing. He has steadily increased his business from the
few hundred gallons of 1861 to the three hundred and twenty thousand
gallons of 1880. The rude and small cellar has given way to a most com-
modious and magnificent structure, a full description of which will be found
in its proper place. It has not always been sunshine with this pioneer of
winemakers. His has been a long and arduous struggle against an ebb tide
510 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
to bring California wines up to their present status. Reverses of fortune
have borne hardly upon him also, chief of which was the destruction of his
cellar and its contents, in 1874, by fire. No man but a Krug, or a man pos-
sessed with his iron will and indomitable energy, would have passed through
these reverses safely. But now he stands out in the effulgent light of
achieved success. To-day he is at the head of the greatest industry of Cal-
ifornia, and his vineyard is located in the very heart of the wine-producing
section to which the eyes of the world are turned, and to which the markets
of the world must look for future supplies of this great product. He takes a
most active part in the advancement and furtherance of his favorite industry,
being at the present time a member of the Board of the State Viticultural
Commissioners, president of the Viticultural Association of the St. Helena
District, and a prominent promoter of the buildings of the association in
St. Helena. Mr. Krug has one of the loveliest places in the beautiful Napa
Valley, and his hospitality is proverbial far and near. To meet him is to
pass into an atmosphere of genial good fellowship which makes one feel
better for the meeting. Such a man well deserves the grand success which
he has achieved, and well merits the proud position which he now holds,
both at the head of his favorite industry and in the hearts of his friends
and neighbors. We must not omit to state that he took a very lively inter-
est and active part in the new-Constitution movement a few years ago. He
was a delegate to the State Convention of that party, and was nominated
by the State Convention of the Workingmen's party for State Treasurer,
which, owing to the pressure of his private business, he was compelled to
decline. As stated above, he was united in marriage with a daughter of
that old pioneer, Dr. E. T. Bale, and by this union they have had five chil-
dren, as follows : Linda, born October 15, 1861 ; Charles, born December 9,
1865, and died May 13, 1866 ; Anita, born March 18, 1868 ; Lolita, born
June 16, 1870, and Karl, born December 28, 1875.
LOEBER, FRED. W. Son of John and Caroline Sommerlatt Loeber,
was born in Baltimore, Maryland, November 5, 1857. He attended the
common schools of his native county and graduated from Newton Academy
of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1873. He then began book-keeping for his
father, and school teaching, which he followed till 1876. He then came to
California, and for one year traveled through the State in search of a loca-
tion. In May, 1877, he came to Napa County, and took charge of the Nook
Farm at Rutherford. In May, 1878, he settled where he now lives, and has
since been engaged in raising, breeding and training horses, and has now
some of the most promising colts in the whole county. Married February
5, 1880, Miss Alice M. Griffith, who was born February 5, 1862, in Sonoma
County, and by this union they have one child, Joy May, born November
21, 1880.
Biographical Sketches. 511
LEWTON, JUDGE LEWIS. Was bom in Fayette County, Pennsyl-
vania, December 25, 1816, and is the son of Jacob and Eleanor Law Lewton.
He moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1822. He is a self-educated
man. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar at New Lisbon, Ohio. In the
fall of 1844 he went to Scott County, Illinois, and engaged in the practice
of law until 1846. He then returned to Ohio and settled at Cadiz, where
he practiced law in the courts of that and adjoining counties, and in the U.
S. District and Circuit Courts in Cleveland and Cincinnati till 1878, with
the exception of the time spent in a trip to California in 1849. He arrived
here in August of that year. In 1850 he started back and was shipwrecked
near Acapulco, and from there he went overland to Vera Cruz, thence by
sea to New Orleans. In 1878 he came to Napa and is now president of
the Bank of Napa. He was married in November. 1841, to Mrs. Sarah
Millner, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born February 25, 1818. They
have two children, Lydia, now the wife of E. T. Shepherd, late Attorney-
General of Japan, and George W., living at Altamont, Orange County, Florida.
LAMDIN, JOSEPH F. Son of Robert and Caroline M. Farland Lam-
din, was born in Talbot County, Maryland, January 10, 1828. He resided
at his birthplace till his fifteenth j'ear, when he went to Baltimore, where
he secured a situation in a dry goods store. He remained there until the
fall of 1849, when he contracted to work for the firm of Wetmore & Gray,
who had preceded him to California and engaged in the dry goods busi-
ness in San Francisco. March 22, 1849, Mr. Lamdin sailed on the ship
" Samoset," via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco September 10th, same
year. He proceeded to Benicia, where he began clerking for the above-
named firm. He remained there until April, 1850. He was then sent by
the firm to Stockton to superintend a branch store, where he remained until
the fall of 1851, when their store was destroyed by fire. He then formed
a partnership with H. T. Compton, in the same business, under the firm
name of Lamdin & Compton, Stockton, and continued in this business until
1858, during which time Mr. Lamdin resided in San Francisco and attended
to the business for the store. In 1858 the firm was dissolved. Mr. Lamdin
then remained in San Francisco till he came to Napa in 1859, where he
began the general merchandise business in that place, which he continued
until 1868, when he confined himself to the express business, having been
Wells, Fargo & Co.'s agent since 1863, in which business he is now engaged,
and it is but small encomium to say that Mr. Lamdin is the right man in
the right place, as he is obliging and accommodating, and entirely trust-
worthy, and is held in very high esteem by the citizens of the city in
which he lives. The subject of this sketch was married in Stockton to
Miss Althea Parker, October 29, 1859, a native of Nantucket, Massa-
chusetts, born February 14, 1841. By this union they have five living
512 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
children, Robert P., born September 19, 1860 ; Alfred H., born March 6,
1866 ; Gertrude E., born December 17, 1874 ; Joseph R., born October 3,
1876, and Julien B., born March 1, 1878.
LITTLE, BERNADOTTE. Was born in Ireland September 29, 1818,
and is the youngest son of Robert and Rose McCafl'ery Little. He resided
in Ireland, attending school most of the time until 1842, when he came to
America and settled in Louisville, Kentucky. Here he remained for four
years, keeping books for a commission house. He then moved to Inde-
pendence, Missouri, where he began the mercantile business, which he con-
tinued until 1849. In May of that year, he left Missouri with ox-teams,
bound across the plains for California. He came the northern route and
had a great deal of trouble, being robbed of his stock twice by the Indians,
and being obliged to come in on foot through snow waist deep, having
nothing with him but a Spanish serapa or blanket, a tin cup and a butcher
knife. He arrived at Lassens Ranch in time to vote for the Constitution of
the State, November 13, 1849. He went at once to Bidwells Bar and began
mining, which he continued until 1850. He then went to Crooked Bar on
Feather River, where he was not very successful. In September, he went
to Nelsons Creek, where he mined with good success. In 1851 he took up
a ranch in Indian Valley, Plumas County. He continued mining until 1853,
when he disposed of all his interests and <ame to Napa County, settling
a short distance from Napa City. In 1876 he sold his ranch and moved to
Napa City, where he has since lived. He was married November 1, 1864,
to Miss Camilla Percival. They have one child, Robert J., born November
29, 1865.
LAURENT, JEAN. Was born in Bordeaux, France, November 2, 1837.
When quite young he began traveling about, and in 1852 came to this
State, and proceeded at once to Sonora, Tuolumne County, and began
mining, ranching, and various other pursuits. In 1860 he made wine in
that place. In 1868 he came to Napa County and began the vegetable
business, which he followed for four and a half years. He then settled on
his present place, where he has since been engaged in the wine business.
He has a fine, large celler, a full description of which will be found in the
proper place. He was married in St. Helena, January 22, 1876, to Miss
Louisa Trumplek, who was born in Switzerland, in 1856. They have two
children, August, born January, 1878, and Eugene, born in June, 1881.
LAWLEY, JOHN. This old pioneer, whose portrait appears in this
work, was born in Franklin County, Alabama, December 6, 1818, and is the
son of Elijah and Frances Baker Lawley. In his infancy his parents moved
to Jefferson County of that State, where he was reared on a farm, receiving
the advantages of the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1840 he
Biographical Sketches. 513
moved to Tuskaloosa County in said State, where he was alternately engaged
in teaching and superintending plantations, mills, marble-works, etc. In
the year 1852 he came to California, worked in the mines for a short time,
and then rented the Kellogg Farm in Napa County. In 1854 he established
himself in the grain business in Napa City, erecting during that year the
well-known Banner Warehouse. He continued in the grain business until
1872, at which time he parted with his warehouse interests, and having
purchased a large tract of land in Berryessa Valley, moved thither and
immediately began the business of farming, which he continued until 1877,
when he engaged in mining for quicksilver in Pope Valley. His present
residence is on the hills at the head of this valley and adjoins the celebrated
Phoenix Quicksilver Mine, of which he is principal owner. In 1866 he
built the toll road over St. Helena Mountain in Napa County. Was married
August 15, 1854, to Cynthia Ann Williams, who was born in Sangamon
County, Illinois, February 14, 1823, and by this union they have four
children, to-wit: Mary F., bom September 13, 1855 ; Charles A., born Sep-
tember 22, 1857 ; Harry B., born September 27, 1859, and Ada W., born April
30, 1863. Mr. Lawley has always been an active business man, but one of
varying fortunes. Possessing a heart of kindly impulse, a generosity with-
out limit, his good nature has often been imposed upon by the selfish and
mercenary, greatly to his loss. In a life so long identified with Napa
County, he has been a prominent factor in all that pertains to its permanent
growth and prosperity, and now at three score years and more, he has scarce
an enemy in the land.
LOCKER, WILLIAM. The subject of this sketch was born in Canada
West, February 2, 1830, where he received a common school education, and
resided until he was eighteen. In 1848 he moved to Rockford, Illinois, where
he worked at the printer's trade until the spring of 1850. April 1st of the
latter year he came across the plains, driving ox- teams to California. He
first settled in Placerville, August 20th of the same year, and there followed
mining for one year. He then moved to Napa Valley. In 1854 Mr. Locker
returned to his Canadian home, where he resided some four years. And
again in 1858 he returned to California, and to Napa County. In 1867 he
purchased his present property of fifty acres, two miles from Yountville,
and is now engaged in viniculture. Mr. Locker is unmarried.
LOGAN, JAMES I. Son of David and Margaret Phillips Logan, was
born in Beaucoup, Washington County, Illinois, November 6, 1829, and re-
mained in that county until he was twenty-nine years of age, and as school-
houses were somewhat of a scarcity in those early pioneer days, Mr. Logan's
education was home-taught and self-made. He worked on a farm, and after-
ward learned the carpenter's trade. In 1858 he moved to Centralia, Marion
33
514 History of Napa and Lake Counties- — Napa.
County, same State, and engaged successfully in the furniture and under-
taking business, and continued in this until March, 1864, when, on account
of failing health, he sold out and started with his family overland to Cali-
fornia, with mule teams, and arrived at Santa Clara September 29th of that
year. Staying there but a short time, he moved to Oakland, where he built
a residence and engaged in the real estate business in San Francisco. July
24, 1865, he moved to Napa County, locating in St. Helena, where he bought
a ranch and engaged in farming pursuits, on a tract of fifty acres, situated
in the Logans Addition to St. Helena, where he now resides. April 10,
1878, he engaged in his present business of furniture and undertaking,
located on the west side of Main street, above the Windsor Hotel, and has
now one of the leading furniture and undertaking houses of the county.
During the late Civil War he was at the head of a commission from his
county, to visit the battle-fields and prepare and restore the dead soldiers
to their friends, and holding a general pass from U. S. Grant to go and come
at pleasure, he was enabled to do a great deal of good. Having an ex-
perience of thirty-five years in handling the bodies of the dead, he is now
among the foremost in preparing and shipping bodies successfully to all
parts of the world, by a method entirely his own, having, under a test,
kept perfectly ten bodies more than six months in the vaults of San
Francisco. He was united in marriage in Washington County, Illinois,
November 15, 1849, to Miss Unity J. Livising, a native of that county
and State, and by this union they have seven living children and
three deceased : J. Melvin, born June 22, 1851 ; Alvin Rose, born May 22,
1853, died January 1, 1855; M. Hill, born August 5, 1855 ; Celestie Amelia,
born September 2, 1857, died August 22, 1858 ; Minnie Adelle, born July 6,
1860 ; Charles Mead, born June 30, 1863 ; Inez May, born May 19, 1866,
died February 27, 1871 ; Aura Pearl, born December 13, 1868 ; Daisy Dell,
born March 31, 1873, and Lee Ross, born September 22, 1876.
LANE, ROBERT F. Was born in Belmont County, East Tennessee,
August 7, 1824, and remained in his birthplace, engaged in farming until
he was nineteen years of age. In 1843, he moved with his pai-ents to Polk
County, Missouri, and engaged in farming, and learned the stone-mason's
trade. He spent the years 1850 and 1851 in Texas, when he returned to
Missouri and there resided until he came to California, which event occurred
April 9, 1854, starting from Polk County, driving ox-teams, and a drove of
cattle, and arriving in this State in September, 1854. He first located in
Pope Valley and engaged in stock-raising, where he remained only a short
time on account of the depredations of the bears, of which the valley was
infested at that time. He then moved his stock to Napa Valley, and in
1858, started East on a visit, sojourning in Missouri for a few months. He
■Z
VM*.
Biographical Sketches. 515
then returned to Napa County and engaged in stock raising, in which he
continued until 1861. In 1864, he purchased his present place of seventy-
five acres, one mile from St. Helena, and is now engaged in viniculture.
Mr. Lane was twice married : first in Missouri, March 17, 1846, to Miss
Easter Mackey, who died January 27,1853. By this union they had one
child. He married his present wife, Miss Elizabeth C. Appleby, March 13,
1859. By this union they have four children living. Jemima C, born
August 3, 1860 ; Josephine A., born September 23, 1861 ; Thomas J., born
August 26, 1864 ; Benjamin R., born May 1, 1866, and died November 25,
1869 ; Cynthia I, born September 19, 1868, and died November 13, 1876 ;
Lulu S., born August 19, 1872, and May O., born September 19, 1874, and
died November 18, 1876.
LE WELLING, JOHN. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will
be found in the body of this work, was born in Randolph County. North
Carolina, January 16, 1811, and is the son of Meshach and Jane Lewelling.
In 1822, when he was but eleven years of age he, with his parents, moved
to Henry County, Indiana. Here he grew up on a farm and received a
common school education. In 1837 he moved to Henry County, Iowa,
where he remained until 1850. He then came across the plains to Cali-
fornia, arriving at Hangtown (Placerville), July 7th of that year. He
immediately began mining, which he followed until that fall, when he went
to Oregon, and worked for his brother, who was then engaged in the
nursery business, in Milwaukee. The next spring he returned to California
and mined, and in the fall went back to Oregon. The next spring he
returned to his old home in Iowa, going via Nicaragua. In November,
1853, he started for California a second time, with his family, coming
via Nicaragua, and arriving in San Francisco, January 4, 1854. He
engaged with E. L. Beard to plant a large orchard at the Mission San
Jose", and remained there for two years. In 1855 he went to San Lorenzo
and planted a large orchard, and in 1856 he moved his family to the place.
He had there one hundred acres in orchard, which was principally cherries.
He remained there until 1864, when, on account of poor health, he came to
Napa County, and began planting vines in 1865. He has now one hundred
acres of vineyard, which is in a thrifty condition, and presents a handsome
sight when laden with fruit. He has a beautiful residence, and nicely lo-
cated place, and is surrounded in his declining days with all that goes to
make up the complement of earthly comfort and enjoyment. While he
was a resident of Alameda County he was a member of the Board of
Supervisors for several terms. He was married in May, 1832, to Miss Elvy
Elliott, who was born near Richmond, Indiana, October 11, 1815. They
have two sons living, Eli, now on the old farm at San Lorenzo, and Harvey
J., who is living with his parents.
516 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
LIDELL, WILLIAM H. Was born in Otsego County, New York,
December 14, 1842, and is the son of James A., and Delia Herkimer
Lidell. He resided at his birthplace until he was twenty-two years of
age, during which time he received his education at the Fairfield Seminary.
In 1864, he moved West, first settling in Chicago, Illinois, where he em-
barked in the hop and malt business, in which he continued until 1878. He
then moved with his family to California, becoming lessee of the famous
iEtna Springs, of Pope Valley. It is one of the most pleasant summer re-
sorts in California, and Mr. Lidell is the right man in the right place; being
genial, obliging and generous to a fault. He is eminently successful, the
Springs being well patronized during the summer months. A full descrip-
tion of tho Springs will be found elsewhere in this history. The subject
of this sketch was married September 25, 1866, to Mary Stewart, who was
born in New York City, January 14, 1844. By this union they have four
children : Mary, born February 4, 1870 ; Samuel J., born October 9, 1872 ;
William H., Jr., born November 23, 1879 ; Chancellor Hartson, born October
11, 1880.
LYMAN, W. W. Son of Theodore B. and Annie M. Albert Lyman,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1850. He resided at his
birthplace until 1860, when he, with his parents, went to Europe and
remained there ten years. During this time he was educated at the School
of Mines, at Freiberg, in Saxony, and in the University of Berlin. In 1870
he returned to America, and in 1871 he came to California, purchasing his
present place in July of that year, where he is engaged in wine-making,
milling, general farming, and stock raising. He has a tract of nine hundred
acres, on which was the Bale homestead. A full description of his wine-
cellar and mill will be found in their proper places. He is unmarried.
LINN, GEORGE. Was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1825,
and is the youngest son of John and Jane Rea Linn. At the age of nine
years he ran away from home and came to America, and for nine years he
lived with a man by the name of Bancroft in Erie County, New York.
When he was eighteen years of age he went to Indiana and spent eighteen
months in Greene County, working at the carj^enter's trade. He then returned
to his old home in New York, and remained there until March, 1S49, when
he started overland for California, arriving in the Sacramento Valley Sep-
tember 28th of that year. In January, 1850, he came to Napa Valley and
worked for Nathan Coombs. In the spring of 1850 he joined a company
of twelve, which was organized in Napa Valley with Charles Hopper as
leader, and proceeded to Humboldt Bay, and thence to the Trinity River.
In September he returned to Napa and began working in the redwoods,
where he remained until 1853. He then returned to Iowa, where he pur-
Biographical Sketches. 517
chased a band of cattle, which he brought across the plains to Napa Valley
in 1854. He then rented land from George C. Yount, and began farming.
In 1856 he made another trip East, going to Missouri, and purchasing an-
other drove of cattle, which he brought to California in 1857. He again
went to the Yount ranch, where he remained until 1860. He then purchased
three hundred acres of the Soscol tract, and remained on it until 1864. He
then bought the parcel of the Yount grant which he had previously occu-
pied, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres, and also another tract
of two hundred and sixty-five acres, and has since resided here. He now
owns seven hundred acres in Napa County. In 1873 he went to Texas, and,
in company with Thompson, purchased a large tract of land, which they
stocked with sheep, Mr. Linn superintending the business. In 1878 he dis-
posed of this interest, and purchased sixteen acres in the city of Austin,
Texas, which he now owns. In 1857, while in Missouri, he was married to
Miss Nancy Gardner, who was born in Laclede County, that State. Their
children are, William H, born May 4, 1858 ; John, born December 25, 1860;
James, born September 25, 1862 ; George, born October 11, 1865, and Etta,
born January 3, 1870.
LAZARUS, LEOPOLD. The subject of this sketch was born in France,
March 26, 1827, and remained in his native country until the age of twenty-
one. He then, in the fall of 1848, started to seek his fortune in a foreign land,
and wisely selected the United States for his adopted home, first landing in
New Orleans. Here he remained for one year, and then started for California
via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco December, 1850. On his arrival
in the metropolis of the Pacific Coast, he secured a situation as clerk in a
clothing store, where he remained about one year, and then moved to San
Jose, and there engaged in the dry goods business, in which he continued
for seven years. His next move was to Vallejo, where he engaged in the
restaurant business, and remained about one year. For the following two
years he was engaged in mining and store-keeping in the White River
mining district, Tulare County. In July, 1862, he moved to Napa County,
and located in St. Helena, and engaged in the general merchandise trade, in
which he continued until 1875. In November, 1866, Mr. Lazarus was
appointed Wells, Fargo & Co.'s agent for St. Helena, and owing to the in-
crease in that office, he decided in 1875 to give up his store and attend to
the express office, in which he is now employed, with equal satisfaction to
the company and the business men of the town in which he resides. Mr.
Lazarus is now serving his fifth term as Treasurer of St. Helena. In 1869,
he bought sixteen acres of land near St. Helena, and planted it in foreign
vines, paying for it $750, and in 1881 he sold it for $7,500, which shows
how land has appreciated in value in that vicinity. The subject of our
518 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
sketch was married in San Francisco January 18, 1863, to Miss Julia Stratis,
a native of France, by which union they have three sons and one daughter :
Alfred, born November 1, 1863 ; Leon, born January 5, 1865 ; Leontine,
born December 29, 1868, and Sylvain, born June 27, 1875.
LOCKWOOD, FRANCIS EDGAR. Was born in Westchester County,
New York, August 8, 1838, and is the son of Nathan and Mary Miller
Lockwood. In 1857 he went West, and settled in Ottawa County, Michigan,
where he began the lumber business, which he followed until 1861. He
then returned to his birthplace, where he sojourned for one year. In 1864
he came via the Isthmus of Panama to California, and immediately located
in Napa, where he embarked in the dairy business, which he followed for
three years. He then began farming at Soscol and continued for two years.
He then spent a portion of the year 1869 in the mines at Black Rock, Ne-
vada, and once more returned to Napa County, where he was engaged in
the building of the Geyser, Cobb Valley and Howell Mountain roads, which
occupied him three years. In 1872 he began the liquor business at Ruther-
ford station, and in 1876 he opened the general mercantile store of that
place, and in 1881 purchased his present place of business, on the corner of
Main ann First streets, Napa. He was united in marriage to Miss Harriet
Kilburn, daughter of Ralph L. and Maria Pope Kilburn, September, 1873,
a native of California, and by this union they have three children : Na-
than K., Frank E., and Edna.
LAWRENCE, GEORGE WILLARD. Son of Joseph and Harriet
Taber Lawrence, was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, June 7, 1849. In
1855 he, with his parents, came via Nicaragua, to California, arriving in
May of that year. The family resided in San Francisco until September,
1856, when they came to Napa County. George was educated in the public
schools and the Napa Collegiate Institute. In 1863 he began an apprentice-
ship to the printer's business in the Register office at Napa, and remained
connected with that paper until 1869. He then began clerking in the drug
store of E. N. Boynton, where he has since remained. He is an industrious,
reliable and capable man.
MOODY, TIMOTHY M. Son of John and Casandra Allison Moody,
was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, August 7, 1833. He resided at his
birthplace till he was fourteen years of age, when he moved to the western
part of the State and began life for himself. He maintained a livelihood at
various occupations till 1856, when he proceeded to Alexander, Missouri,
where he spent the winter of 1856-7. In the spring of 1857 he came across
the plains with ox-teams to California, arriving in the State in September.
Once in the Golden State he proceeded to Bodega, Sonoma County, and
worked in the pioneer saw mill of the Pacific Coast, Captain Stephen
Biographical Sketches. 519
Smith's, for two months. He then proceeded to Petaluma, that county,
where he began ditching near the town, in which he continued a short time.
He then began work at the blacksmith's trade for J. W. Hemmenway,
where he continued till the fall of that year. He then came to Napa and
found employment at the same business, at which he continued till 1861.
We next find Mr. Moody at Soscol, Napa County, doing business for him-
self, where he remained till 1864. In that year he went to Arizona, where
he remained four months. From there he went to Virginia City, Nevada,
and followed his trade for one summer. In 1865 he returned to Napa and
worked for A. W. Norton for three months, when he again began business
at Soscol, which he followed till 1868. In that year he went to Davisville,
Yolo County, where he carried on business for eleven months, and then
went to Cache Creek, same county, and staid one year. He then returned
to Napa, and in 1871 purchased his present business, where he is engaged in
general blacksmithing. Mr. Moody married Charlotte True, who was born
in Lagrange County, Indiana, October 3, 1844, and by this union they
have Minnie True, born January 13, 1867, died January 13, 1868 ; Lillie
Jane, born February 20, 1869 ; George Clifford, born November 28, 1871,
and Arthur Ernest, born November 24, 1873.
MAYFIELD, JAMES MILTON. Whose portrait appears in this work,
is the son of Samuel and Eliza Mills Mayfield, and was born in Tuskaloosa
County, Alabama, July 3, 1833. At that place he received a common school
education, and was raised on a farm, residing at his birthplace until April
1, 1859, when he started for California, and at New Orleans, he took the
steamer " Empire City " to Havana, where he boarded the steamer " Star of
the West," to Aspinwall, and crossed the Isthmus by rail, and at Panama he
took passage on the steamer " Golden Age," arriving in San Francisco, May
16, 1859, having been detained fifteen days in New Orleans and five days
in Havana. He immediately proceeded to Napa County and began working
for R. Smith, making hay at $40 per month. In the fall of 1859 he rented
land of A. L. Boggs and began farming, which he continued for one year.
Mr. Mayfield then, in 1861, in partnership with James Coleman, leased land
from Mrs. McCoombs and James Clyman, which he farmed for one year.
He was then idle or worked out by the month, until in 1862 he began
farming on land he purchased in connection with his wife's uncle, on Car-
neros Creek, where he continued until 1865, when he sold his farm and re-
moved to Napa City, and in 1866, he purchased his farm which is three
miles south of his present home, where he resided until 1876, when he
bought and moved upon the place where he now lives, consisting of ninety-
five acres, and is chiefly engaged in farming. Mr. Mayfield held the office
of Assessor of this county in 1868 and 1869, and for two years— 1877 and
1878 — represented this county in the State Legislature. The subject of
520 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
this sketch was united in marriage November 9, 1862, to Miss Rosalie
Chapman, daughter of Levi and Lavina Lamb Chapman, who was born
in New London County, Connecticut, June 7, 1842. By this union they
have six living children. Thomas I., born June 17, 1864 ; Samuel G., born
July 9, 1866 ; Edwin Milton, born June 27, 1868, and died when but one
month old ; Leonidas Milton, born March 8, 1870 ; William E., born Feb-
ruary 8, 1874; Lavina E., born April 1, 1876 ; Annie Rosalie, born May
12, 1880.
McKINZIE, ALEXANDER. Was born in Nova Scotia, December 17,
1840, and there resided until 1868. When he was seventeen years of age
he became an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade, which he served for three
years. He then was engaged at journeyman work until his departure for
California in 1868. He first settled in Napa Valley, where he began work-
ing for his brother, and continued until August of that year. He then
took a trip to Coos Bay, Oregon, where he sojourned one year, and in 1869,
returned to Napa County, and in October of the same year came to Berry -
essa Valley, and began working at his trade for John Lavvley, which he
followed till April, 1870, when he settled in Monticello, where he has since
resided. He was married in September, 1869, to Nancy K. Fraser, a native
of Nova Scotia, born April 8, 1842. Their children are : Isabelle, born
August 16, 1870; Charles, born October 31, 1871 ; Roderick, born May 26,
1873 ; Nettie, born January 17, 1875 ; Abraham C, born September 23,
1877, and William T., born February 11, 1880.
MILLER, ROBERT. This old pioneer, now seventy-six years of age,
was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1805, where he re-
sided until he was seventeen years of age. He then moved to Ohio, and
remained in that State about fifteen years, and then moved to Iowa, staying
in the latter State until April 5, 1853. He then, with his family, and with
ox-teams, crossed the plains to California, and first settled in Plumas
County, staying there one winter. They then came from Plumas County
to Napa Valley, and remained one year. He then proceeded to Lake
County, and became proprietor of the Siegler Springs, remaining in that
place for nine years. In the fall of 1863 he came to Napa County and lo-
cated on his present ranch of one hundred and forty-five acres, three miles
north of Calistoga.
McCORD, JAMES H. The subject of this s,ketch, whose portrait ap-
pears in this volume, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, December
29, 1826, and is the fourth child of James and Mary Woodruff McCord.
When he was but five years of age he went to Morris County, New Jersey,
and resided with his father's uncle for seven years. He then returned to
Somerset County, where he began the shoemaker's trade, which he continued
Biographical Sketches. 521
until he was about twenty years of age. He then went to Essex County,
New Jersey, where he worked at his trade for one year. In the spring of
1S46 he enlisted to go to the Mexican War and served six months, when he
was disabled by the breaking of one of his arms. After receiving his dis-
charge he went to Detroit, Michigan, and thence to St. Joseph, same State,
where he opened a shoe store, which he carried on until April 1, 1849, when
he started to California. Starting out from St. Joseph, Missouri, with ox-
teams, they were five and one-half months in making the tedious trip across
the plains. They came via the Truckee cut-off. He stopped at Sacramento
a short time and then proceeded to Sonoma County, where he worked in the
red-woods until the spring of 1850, when he took charge of General Vallejo's
farm. In a short time he opened a boot and shoe shop in the town of So-
noma, and made the first pair of boots ever manufactured north of the bay
of San Francisco, for General M. G. Vallejo. Finding the business too con-
fining, in April, 1852, he came to Napa Valley and settled near where St.
Helena now stands, where he began farming and working in the red-woods.
In 1855 he purchased his present place of ninety-three acres, forty of
which are planted in vines. In 1872 he began the wine-making business in
parthership with Mr. Gaique. This enterprise lasted only six months, when
they lost all by fire, twenty-six thousand gallons of wine being destroyed
by the conflagration. In 1876 he again began the business, and now has a
fine cellar, a full description of which will be found in the proper place.
He was Associate Judge of Napa County, and has been elected Justice of
the Peace several times. He is a genial, intelligent gentleman, and one with
whom it is a pleasure to meet. He takes a lively interest in the welfare of
his community, and is respected and honored by all who know him. April
17, 1851, he was married at Sonoma, Judge Hendley performing the cere-
mony, to Miss Mary Griffith, who was born in North Carolina, December 2,
1834. Their living children are, Lafayette, born January 8, 1852 ; Na-
thaniel, born March 15, 1854; Albert, born July 30, 1859; Ellen, born July
20, 1862 : Augusta, born December 6, 1868 ; James, born April 5, 1872 ; and
Lillie, born October 1 5, 1876. They have lost three girls. Ellen is married
to Elias Gates, and she has a daughter named Maud. Lafayette is studying
for the ministry.
MULTER, JAMES LESLIE. The subject of this sketch is a native of
New York, having been born September 14, 1843, at Summit, Schoharie
County, fifty-five miles from Albany, the capital. His parents were also
natives of the Empire State, and were bom in the township of Worcester,
Otsego County. He was educated at the Oliver Academy, located in Fer-
gusonville, Delaware County, an institution of learning well and favorably
known for many years past in Central New York. His time, from the age
of twenty, has been almost exclusively devoted to journalism, his first effort
522 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in the business being the publication of the Monitor, in company with his
father, Jacob J. Multer, a lawyer by profession, at Schenevus, Otsego County,
New York, the first number being printed in 1864. In a few years he be-
came sole proprietor of the paper, and in 1870 established the Schoharie
County Democrat at Richmondville, New York. Finding the work of super-
intending two printing offices at different points too arduous, he disposed of
the Democrat in 1873, and finally sold the Monitor in 1874, the latter sale
being made in anticipation of coming to the Pacific Coast. These papers
have been published regularly since their first appearance, the last one above
mentioned being a widely circulated and influential journal. Though being
extremely indifferent about sight-seeing now, he has traveled a great deal
in the United States — north, south, east and west — and while visiting the
Southern States, after the Rebellion, he was so greatly impressed with the
vast difference of climate in comparison with that of his native State, that
he resolved to seek a locality where the winters were less rigorous than in
New York, and this resolution finally resulted in his coming to California
in the fall of 1877 and locating in Calistoga. Having been so long engaged
in newspaper work, he naturally drifted into that business again, and soon
after his arrival here the Independent Calistogian made its appearance, and
is now being published, having been sustained longer than any one of the
several papers that have been issued here and failed. He is of retiring
manners, somewhat diffident, and very conscientious. To the former quali-
ties may be ascribed the fact that he has not a political record, for he
repeatedly declined elective offices proffered by partisan friends at the East
in instances when success at the polls was certain. He is a great admirer
of Napa Valley, which he insists is not surpassed in beauty by any other
section of country in the land. Having chosen it as his abiding place, he
is greatly interested in its prosperity, and the columns of the Calistogian
are always open for the publication of matters that will prove beneficial to
this beautiful section of country. Mr. Multer and Miss Mary E., daughter
of Thomas B. Van Alstyne, M. D., were married on the 7th of November,
1873, in Richmondville, Schoharie County, the place of her birth.
MANSFIELD, JERA M. Was born in Dudley, Worcester County,
Massachusetts, March 14, 1825, and is the son of Jera and Lucretia Corbin
Mansfield, both of whom were natives of Worcester County, Massachusetts.
When he was between three and four years of age his parents moved to
Barton, Orleans County, Vermont, and he there resided on a farm with his
parents, and was educated in the common schools of the county and acad-
emies of the State. At the age of nineteen he engaged in teaching school,
which he followed winters for two years. When he was twenty-one years
of age he left home with the intention of studying medicine, and put in his
leisure time until he was twenty-four years old in studying for that profes-
Biographical Sketches. 523
sion. March 4, 1849, he sailed from Boston, Massachusetts, on board of the
bark " Edward Fletcher," around Cape Horn, bound for California, arriving
in San Francisco September 6th of that year. He at once began working
at the carpenter's trade in the city, which he followed for one month. He
then went to Stockton, and began operations there, teaming into the mines,
which he followed for four months, when he was taken sick with the
typhoid fever, which confined him to his tent till the following spring. He
then engaged in trading between San Francisco and Stockton, which he fol-
lowed till the winter of 1850, when he opened a butcher shop in Stockton,
which he conducted for one year. He then engaged in boating and trading
from San Francisco to Stockton and Marysville, which he continued for one
year. On account of another attack of the typhoid fever he was laid up
for the next twelve months. He then went to San Francisco and began
the business of dairying, which he followed for one year, when he disposed
of that interest and came to Napa Valley and engaged in farming, on the
place now owned by G. Barth. He followed this business until the spring
of 1865, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits, at the same time contin-
uing his farming operations. He continued merchandising for two years
with J. F. Lamdin. He is one of the officers of the Bank of Napa, and one
of the wealthiest citizens of Napa County. He was married May 5, 1859,
to Miss Ellen G. Easterbrook, a native of Concord, New Hampshire, who
was born February 7, 1836. Their children are, Walter D., born February
11, 1860; Grace L., born October 15, 1863; Jera Morton, born January 9,
1867, and Channing O, born December 20, 1874.
MELLOR, WILLIAM. Was born in Nottingham, England, on the 4th
of December, 1826. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to
Baltimore, Maryland, where he received a liberal education. At the age of
twenty he was married to Mary E. Work, and lived in Baltimore until 1848,
when he moved to Davis County, Iowa. In the spring of 1849 he moved
to Quincy, Illinois, and remained until 1859, being engaged in the upholstery
business. He then started for California with an ox-team across the plains,
arriving in Hangtown about the middle of October, where he remained four
months. He then went to Marysville for a short time, when he returned to
Quincy, Illinois. In 1861 he again crossed the plains with his family, and
settled in Marysville, California, remaining there until 1872, being engaged
in the furniture business. He then moved to San Francisco with his family,
where he remained eighteen months, being engaged in the samee business.
He then moved to Napa, where he is now engagod in that business and un-
dertaking, which is now conducted under the firm name of Mellor & Sons.
MIGLIAVACCA, G. Was born in Italy, August 16, 1833, where he
resided until 1858, learning the trade of distiller and wine making from his
father. In 1867 he emigrated to California, first locating in San Francisco,
524 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
where he remained for four months. He then moved to Mariposa County,
where he embarked in the grocery business, and continued till 1866, when
he came to Napa County, and for a short time engaged in the grocery
business. He then began the manufacture of wine, in which he is still
engaged, and which he has steadily increased from five hundred gallons
per year until now he manufactures seventy-five thousand gallons. Mr.
Midiavacca was married in 1860 to Marie Senorela, who was born in Italy
May 19, 1843. By this union they have ten living children : Louisa,
born June 8, 1862; John, born July 1, 1864; Henry, born October 10,
1866; Angeline, born December 7, 1868; Clara, born October 21, 1870;
Sero, born March 26, 1872 ; Joseph, born June 6, 1876 ; Minnie, born March
29, 1878; James, born August 17, 1879, and Cesore, born December 6, 1880.
McFARLING, JAMES. Was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December
15, 1821, and at the age of eighteen he moved to the western part of his
native State and engaged in farming until September, 1843. In that year
he continued westward locating in Henry County, Iowa, where he resided
until he came to California in 1849. He first located on Parks Bar, Yuba
County, and engaged in mining until September, 1850, when he returned to
Iowa, and after a residence of three years in that State, he again started
with ox-teams, and accompanied by his family, he crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia, arriving in September, 1854. He then located in Nevada County
and engaged in mining for awhile. He then moved to Sonoma County,
residing in Knights Valley in said county, until December, 1862, when he
moved to Napa County and purchased his present place of fifty acres, two
miles from St. Helena, and is now engaged in viniculture. He was united
in marriage in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 25, 1842, to Miss Eva
Moore a native of that State. Their children are, Sarah M., now Mrs.
McArthur ; Johnson H; Mary E.,now Mrs. James Howard ; Rachael J., now
Mrs. J. Fruits ; Charles B., John and George, and two deceased.
McLENNAN, DANIEL R. The subject of this sketch was born in
Inverness, Scotland, December 25, 1833, and remained in his birthplace
until he was sixteen years of age, and there received a common school edu-
cation. In 1849 he moved with his parents to Canada, locating in Kin-
carodin, Bruce County, where he engaged in the manufacture of carriages
and wagons, in which business he continued until the spring of 1865.
Leaving his family in Canada, Mr. McLennan started for the Pacific Coast,
sailing from New York April 22, 1865, coming via Panama, and arriving in
San Francisco May 15th of the above year. Staying a short time in the
metropolis, he proceeded to Napa Valley, June 12, 1865, under engage-
ment to work for A. C. McDonald, of Yountville, in the wood department
of his establishment. He remained there until he came to St. Helena.
Biographical Sketches. 525
which occurred in April, 1879, his family in the meantime having joined him
at Yountville. He then purchased his present property, and is extensively
engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, and general blacksmith-
ing, opposite the Palace Hotel, and is enjoying the pleasures of a well-spent
life, surrounded by his family and friends, and respected by all who know
him. Mr. McLennan was united in marriage in Goodrich, Canada, Septem-
ber 29, 1857, to Miss Ellen McLeod, a native of that place, and of Scotch
parents. By this union they have nine living children: John, Daniel,
Robert, David, William, Annie, Christina, Katie, and Ellen.
MERRIAM, HORACE A. Son of Horace and Mary P. Bailey Mer-
riam, was born in Rockland, Maine, December 19, 1852, where he resided
until he was seventeen years of age, attending the common schools of that
place, and afterward the high school. He then concluded to go to sea,
and made several voyages, and afterwards followed coasting from Maine
to New York, until 1871. He then went to Andover, Massachusetts, and
started to learn the trade of machinist and engineer, and remained at this
for about eighteen months. He then moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island,
and continued at his trade. The reason of his change from Andover
was on account of not being able to learn but a few branches of his trade.
His next move was to Hyde Park, near Boston, where he worked for the
Barnard Milling Machine Company, and remained there until the financial
panic of 1873, when the mill closed down, and the subject of this sketch
moved back to Rockland, and worked there until his coming to California,
which occurred in April, 1875, arriving in San Francisco on May 10th of
that year. He then found employment at his trade, and remained for one
year and a half. We next find him in the employ of the Florence Sewing
Machine Company, and after following that for one year he was given
charge of the advertising department of the Victor Sewing Machine Com-
pany, remaining at this until his health began to fail. He then proceeded
to Napa Valley to recuperate, but liking the climate so well, concluded to
locate, and his brother arriving from the East about this time, they bought
a ranch of ten acres one mile north of St. Helena, and remained on
this until 1878. Mr. Merriam then sold his interest to his brother, and
purchased a half interest in the clothing firm of Alden & Co., of St. Helena,
and after the lapse of one year Henry E. Alden bought the other half in-
terest, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Alden &
Merriam. Their first location was under the Palace Hotel, but their busi-
ness increasing, they had to secure more commodious quarters, and about the
middle of June, 1881, they moved into their spacious and magnificent store
under the Windsor Hotel, and it is but just to say that the firm of Alden
& Merriam is one of the leading as well as most popular firms in Napa
526 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
County. Mr. Merriam was united in marriage December 10, 1878, to Miss
Carrie L. Lander, a native of Michigan, and by this marriage they have one
living child and one deceased, Jennie W., born December 19, 1879 ; Frank
L., born March 3, 1881, died July 3, 1881.
MEYERS, OLIVER PERRY. Son of Christian and Mary A. Kinna-
man Meyers, was born in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio, August 23, 1845,
where he resided until 1858. In 1856 his father came to California, and
located in business in Marysville ; and in 1858, Oliver, with his mother,
brother and sister, came to California via the Isthmus, and joined the father.
At Marysville he attended the common schools and the Marysville Academy
until 1865, when he began an apprenticeship to the jeweler's business under
Frank E. Smith, and served three years. In 1868 he went to Sacramento,
and followed his trade for one year, when he went to Los Angeles and spent
one year. He then went to San Francisco, and accepted a position as clerk
in Henry Mayer's jewelry store on Montgomery street, where he remained
until 1877. He then came to Napa, and opened his present business, where
he has since remained, and now enjoys a large share of the patronage of
the place, and is a highly esteemed citizen of Napa City. His parents and
sister now reside in San Francisco.
McDERMOTT, JOHN. Was born in County Galway, Ireland, in June,
1828. He resided in his native place until he was twenty -six years of age,
and was there employed as a laborer. December 25, 1855, he started to
America, arriving in Boston March 14, 1856. He first worked at Jamaica
Plains for two months. He then went to Cambridge and labored on a farm,
and worked in various places until May, 1859, when he came to California,
arriving in San Francisco June 24th. He went to Marysville and worked
on a farm. When the Washoe excitement broke out he went to Nevada.
From there he returned to Nevada City. In 1864, he paid a visit to Ireland,
and upon his return to California, he purchased his present ranch of one
hundred and sixty acres. In November, 1864, he was married in New York
City to Mary Morrisy, a native of Hancock County, Maine, who died in
1875, leaving one child, John J., born April 2, 1866.
MANASSEE, E. Was born in Beyenheim on the Rhine, August 7, 1842.
When he was fourteen years of age he went to Friedburg, and served an
apprenticeship to the tanner's trade for three years. When he was twenty
years of age he came to New York, where he remained till 1864. In that
year he came to California and began the tanning business in San Francisco,
which he followed till 1871, when he came to Napa and became connected
with the firm of B. F. Sawyer & Co., as foreman. In 1875 he secured a
patent for a process of tanning leather, and in company with the firm began
the manufacture of leather by it, and in 1879 he became a partner in the
Biographical SketcJus. 527
firm. This process has many excellencies, and the quality of leather made
by it is unsurpassed. He was married in 1863 to Miss A. Hellwig, and they
have six living children, Henry, Lena, Anna, Edward, August and Amelia.
McINTYRE, H. W. Was born in Orange County, Vermont, in 1834.
When he was twenty years of age he went to Canada, where he remained
for three years. He then went to Elmira,.New York. In 1870 he came to
California, and became agent for the Alaska Company. In 1881 he came
to Napa County, and is now engaged in viniculture near St. Helena.
MOORE, RICHARD E. F. The subject of this sketch was born in
Green County, Kentucky, October 11, 1825. When but five years of age
his parents moved to Missouri, locating in Callaway County, and followed
farming for five years, when they moved to Monroe County, same State,
where the subject of this sketch resided until his coming to California, in
the meantime having learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until
April, 1850, when in that year, in company with one brother and two
nephews, he started with ox-teams across the plains to the Golden State,
and, after a trip of five months, arrived in Weaverville, Placer County, Cal-
ifornia, where he followed mining until the fall of 1851, when he returned
via Panama to his home in Missouri. Again, in 1853 he started across
the plains with a drove of cattle to California. On arriving in the Sacra-
mento Valley, he sold his interest in the stock and located at Gold Hill and
engaged in the grocery business, where he resided until the fall of 1855. In
1857 he came to Napa County, and leased his present place, and in 1858
bought the same, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, eight miles
from Napa City. He was united in marriage, near Soscol, January 22,
1862, to Miss Hannah Davis. They have three living children, Mary A.,
William C. and Lelia Ada.
McCLURE, T. B. Was born in Knox County, Indiana, November 18,
1815. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Clark County, Illinois,
and began the merchandise business in Martinsville, which he followed for
fifteen years. In 1856, he came to California via Panama, arriving Nov-
ember 12th. He immediately engaged in mercantile pursuits in Napa City,
where the Bank of Napa now stands, which he followed for two years. He
then began farming, and in 1859, he purchased his present place. He was
married October 11, 1841, to Margaret McCord, who was born in Kentucky,
January 15, 1817. Their children are, David, born July 10, 1842 ; John
S., born January 28, 1844 ; Margaret A., born October 9, 1850, and Elizabeth,
born March 28, 1858.
MILLER, GENERAL JOHN F. Whose portrait will be found in the
body of this work, is as widely known as any man in the State of Cali-
fornia, and no man in the country stands better with his people than he.
528 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
He is in the very prime of life, being barely fifty years old. He has a
strong constitution, splendidly preserved with simple habits, that ought to
keep him in health for forty years yet. There was nothing in his youth
that was remarkable. His family was in comfortable circumstances, and
thus he was spared that bitter hardship of youth that many of our great
men had to endure. He was born in Indiana, in 1831, his parents being
Virginians. When he was about two years old, his father, who was a
banker, farmer, legislator and general business man, moved to South Bend,
Indiana. When old enough, the boy was sent to the common schools and
academies of the time, and after a while he was sent to a preparatory
school in Chicago and fitted for college. If he did not like the college and
ran away, he did no more than many a boy did before him, and many a
one has done since. When he was about eighteen he began the study of
the law, and was graduated in 1852 at the New York State Law School,
with the title of Bachelor of Laws. He began practice in South Bend, but
his health failing, he went to California by way of the Isthmus in 1853.
He was so well pleased with the infant Golden State that he took up his
residence within its borders, and practiced his profession for three years,
when he returned to Indiana. In 1857 he married Miss Chess, who belongs
to one of the oldest and best families in Pennsylaania, and who for many
generations have been large property holders in the Monongahela Valley.
He was successful in his profession in Indiana, and began to make a name
in the State. In 1860 he was in the State Senate, but resigned to go into
the war. Morton, the great war Governor, was greatly attached to Mr.
Miller, and placed him on his staff when the Kebellion broke out, with the
rank of Colonel. Previous to this, however, he made a strong record for
himself on the stump in the Fremont campaign of 1856. During all the
years of the war Mr. Miller was prominent, serving under Shemian, Buell,
Rosecrans and Thomas, as Colonel of the 29th Indiana Regiment. He com-
manded a brigade almost from the beginning of hostilities in the West, and
was known throughout the Army of the Cumberland as one of the bravest
officers in the service. At the battle of Stone River, in December, 1862,
he achieved his greatest reputation. At the head of his brigade he charged
across the river, and drove Breckenridge from his position. One of his old
officers, Captain Vance, who is not only an old soldier, but also an author
and a gentleman, has been seen to shed tears when describing the bravery
and brilliancy of General Miller on that occasion. He was shot with a
musket ball in the neck in this famous charge. He was afterwards
complimented in general orders, and also, better yet, promoted. He was
again wounded at Liberty Gap, while leading another charge of his
brigade. It was at the moment of victory, when his troops were wild
with joy, that he was struck down with another musket ball, which entered
Biographical Sketches. 529
his left eye, and lodged in the bones of the forehead. The surgeons called
it " beautiful." The eye, of course, was destroyed ; but the singular part
of the accident is, that the ball remained in his head until 1876, when it
was extracted by a surgeon in California, and was found to weigh over an
ounce. The idea of carrying an ounce of lead in one's head for twelve
years, even for glory, is not a very agreeable one in time of peace. During
all those years General Miller was not without pain. What he suffered
they of the hospital and home-guard brigades will never know. Surgeons
were afraid to remove the ball, fearing that it might destroy the sight of
the other eye, or affect the brain. The pain, however, drove the sufferer to
desperation, and he said he would rather die than endure it any longer.
At the battle of Nashville he commanded the left division of eight thou-
sand men, and was breveted a Major-General for conspicuous bravery. At
the close of the war he was offered a high commission in the regular army,
which he declined, and returned to California. He was appointed Collector
of the Port of San Francisco, and at the expiration of four years was
offered a reappointment, but declined to accept it. He then devoted him-
self to commercial pursuits, and acquired a fortune. He was Presidential
Elector at Large in 1872, again in 1876, and again in 1880. He was a member
of the Constitutional Convention in 1879, and his speeches on public ques-
tions attracted wide attention. He has devoted a great deal of attention to
the Chinese question, and his speeches and magazine articles are both able
and brilliant. At the session of the Legislature of 1880-81 he was elected to
the United States Senate, which position he now fills with honor. To him
must be accorded the credit of breaking the famous " dead lock " in that
body during the spring of 1881. It required a nerve of steel to perform
that deed under the circumstances, but he was not lacking when the ordeal
came. As a speaker he has few equals in the Senate. In the whole world
there is not a more honest man in thought, word and deed. Senator Miller
has been in the habit of spending three or four months every year in his
beautiful country residence in Napa Valley, forty miles from San Francisco.
People in the East who have never been in California, can have no adequate
idea of the country-places of the rich men of San Francisco. There are no
such palaces anywhere in the country. The villa and grounds of Senator
Miller present a scene of Oriental splendor, although they are by no means
the most costly in the State. Nature has done much, but art has done more.
The estate consists of one thousand one hundred acres. A lawn of four
acres is superbly kept, and all manner of rare tropical plants and trees grow
luxuriantly, while flowers in abundance bloom the whole year round. Add
to this, fountains, drives, fish ponds, a vineyard of forty acres, a picturesque
house of many rooms, and the loveliest piazzas in the world, a herd of
thoroughbred stock, and more horses than he can use, and you may have
34
530 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
some idea of Senator- Miller's country residence. His family consists of a
wife and one daughter. Personally, Senator Miller is a man of marked
presence. He is tall and straight, with the figure of an athlete. A kindlier
eye or a gentler smile was never seen. His hair is gray and black, a little
thin on top of the head, and his moustache, which is rapidly turning gray,
droops at the ends. His manners are characterized by simple dignity and
frankness. He is not effusive in his professions or promises, but he is the
farthest man in the world from being a statesman of the Napoleon school.
The great soldier once said of Metternich : " He comes near being a states-
man, he lies so well." In this respect Senator Miller is a statesman of the
George Washington school, which is not only better, but rarer.
McINTIRE, J. J. Was born in Ohio, December 24, 1835. When he
was quite young his parents died, and at the age of fourteen he began the
battle of life for himself. He went to Kentucky, where he worked on a
farm till 1856, when he came overland to California, coming direct to Napa
County. He worked for wages for the first three years, and in 1859, he
rented land on the Yount Tract for two years, and then bought land about
two miles from his present place. In 1877, he purchased his present place,
consisting of seven hundred and fifty acres. February 4, 1864, he married
Mrs. Elizabeth Walters, relict of Solomon Walters. They have one child,
Henry Clay, born June 16, 1865.
MOORE, WILLIAM. Was born in Ireland in 1810. When he was
eight years of age his parents moved to Quebec, Canada, thence to Montreal,
and thence, the next year, to Champlain, New York, and thence, at the end
of one year, to a place on the Ottawa River two hundred miles above Mon-
treal, where he resided till 1857. He then came to California, arriving
April 21st. He went to Suisun, Solano County, and farmed for two years.
In 1860, he moved to his present place of four hundred and eighty acres,
and is now chiefly engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married
December 15, 1845, to Miss Mary McCann, a native of Ireland. Their
children are, William, Charles, Ann J., Bessie, Kittie, Mary, Hannah, Gil-
bert and John.
McCLELLAND, J. A. Was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania,
February 20, 1842. At the age of eighteen he went West and remained till
1859. In 1860 he came to California via Panama, arriving at San Francisco,
March 12th. He went to Santa Clara where he engaged in clerking in a
mercantile house, which he followed for five years. In 1865 he became
connected with the San Francisco and San Jose' Railroad, and remained in
their employ for one year. He then came to Napa and engaged in the
mercantile business which he has since followed. He was married in 1868
to Anna West, a native of New York.
Sketches. 531
NEWCOMER, STEWART. Son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hershey New-
comer, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1840. He
resided at his birthplace until nineteen years of age, and was educated at
the common schools of his native county. In 1859 he came to California
via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco in March of the above year.
On his arrival he proceeded to the mines, and first began operations at
Sonora, Tuolumne County, and continued mining in that vicinity for three
years. In 1862 he began teaming from Mariposa to Coulterville, and soon
after, in connection with this, he opened a stage line from Sonora to
Yosemite. At this business he continued till 1868, when he returned East,
and after a short visit he once more returned to this State, and began
farming in the San Joaquin Valley, which he continued until 1871. He
then came to Pope Valley, Napa County, where he has since resided. Mr.
Newcomer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson, April 30, 1868,
a native of Ohio, born August 16, 1848. By this union they have four
children, Maggie B., Bessie, Jacob and Abraham.
NIELSEN, NICOLAI LAURITZ. Was born in Copenhagen, Denmark,
December 6, 1847, and resided at his birthplace until he was eighteen years
of age, and received his education in private schools. In 1865, he came to
America, and followed the sea for the first two years. He came to San
Francisco in 1867, and remained there for two years, being engaged as clerk
in a grocery store. He then went to Vallejo, where he followed the same
business for about eighteen months. In June, 1871, he came to Napa City
and began clerking for Thompson & Beard, which he followed till 1879,
when he was elected to the office of County Clerk and Recorder on the Re-
publican ticket, which position he still fills to the entire satisfaction of the
people, and his gentlemanly and courteous manner has won for him a host
of friends. He was married November 15, 1871, to Miss Caroline Robertson,
a native of Norway, born December 1, 1854. Their children are, Sophia,
Christine, Nicolai Lauritz and Leo Mabel.
NORTON, JOHN G. Son of John C. and Elizabeth Sterling Norton,
was born in Oswego County, New York, September 30, 1835, and resided at
his birthplace until he was twenty-one years of age, where he was educated
at the common schools, and afterward followed farming. November 5, 1856,
found the subject of this sketch on board the steamer " Illinois," bound for
California via Panama ; and on the Pacific side he took passage on board
the " Golden Gate " for San Francisco, arriving December 1st of the same
year. He immediately proceeded to Napa Valley and worked in the employ
of his brother on a farm near Dry Creek, and afterwards worked for differ-
ent parties in the county, but finally located in Napa City, where he worked
as helper in his brother's blacksmith shop and remained one year. At the
532 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
•
breaking out of the Fraser River excitement, he, with many others, started
for the new El Dorado, but being somewhat disappointed in the size of
the " nuggets," he returned to Napa County and to his brother's shop, where
he remained for two years. He was then married, and leased several differ-
ent farms until 1866, when he purchased his present valuable property of
sixty-seven acres, two miles south of St. Helena, and is principally engaged
in viniculture. Mr. Norton is married and has three children, whose names
are, Frank E., Katie M., and Annie Maud Fisher.
NORTON, ABRAM W. Son of John C. and Elizabeth Sterling Nor-
ton, was born in Herkimer County, New York, May 7, 1827, and is now
fifty-four years of age. When he was two years of age, his parents moved
to Oswego County, same State, where he resided until he was eighteen years
of age, having the advantages of the common schools of those days. Mr.
Norton at eighteen, went to Syracuse, New York, and began an apprentice-
ship to the blacksmith and machine trade, and in this capacity served six
yeai's, until January, 1852, when, on the 5th of that month, he sailed from
New York on the steamer " Permelia," for California, via Panama. At that
place, he boarded the steamer " North America." After being out two days,
the steamer was wrecked, and from Valparaiso he went to Acapulco by
land, and there they boarded an old bark which took eighty of them to
San Francisco, arriving May 1st of that year, after a stormy passage of four
months. He immediately came to Napa City, where the first four months
were spent on the farm of his brother, Martin Norton, now deceased. He
then began to work at his trade in the employ of John Guthrie, and con-
tinued for five months. He then purchased the shop owned by John Rob-
inson and began business for himself, which he continued until 1870. He
then had a vacation for two years, and in 1872, Mr. Norton purchased an
interest in the present firm of B. F. Sawyer & Co., engaged in the tannery
business, located in Napa City, of which a full history will be found else-
where in this book. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Mary
E. Johnson, October 28, 1855, who was born in Genesee County, New York,
May 1, 1831, and died February 6, 1875. By this union he has five living
children: Ida M., born August 5, 1857; Homer F.,born October 17, 1860;
Harriet L., born June 12, 1863; Gracie A, born October 17, 1865, and
William H, born December 24, 1867. Mr. Norton's second marriage oc-
curred May 30, 1876, to Mrs. Frances Harrington, a native of Michigan. By
this union they have one child, Burta, born January 26, 1878.
NOTTAGE, FRANK M. Son of Samuel F. and Mary F. Hamlin Not-
tage, was born in Chelsea, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, August 12, 1855,
and resided there until March, 1878, and received his education in the mean-
time, graduating from the Chelsea High School in 1873. He came to Cali-
Biographical Sketches. 533
fornia in the last mentioned year, and became associated with Joshua Frye,
and in August, 1880, he became an equal partner with him in the general
merchandise business which they are conducting at Rutherford, under the
firm name of Frye & Nottage. He is unmarried.
OSBORN, GEORGE. Was born in Kislingberg, England, March 23,
1824. At the age of four years he came with his parents to America, and
first located in Hudson, New York, and attended school and followed farm-
ing for ten years, and after the same length of time spent in Oneida County,
same State, he moved to Wareham, Massachusetts, and there was employed
in a foundry for three years. In 1848 we find Mr. Osborn in Ogle County,
Illinois, engaged in farming, where he resided until 1868, when he started
via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco June 5th of the above year.
After a short stay in Santa Clara Valley he moved to Napa County, pur-
chasing his present homestead of nine acres, located inside the limits of St.
Helena, and is engaged in viniculture and fruit-growing. Mr. Osborn was
married in Middleborough, Massachusetts, May 14, 1848, to Miss Phoebe W.
Hull, a native of that place. They have one daughter, Eveline, now Mrs.
P. W. Grigsby.
OWEN, JAMES CARROLL. Was born in Schuyler County, Illinois,
January 23, 1831, and is the son of Thomas Harvey and Mary Paine Owen.
When he was still an infant his parents moved to Hancock County, Illi-
nois, where he received his education at the common schools. April 28;
1849, he, with his father and brother, L. F., started across the plains
to California, arriving in March of the next year, being delayed at Coun-
cil Bluffs on account of the sickness of their father. They arrived at Salt
Lake October 21st, and left November 12th, going the southern route, and
after traveling through four hundred miles of snow, they arrived at Los
Angeles March 7, 1850. They proceeded to the Tuolumne River, where
they established a ferry, which they conducted until 1852, when they went
to Solano County, where they engaged in stock raising with Robert Cannon.
In 1856 he went to Suisun, and engaged in the livery business. In 185?
he introduced the first water-works in that place. In 1862 he engaged
in keeping the Pacific Hotel. In 1863 he ran a butcher shop. He then
engaged in the liquor business, which he followed till 1867. During all
this time he had worked a great deal at the carpenter's business, having
shingled the first house in Suisun. In 1867 he moved to Zem Zem and en-
gaged in the cattle business. He then turned his attention to the sheep
business. He kept a hotel at Zem Zem, and opened the excellent sulphur
spring at his place, which he named Zem Zem, which means "healing waters."
He has helped to open two quicksilver mines, both of which he has sold.
In December, 1869, he established the Zem Zem post-office. He was mar-
ried January 22, 1857, to Miss Phoebe Rush, who was born in South Bend,
534 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Indiana, October 2, 1837. Their children are: Luticia Adeline, born March
5, 1858 ; Dora Etta, born September 9, 1859 ; Mary Ella, born February
6, 1863, and Charles Clinton, born December 22, 1866.
OLSEN, EDWIN G. Son of Ole Hansen and Anne Pedersen, was born
in Fredrikshald, Norway, June 7, 1848. At his birthplace he resided until
his twenty-first year, during which time he learned the tailoring trade. In
1869 he proceeded to Christiana, the capital of Norway, where he worked
at his trade until March 28, 1873. He then immigrated to America, settling
in Brooklyn, New York, where he was employed at his trade until March,
1877, when he started for California, first locating in San Francisco for a
few months, when Mr. Olsen with his present partner, Mr. Hansen, came to
Napa City and began their present business, that of merchant tailoring. Mr.
Olsen still enjoys the full happiness of bachelorhood.
O'CONNELL, MAURICE. Was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1841,
and is the son of Patrick and Katherine Stapleton O'Connell. He resided
at his birthplace until 1868, learning the shoemaker's trade in the mean-
time. In that year he came to California, and located in Napa, where he
has since resided and followed his trade. In 1873 he opened a general stock
of ready-made goods in his line.
PLASS, CHARLES W. Son of Peter and Elizabeth Plass, was born
in Columbia County, New York, March 4, 1818. He received a common
school education in the county where he was born, and resided at home till
he was eighteen years of age. He then began the trade of engineer and
machinist, which he followed till 1853. January 20th of that year he
sailed on the steamer " Uncle Sam," from New York to Aspinwall, and at
Panama he took the steamer " Winfield Scott " for San Francisco, where he
arrived February 22d of that year. He began working at his trade for the
Pacific Steam Navigation Company, with whom he remained until 1858.
In 1856 he purchased his present farm. In 1857 he was joined by his
family from the East, and in the following year he moved to his present
place, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He
now owns five hundred acres of land in Napa County. He was married,
May 13, 1839, to Trinah Sheffer, who was born in Columbia County, New
York. She died in 1859. He was married secondly to Miss Catherine
Harris August 24, 1864, who is a native of Rhode Island.
PORTERFIELD, HARVEY. This worthy old pioneer was born in
Rutherford County, Tennessee, March 15, 1823, and is the son of John W.
and Julia Edgington Porterfield. He resided at his birthplace until 1839,
being reared on a farm and having only the advantages of a common school
education. In 1836 he came to Jackson County, Missouri, where he worked
on a farm until the spring of 1845, when with Capt. John Grigsby's Com-
ical Sketches. 535
pany, he started for Oregon. At Fort Hall they met John Greenwood,
an old Rocky Mountain hunter and trapper, who had been to California in
the pursuit of his avocation. He was piloting a party consisting of the
Gordons and Winters back to the States. The two parties struck camp
near each other, and Greenwood proceeded to give them a glowing descrip-
tion of California, and urged them to go there. The next morning Captain
Grigsby, David and William Hudson, William Elliott, and others, drove out
to one side of the train and announced their intention of going to California.
The train was about evenly divided, and Mr. Porterfield, who was acting as
teamster, came with the California party. They came on, and arrived at
Johnsons Ranch, on Bear River, September 6, 1845. Up to the time of the
Mexican War there was but little doing in California, and money was very
scarce indeed. Mr. Porterfield went to Sonoma and worked at the carpen-
ter's trade, getting two dollars a day, and taking his pay in hides and tallow.
He remained in Sonoma until two days before the Bear Flag War broke out,
when he went to the Kellogg place, near the Bale mill, and did his part in
warning the citizens of impending troubles. He joined the Bear Flag com-
pany, and passed all through that exciting and important affair. He then
enlisted in Capt. J. B. Ford's company at Sonoma, and served in the Mexican
War for one year. The company first went to Sutters Fort, thence to Mon-
terey, where they were taken on board the whaling vessel " Stonington " and
landed at San Diego. There the company was divided, a portion of them
remaining at San Diego and the remainder coming back with Fremont to
meet the immigration of 1846. Mr. Porterfield was of those who remained
in San Diego. In the spring of 1847 General Kearny, with Kit Carson as
a guide, came in from New Mexico with about one hundred dragoons. They
stopped at a place known as Warrens Ranch, and sent word to where the
California volunteers were stationed. Captain John Grigsby, Samuel
C. Hensley, and Lieutenant Gibson, took a party of thirty men and went
out to meet them. They came up with Kearny on the evening of the
second day out, and camped near by. They were within ten miles of
Andreas Pico and his band of California-Mexicans. That night they sent
men out to reconnoiter Pico's camp, and the next morning at daylight they
attacked him. Captain Moore was detailed to take twenty dragoons and
make the charge, and General Kearny brought up the rear. Kit Carson
went with ten men to capture the horses. Pico's men killed Captain Moore
and his squad of twenty men, but when the rear came up he retreated. They
buried the killed, and remained on the scene of battle until four o'clock that
afternoon. They then took up the line of march, but had not proceeded more
than five miles, before they were attacked by the Mexicans and driven upon
a round hill with plains all around it. Here they were surrounded by
five hundred men. On the second day of the siege they saw four men on
536 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
horseback, and the Mexicans in hot pursuit. The horsemen got into the tim-
ber, but were captured in less than two hours. The siege continued until their
provisions became exhausted, and they began to eat their mules. In fact it
had come to that pass that something had to be done. Volunteers were
called for to pass the lines and go to San Diego for assistance, and Kit
Carson and Lieutenant Peal came to the front and said they would make
the attempt. That night they stole quietly down the hill-side, out through
the Mexican sentry lines, and then away they sped on the wings of fear as
well as of hope, and soon reached their destination and related the precarious
condition their comrades were in. A force of three hundred men was sent
to their rescue, and when Pico saw the force approaching he beat a hasty
retreat. They then went to San Diego, and thence Mr. Porterneld's com-
pany went to Los Angeles and passed through that campaign with General
Fremont, and in the spring of 1847 he received his discharge. He then
returned to Napa Valley and made his home with the Hudson brothers
during that summer. Ixi the fall he went to live with Nathan Coombs.
April 15, 1848, at the very dawn of the gold excitement, he went to the
Coloma Mines and remained there until November of that year. He spent
that winter with Mr. Coombs, and spent the next summer in driving stock
to the mines. In the winter of 1S49. he, with Major Reading, fitted up a
vessel to go to the mouth of the Trinity River. Meeting with a storm their
vessel was blown ashore on Vancouver's Island and became a total wreck.
Here they were detained for one month, when they returned to San Fran-
cisco on the bark "Josephine." He then went to Cache Creek, and worked
for Matt. Harbin, caring for stock. In the spring of 1850 he took up a place
in Yolo County and began stock raising. In 1852 he returned East via
Panama, and while in Iowa was married. In 1853, with his wife and his
father, he started across the plains for California, bringing a drove of cattle.
He went back again to his Yolo farm, and remained there till 185C, when
he came to Napa County and settled on the Chapman ranch. In 1S57 he
moved to his present farm, which consists of four hundred and eighty acres,
and is engaged chiefly in stock and grain raising. In January. 1S5S, he was
married to Miss Martha Alexander, who was born January 23. 1833, and
died in 1866, leaving three children William, Josephine and Emily. He
married, secondly, in 1868, Miss Mattie A. Galbraith, who was born Novem-
ber 18, 1839. His children by this union are Alfred. Mattie, Mary and
Harvey.
PACCAUD, LOUIS. Was born in Switzerland February 3, 1829, and
resided in his birthplace until he was sixteen years of age, receiving his
education there. At the above age he went to Paris, France, where he
secured a situation as clerk, and remained there until 1S4S. He then
came to America, first settling in New York City, securing a situation at
Biographical Sketches. 537
his former business. In June, 1852, he sailed from New York on the
steamer " John L. Stevens," and at Panama taking the steamer " Tennessee,"
arrived at San Francisco in July of that year. He immediately proceeded
to the mines in Yuba County and engaged in mining, which he followed
for eighteen months, when he removed to Placer County and continued in
his former business until 1871. He then came to Napa County and em-
barked in farming, three miles from Napa City, which he followed until
1877. He then moved to Napa, purchasing an interest in the book and
notion store of the now well-known firm of Epley & Paccaud. Mr. Paccaud
was married in 1855 to Miss Julia Justice, a native of England, born in 1825.
By this union they have three children, Francois, Julia, and Grace.
PARKER, THEODORE R. Son of Wm. M. and Caroline T. Hogan
Parker, was born in New York City, October 21, 1838. He was educated
at the public schools of that city, and at the age of fifteen became an
apprentice to the gas-fitter's trade. When seventeen years old he began
working as full journeyman, which he continued until 1859. He then went
to Exeter, New Hampshire, and took charge of the Exeter Gas Works, a
position he held for three years. In 1862 he came to California via Panama,
arriving in San Francisco April 28th of that year. He immediately pro-
ceeded to Mokelumne Hill, where he embarked in running a saw mill for
Wiley & Washborne, which he continued one year. In 1864 he located in
Marysville, where he took charge of the Marysville Gas Works, which
position he filled until February, 1869. He then came to Napa, and imme-
diately became connected with the Napa Gas Works, which business has
since received his entire attention. Mr. Parker was united in marriage to
Miss Eliza M. Cate, July 9, 1861, she being a native of Exeter, New
Hampshire, born May 25, 1841, and by this union they have six children,
all living: William M., born October 5, 1864, and Adah A., boi-n December
3, 1866, in Marysville ; Joseph R., born August 27, 1870, Caroline T., born
February 6, 1873, John W., born December 24, 1876, and Theodore R., born
October 1, 1879, in Napa City.
PALMER, PHILIP HENRY. Whose portrait appears in this work, is
the son of Philip and Ann A. Palmer. He was born in Mason County,
Kentucky, December 8, 1838. When but six years of age he, with his
parents, moved to Johnson County, Missouri, and there resided till the 10th
of May, 1850, when, with his parents, he started across the plains to Cali-
fornia, arriving in -Nevada City October 6th of the same year, locating on
Brush Creek, two miles from Nevada City, and there remained until Octo-
ber, 1852. In that year he moved with his parents and settled in Suisun
Valley, Solano County, and there resided until 1S67, and for several years
during the latter part of this time was engaged quite extensively in the
538 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
stock business near Fort Ross, Sonoma County, when he came to his present
ranch in Pope Valley, October 16, 1867, consisting of five hundred and
forty-four acres. Was married August 9, 1865, to Miss Sarah E. Lewellin,
who was born in Harrison County, Indiana, October 13, 1841. By this
union they have no children.
PRATT, EUGENE F. Was born in Du Page County, Illinois, June
23, 1851, and is the son of W. B. and Alzina Page Pratt. He resided in his
birthplace until he was eight years of age, and then moved with his parents
to Missouri. Remaining there about two years, he returned to Illinois,
attending school at Lake Forrest, Lake County, in the above State. He
then returned to Cole County, Missouri, and engaged with his father in the
milling business, and continued in this until August, 1870, when he started
for California, his father having preceded him to this State. Remaining in
this State but a short time, he proceeded to Idaho and there remained until
March, 1874, when he returned to California, locating in Calistoga. He
opened a livery and feed stable, and remained in this 'business for eight
months and then sold and engaged in farming for one year. In May, 1878,
he, with his family, moved to Washington Territory and remained two years,
and then once more returned to Napa Valley and purchased his present
property of twenty acres. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma
Teale, October 29, 1875. By this union they have two children : Henry T.
and Eleanor.
PETERSON, WILLIAM. Was born in Duxbury, Massachusetts, Octo-
ber 19, 1820. Twelve years of his early life was spent with his father in
the sail-making business ; but this occupation being distasteful to him, in
May, 1842, being then twenty-two years of age, he commenced a sea-faring
life, beginning in the forecastle as a common sailor. After passing through
all the grades of seamanship, he was in 1851 promoted to the position of
captain, and followed the sea continuously for thirty-one years. During
this time he had sailed several times around the world, and visited ports in
every quarter of the globe. The ten years previous to settling in California,
he had sailed between the Atlantic ports, San Francisco and Europe, carry-
ing grain cargoes. To his good fortune it may be said, that during a quarter
of a century as commander of a ship, he never met with any serious acci-
dent on the ocean. In 1873, after a varied career on the sea, he concluded
to spend the remainder of his days in quiet on the land, and removed to
St. Helena with his family, where he is now engaged in. viniculture on his
ranch of forty acres. Since locating here he has performed one voyage from
San Francisco to Europe via Philadelphia to California. Captain Peterson
has been thrice married. His first two wives were natives of Duxbury.
His present wife was Mrs. Jane M. Gilvery, a native of England, whom he
Biographical Sketches. 539
married in London in 1864. By his first wife he had three children ; by
his second two, and by the last three ; three only of which are living. A
daughter by his first marriage is now the wife of Captain Frederick Bailey,
at present in the East Indies. His two sons by his last wife, William and
Henry T., are residing with him in his present home.
PRATT, GEORGE L. Is a native of Maine, and was born December
16, 1825, and remained in his birthplace until he was fourteen years of age.
He then went to sea and followed a sea-faring life until he started for Cali-
fornia, which occurred in February, 1849. He sailed from Boston on board
the ship " Corsair," to the Isthmus of Panama, and on the Pacific side, on
board the Scotch bark " Colona," and after an unusually long passage of one
hundred days from Panama, he arrived in San Francisco in June, 1849. On
his arrival, Mr. Pratt proceeded immediately to the mines at Beals Bar, on
the north fork of the American River, and continued mining there until the
spring of 1852. His next move was to Colusa County, where he engaged
in farming, and where he resided twenty-three years. In 1875, he moved to
Napa County, purchasing his present valuable property of forty acres, lo-
cated inside the corporate limits of St. Helena. He is now engaged in vini-
culture.
PRIEST, JOSHUA J. Was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February
14, 1826. He worked on a farm until 1849, when he, in company with his
cousin, J. L. Priest, started in March of that year across the plains for Cal-
ifornia, arriving in Sacramento August 1st. They immediately went to the
mines on the American River, and embarked in mining, which they followed
until 1860. In that year Joshua moved to Solano County, where he engaged
in the stock business, which he continued until 1863. He then came to
Capelle Valley, Napa County, and began farming. J. L. Priest remained in
the mines until 1866, when he joined his brother in Capelle Valley. They
continued there until 1869, when they came to Chiles Valley, where they
purchased their present ranch of seven hundred and forty acres, and are
engaged in farming and stock raising. The subject of this sketch was
married November 20, 1862, to Miss Sarah Foster, who was born in San-
gamon County, Illinois, May 28, 1848. By this union they have eight
children, Catharine, born February 14, 1864 ; William H, born December
31, 1865 ; Daniel C, born December 22, 1867 ; James L., born December 22,
1869; David Q., born January 29, 1872; Alonzo, born July 27, 1874;
Charles H, born June 16, 1877, and Lafayette, born August 20, 1879.
PETTENGILL, DR. JOHN A, Surgeon Dentist. Was born in Methuen,
Essex County, Massachusetts, March 24, 1829, and is the son of Deacon Ben-
jamin and Frances Currier Pettengill. Was married January 30, 1850, to
Corrella F. Prescott, born in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, March 4, 1832.
540 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
He came to California that year via Panama, and engaged in mining and
mercantile pursuits, which he followed nearly one year. On his return,
accompanied by his wife, he visited, professionally, Mexico, and remained
nearly five years. From Mexico he went to New Granada and Venezuela ;
from thence to all the Dutch, English, and Spanish West India Islands. In
May, 1861, he sailed from New York in the ill-fated bark " Almena" for
the East Indies, and practiced his chosen profession in Java, Singapore, Pe-
nang, Hong Kong, and the Philippine Islands. From the islands he arrived
in 1870, almost an invalid, and bought his present place, the White Rock
Vineyard, for the purpose of recuperating, and is now engaged in wine-
making.
PELLET, HENRY ALPHONSE. The subject of this sketch, whose
portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born February 6, 1828,
in Canton Neuchatel, Switzerland, and is the second son of John Samuel
and Elizabeth Javet Pellet. He remained with his parents until he was
fifteen years of age, receiving in the meantime the rudiments of his educa-
tion, and also working in his father's vineyards. At that age he entered
the high schools, which he attended for two years. He then studied sur-
veying for one year. In 1846 he accepted the position of book-keeper for
Messrs. Perret & Co., watch manufacturers in La Chaux de Fonds, which
he held until February, 1848, when he resigned his position, and took part
as a volunteer in the revolution which ended the sovereignty of the King
of Prussia over the Canton of Neuchatel. In May of that year he immi-
grated to the United States, and immediately proceeded to St. Louis, Mis-
souri, having brought with him a stock of watches and watchmakers' tools
and materials, he established himself in that business. Disposing of most
of his stock to jewelers in the West, he returned to Switzerland in the fall
of 1848, and in the spring of 1849 he returned to St. Louis via New
Orleans with a replenished stock of goods in his line. He remained in St.
Louis until the spring of 1850, when he fitted up two six-mule teams at
his own expense, and organized a company of twelve men for the overland
trip to California. He sent his teams overland to St. Joseph, whither he
soon followed them by steamer ; and on the 16 th of May of the above year
he started with his train from the last named place for the land of gold.
He came by way of the northern route, leaving Salt Lake City to the
south, coming via the Sublette cut-off and Fort Hall to the St. Marys or
Humboldt River ; thence down that river to the Sink ; thence across the
desert to the Truckee River ; thence across the Sierra Nevadas, arriving at
Nevada City September 16, 1850. On the route they suffered a great deal
for want of provisions. After being out but two weeks they broke one of
their wagons, and were compelled to lighten by throwing out some of their
supplies ; and they were for six weeks without bread or anything made of
Biographical Sketches. 541
flour, and subsisted for four weeks on jerked beef alone, which they pro-
cured from crippled and half dead cattle left on the road. He engaged at
once in mining, which he continued with good success until the following
February, when, in company with five other miners, he went to the north
fork of the Feather River, at a place named Rich Bar, where he mined for
five months, and then returned to Nevada City. In the fall of 1851 he, in
company with others, opened a quartz mine, erected a mill thereon, and in
less than six months the venture proved a complete failure. This was check
number one, but a situation as foreman in a quartz mine at eight dollars per
day being offered, he gladly accepted, and remained in that position until the
fall of 1852. He then came to San Francisco, when in connection with
J. L. Cabanne, he erected a flour mill at North Beach, and operated the
same with varying success for one year. In the fall of 1853, the mill was
moved to Napa City, and located at the corner of Main and Fourth streets,
it being the first steam grist mill built in Napa County. The mill started
as a toll mill, and proved a great convenience to the farmers then scattered
over Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties. Teams with their loads of grain
could be seen every day, some coming from Russian River Valley, some
from Clear Lake, others from Petaluma, Sonoma, and less remote places,
and returning to their homes the next day laden with the much needed and
indispensable " staff of life." He remained connected with this mill until
June, 1855 ; and while it proved a great benefit to the farmers, it proved
quite the reverse to its owners, owing, perhaps, to the want of experience
in the manner of taking toll. This may be explained by a remark made
at the time by General W. S. Jacks, a prominent resident of Napa, that
" H. A. Pellet was too conscientious to be a successful miller." In June,
1855, he severed his connection with the mill, and returned to the mines in
Siskiyou County. In 1858 he returned to Napa, and engaged in farming.
In 1860 he leased Patchett's vineyard, near Napa City, and began the wine
business. Mr. Charles Krug had made some wine on this place in 1859,
which was the first wine made in the county by other than the old Mexican
process ; hence, Mr. Pellet has the honor of being the second wine maker in
the county. In 1863 he came to his present place, now consisting of forty-
five acres, of which thirty-eight are in vines. He had charge of Dr. G. B.
Crane's vineyard and cellar up to 1866, when, in connection with D. B.
Carver, he built a cellar, and followed the wine business, buying grapes and
manufacturing wine, under the firm name of Pellet & Carver, up to 1878,
when the partnership was dissolved. In 1876 he was elected as Supervisor
of the Third District of Napa County. Was re-elected in 1878; and in
1880, although strongly urged to allow his name to be used in the same
connection, positively refused to serve any longer. He has served two
terms, and is now for the third time a member of the Board of Trustees of
542 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the town of St. Helena. He was married February 5, 1856, to Miss Sarah
S., daughter of Pressley and Lovicy Walker Thompson, born in Sandusky,
Ohio, June 6, 1830. Their children are, Frank, born March 23, 1857 ;
John S., born September 11, 1858 ; Louis A., born May 4, 1861 ; and they
have lost two.
PEACOCK, EZRA A. Whose portrait appears in this work, is the son
of Joseph and Deborah Comstock Peacock, and was born in Oneida County,
New York, October 6, 1834. At thirteen years of age he began the battle of
life for himself, and removed to Wayne County, that State, where he worked
for wages until 1852. April 20th of that year, he sailed from New York City
on board the steamer " Daniel Webster," to Nicaragua, and from Panama
to San Francisco, on board the steamer " Old Independence," arriving in
that city May 26th of that year. He first found employment in the harvest
fields of Colusa County, after which, with his two brothers, he proceeded to
Siskiyou County and engaged in mining on Humbug Creek, which they con-
tinued for two months. He then proceeded to Yreka, where he, in partner-
ship with his cousin Samuel, purchased a ten-pin alley, which they converted
into a livery stable, and conducted the business until 1855, at the same time
being engaged in farming in Scotts Valley. In the above year they turned
their entire attention to farming and thrashing, receiving as high as fifteen
cents per bushel for thrashing wheat. They continued this business in con-
nection with staging and teaming until 1861, when, in November the subject
of this sketch moved to Solano County and began farming in Green Valley,
which he continued until 1866. We next find him in Berryessa Valley,
where he erected the first house in Monticello. He then began farming in
that vicinity, which he followed until 1872, when he began the liquor busi-
ness, soon afterwards opening his present hotel. Mr. Peacock has held the
office of Road Overseer, Constable, and is now Deputy Sheriff under Bennett
James. He was married at Yreka, Siskiyou County, in 1861, to Miss Mai'tha
Ann London.
PARKER, HARRY C. Whose portrait appears in this work, was born
on Staten Island, of English parents, January 9, 1816. During his infancy
his father was engaged in the Mint at Philadelphia ; and while he was yet
a child they moved to New York City, and resided there until he was
twelve years of age, when his father and mother died within one year of
each other, leaving him an orphan without a relation whom he had ever
seen. Mr. Gibson, being a friend of his parents, cared for him by taking
him to his home, which was located where Brooklyn now stands. Here he
remained one year. At the age of twelve he began the seafaring life, and
followed it until his eighteenth year. He then went to New Orleans, and
was employed until the winter of 1837. -In this year he began the study
Biographical Sketches. 543
of the navigation of the river as pilot, and subsequently followed this occu-
pation for twelve years. In June, 1849, he left New Orleans on the bark
" Seneca " for Chagres. Arrived in Panama July 1st, and celebrated our
seventy-third national birthday in that city. Left Panama in this month
on the bark " Wilhelmina," and landed in San Francisco September
11, 1849. Pitched his tent in "Happy Valley," near where is now Mission
and First streets. After a few days he proceeded with his traveling com-
panion, Alex. McKenzie, to the mines, halting at Woods Creek, near Sonora.
They found that the Mormons had been there before them, and after con-
sultation they took their departure for Indian Bar, Tuolumne River, and
commenced operations with rocker and bowl (first experience in rocking the
cradle), which they followed till November, when the river rose and floated
off their entire mining outfit. Mr. Parker then returned to San Francisco
and remained till February, 1850. Having shipped merchandise from New
Orleans on the bark " Madonna " previous to leaving there, and which then
arriving, he took his goods to Stockton and commenced a mercantile busi-
ness, in which he continued till December, 1852, having suffered loss by
the customary casualty of being burned out in May, 1851. In 1853 he went
to San Francisco and entered as a partner in the firm of J. Y. Halleck & Co.,
in which he continued until 1864. In that year he retired from business.
The following year he purchased his present home, four miles north of Napa,
and has since been engaged in farming.
PEARSON, ISAAC N. The subject of this sketch was born in Fayette,
Howard County, Missouri, July 14, 1835. When he was about two years
old his parents and grand-parente moved to the north-western part of that
State, and settled in Scotland County, in the timber, near a large prairie,
where they built houses for themselves, cleared off the land and followed
farming for several years. In the meantime a little country town sprung
up in the county, which was called Memphis, and to this place his father
moved with his family, and Mr. Pearson remained there until April 5,
1853, when he and his mother and a party of friends started for Napa
Valley, California, where they arrived September 20th of that year. Here
he engaged in farming for about two years, when he went to the mines, and
followed that business until 1865. He then concluded to turn his attention
to farming again, and returned to Napa Valley and purchased a ranch near
Yountville. At the end of two years he disposed of his interest and moved
to Napa City, where he engaged in the manufacture of buck gloves, and is
still engaged in that business, having built up a splendid trade, and as a
fruit of his labors, has a nice house and a competency. He was married
September 16, 1865, to Miss Mary A. Jackson, a native of Peoria County,
Illinois, who was born November 8, 1848, and by this union they have
three living children : William L., Lila C, and John M. L. R.
544 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
POND, MILO BUSHNELL, M. D. Third son of Ananias Rogers Pond,
of Revolutionary stock, of Vermont, and his wife, Frances Mann Bush-
nell, of the same State, was born February 22, 1836, in Dearborn County,
Indiana, and ernigi-ated to Wisconsin in 1840. Early in life he showed a
love and aptitude for learning, evinced by " spelling down " an entire school,
and then two lawyers — who volunteered to spell against him — one of them
Allen Barber, District Attorney of Grant County, Wisconsin, in the spring
of 1842, when but six years old. He immigrated to California in 1853, driv-
ing a team of cattle across the continent, which took six months. For
several years he worked upon his father's farm, clearing and improving, with
but little time for school, but carrying a book at all times in his pocket,
and studying each while the team rested. Thus algebra and other studies
were mastered without a teacher. He is by nature a Republican, believing
in free and equal human rights, and the duty of all to protect them. This
was made manifest in 1856, at a public school exhibition, in a Democratic
stronghold district, where as a pupil he took part, as orator of the occasion,
by making an anti-slavery speech, which called forth threats of "tar
and feathers" from some Missourians, one of whom was trustee of the
school. He was elected a delegate to the first Republican County Conven-
tion of Solano County, and was secretary of the first meeting organizing
the Union League of that county, at Suisun, when the news of the firing
upon Fort Sumter was first received, and ever took an earnest, bold part in
keeping California in the folds of the Union. At that time, having secured
a first-grade certificate, he was teaching, alone, the Fairfield public school,
of over sixty pupils, which embraced, at that time, all grades from the alpha-
bet to trigonometry and Latin ; the two latter branches, however, were taught
as a special favor to some bright young men in attendance, outside of reg-
ular school hours — which, by the way, then embraced from eight A. M. to
six P. M. Here he organized a literary society and library, which flourished
for three years, but failed during his absence for want of public spirit among
the people — the books, some hundred of them, being divided between a few
of the old pupils. He was a member of the Board of Teachers' Examiners
until he moved out of the county, and always took an active interest in the
public schools. Examinations at that day were principally oral, and the
superintendent a political officer, as now — a bad system, which ought to be
abolished, as trades in conventions often result in nominating the poorest
qualified applicant. The Rev. Mr. H , when, as president, he was organ-
izing the Board, " wanted it distinctly understood that we are here to ask
questions and not to answer them for any of the teachers." In his case it
was a bold, clever, and necessary protective measure. He graduated in med-
icine from the Toland Medical College, San Francisco, March 7, 1865, being
one of a class of seven who first graduated from the college. He held the
Biographical Sketches. 545
position of resident physician in the City and County Hospital of San
Francisco for some time, leaving there to locate in Napa City, in the fall of
1866, where he still resides. He, with Dr. Frisbie, of Vallejo, and Dr.
Campbell, of Suisun, (now dead, but an earnest, worthy member of the
profession,) worked long and earnestly to organize a District Medical So-
ciety for Solano and Napa Counties, and finally succeeded ; but it languished
for a year and a half, and died for the want of a quorum of seven, though
the above organizers were never absent from a meeting during all that time,
though never meeting a quorum. He received an addendum diploma from
the Medical College of the Pacific December 7, 1870. Has always been an
active member of the California State Medical Society. He is the inventor
of the split canula, for tracheotomy, and a double curved needle for intro-
ducing sutures in the operation of staphyloraphy, or cleft palate, and
presented them to the fraternity at the meeting of the State Medical So-
ciety held in 1873, and read a paper describing them and their use as used
by him, which appears in the published transactions of the society for 1873,
both instruments being illustrated by engravings, and are valuable additions
to surgery. Dr. Pond has performed most of the major operations in surgery
with marked success, including ovariotomy, tracheotomy, staphyloraphy,
enterotomy, perineoraphy, vesico-vaginal fistula, recto-vaginal fistula, for
strangulated hernia, extraction of the hip and knee joints, etc., and enjojrs an
enviable reputation for the treatment of women. March 25, 1881, like a true
surgeon, he submitted himself to the knife for the radical cure of ventral
hernia, under the hand of Dr. L. C. Lane, and was rewarded by a perfect
cure. He has always taken an active part in local societies for culture and
refinement, as well as manly and social clubs, and is an active citizen in
all respects.
PINKHAM, PORTER. Was born in Freeport, Maine, August 9, 1816.
Here he resided until eighteen years of age, when he went to Massachusetts,
where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1859, at
which time he started for California. He came via Panama, and arrived at
San Francisco in May of the above year. He worked for a short time for
a railroad company, building bridges near Folsom, after which he went
to San Francisco and was rendered unable to work on account of poor
health for about eighteen months. We next find Mr. Pinkham in San
Jose*, where he remained about one year. He then returned to San Fran-
cisco, where he followed his trade until November, 1868, when he returned
East on a visit via Nicaragua. The following spring he returned to Cali-
fornia, and brought his family. He settled in Oakland, where he followed
carpentering until September, 1876, when he came to Napa County and
bought his present place, consisting of ten acres, located near St. Helena.
35
546 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Mr. Pinkham married March 30, 1841, Miss Harriet L. Parker, a native of
Massachusetts, by whom he has three children, Parker, Ellen M., and Willis P.
POE, JOHN. Was born in Ash County, North Carolina, May 19, 1834.
In 1850 he, with his parents, moved to Missouri, where two yeaxs were
spent, and in 1852 he, leaving his parents behind, went to Texas, where he
resided until 1857. He then came to California and located in Sonoma
County, where he remained about one year, after which he came to Napa
County, where farming was prosecuted for two years. We next find Mr.
Poe in Santa Cruz County, where he followed the same business until 1863,
when he once more took up his residence in Sonoma County. Here he
resided until 1876, when he returned to Napa County, and followed farming
in Pope Valley for one year. From this time until 1880 his time was
divided between Yolo and Tehama Counties. In January of the last-named
year he returned to Napa County, and purchased four hundred acres of
land near Monticello, and is engaged in farming. He married, January 1,
1863, Miss Martha S. George. Their children are, James E., Anna L., George,
Maurice and Ida.
POLK, THOMAS W. Was bom in Knox County, Indiana, March 4,
1816. In 1833 his parents moved to Logansport, where he resided for one
year. In the spring of 1834 he went to Jackson County, Missouri, and
helped lay out the town of Westport, and followed clei-king in that place
for two years. In 1836 he, with his father and a Mr. Scott, began trading
with the Indians in the Indian Territory, which he followed for six years.
He then returned to Missouri and remained until the breaking out of the
Rebellion, when he with his family moved to Dallas, Texas, where they re-
mained one year. They then went to Arkansas and lived there six months.
December 23, 1863, he started for California from New York, arriving in
San Francisco January 25, 1864. He went to San Jose" and began dairying^
and lived in other places until he came to Napa County and located in
Cherry Valley, where he owns three thousand acres of land. He was mar-
ried October 5, 1837. The children are, Nellie, born November 12, 1849,
and Robert T., born December 5, 1852.
ROBERTS, WILLIAM C Was born in Grant County, Wisconsin, July
26, 1853. When ten years of age, he with his parents, came to California,
and settled in San Joaquin Valley, near Stockton. Here they resided until
the spring of 1873, when they came to Napa County and spent the summer.
In the fall of the above year the subject of these remarks went to Siskiyou
County, where he engaged in stock raising until 1876, at which time he re-
turned to Napa County and located in Chiles Valley, where he owns and
conducts two hundred and seventy acres of land. He married, November
25, 1881, Miss Mary Scott, a native of California,
trxz/.tA
~4
Biographical Sketches. 547
REIMERS, C. Was born in Germany May 1, 1831, and resided in his
birthplace until 1852, where he received his education. In that year he
crossed the Atlantic, arriving in New York, from whence he came via Pan-
ama to San Francisco. Here he worked at different occupations until 1856,
when he embarked in the grocery business, which he continued until 1874.
He then recrossed the ocean to the home of his youth in Germany, where he
sojourned nearly one year, when he once more returned to California, and
in June, 1875, he settled in Napa and began the grocery business, which he
still continues, being located on the corner of Main and Third streets. His
place is the well known " 0. P. C." store. He is still unmarried.
ROBERTS, MARION W. Was born, in Huron County, Ohio, July 3,
1847, being the youngest son of B. F. and Marrietta Jennings Roberts.
When he was seven years of age, he, with his parents, moved to Madison
County, Iowa, residing there until 1865, during which time he was educated
in the common schools and at the high schools in Des Moines. When he
was eighteen years of age he moved to Warren County, Iowa, and there
he remained engaged in farming, railroading and mercantile pursuits, until
1876, when he came to California and located on his present estate of seven
hundred and eight acres, and is engaged chiefly in farming and stock raising.
He was married in Des Moines, December 25, 1869, to Miss Emma A. New-
man, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 13, 1850. By this union they
have two children, Ernest, born March 22, 1870, and Clifford, born December
3, 1877.
ROBINSON, JAMES H. Was born in New Brunswick, Canada,
August 28, 1844, and at the age of thirteen his parents moved to
Washington County, Maine, where the subject of this sketch learned the
trade of blacksmith. In 1 873 he crossed the mountains to California, and
arrived in this State March 22d of the above year. He first located at
Eureka, Humboldt Count}', for two years, and then he resided some five
years in Red Bluff, Tehama County, where he was employed at his trade.
We next find him, March 1, 1880, located in Oakville, engaged at his
present lucrative business of blacksmithing and wagon-making. He was
married in Yountville, October 17, 1880, to Miss Francis Root, a native of
California.
RANDALL, JACKSON G Son of Reuben and Hulda T. Gardner
Randall, was born in the village of Postenkill, Rensellaer County, New York,
March 29, 1831, where he remained until he was twelve years of age. He
then went to sea and sailed in the West India trade from New York to
Kingston, and followed this for nearly three years. He then entered the em-
ploy of his uncle as clerk on one of his boats plying on the Lakes. He after-
ward attended school in Buffalo. He also attended a course of medical lec-
tures in that city for two years. He then being twenty years of age, sailed
'548 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
for California on board the steamer " Northerner," his uncle at that time
being master. Arriving in San Francisco, he still remained on board the
" Northerner," in the employ of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for
two years. He then went to work on a ranch at Soscol, and remained in
that vicinity until October, 1854. He then shipped on board of the " Yan-
kee Blade," as super-cargo, and stayed on her until she was wrecked, by
running ashore off Point Aquila, above Point Conception, the chief mate and
himself being the last to leave the ship. He then returned to San Fran-
cisco on board the " Goliah," and remained in Oakland until January, 1855,
when he came to Napa Valley and first settled near Yountville and embarked
in farming. He bought a farm and remained there for five years. He then
lost his farm and all the property he had accumulated for the five years pre-
vious, in a law-suit through a defective title. He then engaged in teaching
school near Napa City, and continued in this for two years. He then moved
to Hot Springs and rented land of Ralph Kilburn, and engaged in farming,
which he followed four years. He then moved to Calistoga and followed
teaming for three years. He then moved to the hills east of Calistoga, and
began stock raising, in which he was successful until the severe winter of
1872, when for the want of food for his stock, all but fifteen head perished.
He then settled on his present place, being a part of the old Kilburn ranch,
and engaged in general farming and fruit raising, having a beautiful orchard
of six hundred trees, of all varieties of fruit, and is also engaged extensively
in grape raising. His home is pleasantly located two miles east of Calistoga.
After an eventful life, he is now nicely settled, surrounded by family and
friends. Mr. Randall was united in marriage in Yountville, December 6,
1855, with Miss Mary Selby, a native of Illinois, born in Macon County,
June 25, 1837. By this union they have eight living children. Lizzie,
Henry J., Edward, Lendell, Sarah, Minnie, Nettie and Frank.
ROBINSON, CHARLES. Was born in Helsingburg, Sweden, Novem-
ber 15, 1830. He resided in his 'birthplace till 1847, when he sailed in
the Swedish brig " Elces " as cabin boy, and landed in New York City,
in August of that year. He followed a seafaring life between New York
and New Orleans till late in 1849, when he then shipped as ordinary sea-
man from New York City via Cape Horn to California, and arrived in San
Francisco October 12, 1850. For two months he lived in a canvas tent on
Telegraph Hill, and then began sailing on the bay between San Francisco
and San Jose", in the sloop " C. E. Long," which he followed six months. He
then proceeded to Marysville, and from that place proceeded to Bidwells
Bar, where he began mining, which he continued for five weeks. We next
find him on Rich Bar, north fork of Feather River, where he embarked in
mining for two years. He then, in 1853, came to Napa County, and re-
mained till the spring of 1854. He then returned to the mines, where he
Biographical Sketches. 549
remained till 1855, when he came to Napa County and began farming, which
he has continuously followed since he came here. In connection with his
farm he also owns a one-fifth interest in the Palace Hotel property. His
farm is located in Browns Valley, and consists of five hundred acres.
RANEY, ANDREW JACKSON. Whose portrait will be found in this
work, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, August 23, ] 828, and is the son of
Thomas and Maria Coghlan Raney. He resided at his birthplace until he
was fifteen years of age, receiving in the meantime a common school educa-
tion. In 1843 he, with his parents, moved to Jackson County, Missouri,
where he resided on a farm till May, 1849. He then started across the
plains with the Hudspeth train bound for California, coming by the way of
the Hudspeth cut-off, and entering the State by way of the Lassen cut-off.
When they reached the Sacramento River, he, with a number of the train,
went to what was known as the Reading diggings, where they engaged in
mining, which he followed till January, 1850. He then went to the Lassen
Ranch and there purchased some dug-out canoes, and proceeded down the
river to Sacramento City. Thence he went to Hangtown, now Placerville,
and mined for one month. Thence he went to Nevada City, where he
engaged in mining till the spring of 1850. He then joined a company who
went to the south fork of the Yuba River, and constructed a dam and race,
and turned the river from its channel, so that they might be able to work
the bed of the stream. In September, 1850, he went to Nevada City and
engaged in surface digging until the spring of 1851. While out hunting at
this place he was shot accidentally, which disabled him for the following
six months. During that spring and summer he was located in and about
Sacramento City, and in September, 1851, he came to Napa City, where he
remained a short time, when he, with Dr. W. W. Stillwagon, rented a ranch
of J. E. Brown, in Browns Valley, where they farmed till the fall of 1852.
He then rented a place of P. D. Bailey, and in March, 1853, he went over to
Rag Canon, there being only one settler there at the time, who was a
Frenchman, by the name of James Ohio Patti. He took up the place now
owned by T. W. Polk, and began farming and stock raising, where he
remained till the fall of 1855. He then returned to Napa and purchased
the place now owned by H. Hagan, and farmed there until 1856. He then
went to Gordon Valley in the employ of Nathan Coombs, and in 1857 he
purchased land in Capelle Valley, and at present he owns one thousand six
hundred acres in one body. Mr. Raney held the office of Deputy Sheriff
during the squatter troubles, and has been Roadmaster, and was one of the
reviewers of the Berryessa graded road, and took an active part in accom-
plishing its construction. He is one of Napa County's staunchest citizens,
and a genial, honorable gentleman. He was married October 9, 1852, in
550 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Napa City, to Miss Antonia Aranos, and by this union they have three
children: George W., Martha A. and Nellie Matilda.
STOCKTON, PHILIP K. Was born in Tipton, Iowa, and is thirty-
three years of age. He arrived in California in 1859, on the hurricane deck
of a " prairie schooner," and in due course of time entered the profession of
journalism. He published the San Jose" Guide and Sacramento Agricul-
turist, and has done editorial work on the San Francisco Chronicle, andiihe
Sacramento Record- Union. He " held a case " on the old Union, and after-
wards occupied a desk in the editorial room. He has reported four sessions
of the Legislature for the Sacramento papers, and his opinions on parlia-
mentary and legislative matters are treated with the highest consideration
by the members. He is married, and is the father of two bright and lovely
children. His health, however, will not permit him to continue in the
fascinating profession of journalism, and as soon as the sessions of the Legis-
lature adjourns he retires to his home, near St. Helena, Napa County, where
he is cultivating an extensive valley farm. He, in company with E. B.
Willis, reported the proceedings in full of the Constitutional Convention.
He also performs a great amount of stenographic work in the Courts of the
State. As a short-hand writer he has but few equals in California.
SHURTLEFF, BENJAMIN, M. D. Was born in Carver, Plymouth
County, Massachusetts, September 7, 1821, thus making him sixty years of
age. As a boy, he was brought up on a farm, his education being that ex-
cellent one afforded by the common schools of his native State. As a youth
he was a student at Peiru Academy, Middleborough, taught school and
studied medicine with bis brother, Dr. G. A. Shurtleff (now of Stockton,
California) and the late Dr. Elisha Huntinton, of Lowell, Massachusetts.
In the same year that Mr. Shurtleff graduated at Harvard University, 1848,
came the confirmation, through President Polk's message, of the gold wealth
of California. This fixed his determination, and only waiting until the
beginning of the next year, he sailed from Boston on the schooner of the
same name, rounded the Horn and arrived in San Francisco July 6, 1849.
Combining profession and trade, he varied mining on the American River
with the practice of medicine. The report of rich finds at Reading Springs
(now Shasta), drew him there, and there he resided from the fall of 1849 to
the spring of 1874. His life at Shasta and the history of that county are
identical. Soon after his arrival at Reading Springs he was made Alcalde
of the District, and in the following year, when Shasta County was organ-
ized, he was unanimously elected the first County Treasurer. His recollec-
tion of the benefits of early education was strong upon him, and together
with the late Chief Justice, Royal T. Sprague, he established the first public
school in Northern California. His offices now became numerous. In 1861
Biographical Sketches. 551
he was elected State Senator for Shasta and Trinity District. For ten years,
by successive annual appointment from the Board of Supervisors, he held
the place of county physician. In 1857 he was tendered the office of County
Judge of Shasta County, by Governor J. Neely Johnson, to fill an unex-
pired term, but declined the appointment. In 1872 he was nominated by
the Republican State Convention for Alternate Presidential Elector at Large.
After a quarter of a century's life in this far-away northern part of the
State, he moved in 1874, with his family, to Napa, where he now resides.
The honors which he had experienced at Shasta followed him, and he
served two terms as member of the Board of Trustees of Napa City. Mr.
ShurtlefT's political history is no less interesting than his personal one.
In early years he was a firm, unwavering Whig, and adhered to the old
party until its dissolution. He considers his vote for Henry Clay in 1844,
the " proudest of his life." After the Whig party had passed away, he
joined the Democratic ranks, and was an earnest supporter of Stephen A,
Douglas for the Presidency in 1860. At the commencement of the Rebel-
lion, he was a war Democrat, and in 1863 received the opposition vote in
the Legislature, when John Conness was elected United States Senator.
He voted for the re-election of President Lincoln in 1864, and has since acted
with the Republican party. He was elected to the Constitutional Conven-
tion on the Non-Partisan ticket from the Third Congressional District. In
May, 1875, he was elected a member of the Board of City Trustees of Napa,
and was re-elected in 1878, and was president of that body. In March,
1880, he was appointed as one of the Directors of the Napa Insane Asylum,
and is now President of the Board. He returned to his eastern home in
the fall of 1852, and was united in marriage February 21, 1853, with Miss
Anna M. Griffith, a native of Wareham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Their children are : George G, born April 7, 1854 ; Charles A., born April
4, 1857, and Benjamin E., born April 21, 1867; all of whom were born in
Shasta. Dr. Shurtleffs views of public policy are at once elevated and dis-
criminating. He has ever shown himself an advocate of education, and is
by no means one who believes that the condition of the masses would be
ameliorated by less schooling. He is, in fact, essentially a man of the peo-
ple. A professional gentleman of marked attainments, he was well fitted for
the position of revisor ; a pioneer citizen, he has had the best opportunity
for knowing the State's need ; of unblemished reputation, it is a matter of
certainty that his adherence was only given to those alterations of the Con-
stitution which were really amendments.
SMITH, WILLIAM C. S. Was born in Franklin, Warren County,
Ohio, in 1823. He moved to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1840, and to New
York City in 1848. January 15, 1849, he started for California, coming
via Vera Cruz, City of Mexico, San Bias and Mazatlan to Cape Saint
552 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Lucas, and thence by land to San Diego, where he arrived June 10th of
that year, and thence to San Francisco, arriving July 6th following. He
proceeded at once to the mines at Ross Bar, on the Yuba River, where he
engaged in that occupation for a while. He then proceeded to Slate
Range, opposite the mouth of Slate Creek, where he spent the remainder of
the summer. That fall he went to Sacramento, and ran a boat to Nyes
Landing, now Marysville. During the winter of 1849 he established a
mercantile house at Marysville, with several branch houses in the moun-
tains. In 1852 he purchased a tract of land in Napa Valley from Salvador
Vallejo, and in 1853 moved upon it. April 14, 1865, he was appointed by
President Lincoln to the position of Collector of Internal Revenue of the
Fifth District of California. This appointment was made the day before
the assassination of President Lincoln, and the signing of the document
was his last official act. Mr. Smith filled the position with honor and
fidelity for twelve years, and until the Fifth District was merged with the
Fourth. Lpon retiring his accounts were examined by the Treasury
Department and found to be correct in every particular. He is now en-
gaged in the retail grocery business in Napa City. While it can not be
said of Mr. Smith that he has gotten unto himself a great name, yet the
nobler praise is due him of having always done what his hands found to do,
with a conscientious regard for truth, honor and fidelity. He has always
taken an active part in the advancement of all that tends to the moral and
social as well as the financial advancement of the city in which he resides.
He was married March 4, 1858, to Miss Margaret J. Hornbeck, who died
July 21, 1&69, leaving four children : Jeanetta A., Charles G., Egbert T.,
and William T. In 1870 he married, secondly, Mrs. Alice Hinckley.
SCHEFFLER, WILLIAM. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
will be found in the body of this work, was born in Brieg, Prussia, Germany,
January 25, 1822, and is the youngest son of John and Marianna Funk
Scheffler. He began his education at a gymnasium in Brieg, and then passed
into the Ritter Academy at Liegnitz. At the age of seventeen he entered
the Prussian army, and, after being in the service for one year, he entered the
artillery engineer's school in Berlin. He remained there three years, and
when he had completed his course he was promoted to a commissioned offi-
cer in the Prussian artillery. He remained in this service until 1848, when
he entered the army of Schleswig-Holstein, and served as Captain and chief
of a field battery in the war against Denmark. He then left the military
service, the war having come to an end by a treaty, and entered upon the
life and pursuits of a civilian. His first enterprise was in connection with
the special life insurance business, and he conducted it in Germany until
1861. At the breaking out of the Civil War in the United States, he secured
letters of introduction to President Lincoln from the Prussian Minister of
Biographical Sketches. 553
Foreign Affairs in Prussia, and came to America. The President gladly
accepted the tender of his services, and gave him a commission as aid-de-
camp. He served from November, 1861, until the close of the war in
different capacities, sometimes on the field, and sometimes on the staff. In
May, 1865, he left the army and went again into the life insurance business,
being first located at New York City and connected with the Equitable
Company. He then went to Hartford, Connecticut, and became con-
nected with the Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company. He
was next connected with the iEtna Insurance Company as consulting
actuary. Both the Hartford and ./Etna Life Insurance Companies still
conduct their business on his plans of insurance. He next went to Pe-
oria, Illinois, and acted as general agent for the last-named company,
which he continued until 1873. At that time his attention was drawn
towards the wine interests of California, and he decided to come to this
State and engage in it. Accordingly, in 1875, in New York, he purchased
the patent of his va.cuum distillery for the State of California, which he
now uses, and which is said by experts to be superior to anything of the
kind in use, differing in many particulars from other stills. He arrived in
the State in November, 1875, and began operations with his distillery at St.
Helena in January, 1876. In the fall of 1877, he began the manufacture
of wine at the Fulton cellar, near St. Helena, and has continued operations
there till the present time. In 1879, he purchased his present fine place, to
which he has given the appropriate and euphonious title of " Edge Hill."
This property was formerly known as the Heath estate, General Heath being
a former proprietor. Mr. SchefHer has expanded his business very rapidly,
having in 1878, 1879 and 1880, three cellars in operation: the Fulton, the Pine
Grove and the Heath, at his present place. In May, 1880, he purchased the
Amstadt vineyard, and rented the Jones vineyard. In January, 1881, he
rented the Bourn vineyard, making a total of about two hundred acres of
vineyard He now has charge of all adjoining " Edge Hill." During the
present year, 1881, Mr. Schefner has erected at " Edge Hill " one of the
most substantial and handsome country residences in Napa County. It is
complete in all its details, having an ample supply of water throughout.
The rooms are large, airy and splendidly furnished, while ample verandas
afford charming resorts from the rays of a mid-summer's sun. Underneath
it is a commodious cellar, which he intends storing with the choicest vintage
of each year, and retaining it there till age shall give it all the grand bou-
quet and excellence which our California wines may be able to attain.
Truly, Mr. SchefHer has been one of the foremost of that class of citizens
who thoroughly develop the resources and create the stable wealth of Napa
County, and too much cannot be said of his enterprise and thrift. He was
married May 15, 1854, to Miss Madalina Griesmayer, who was born in
Bavaria, October 28, 1825.
554 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
SMITH, JOHN T. Was born near Dayton, Warren County, Ohio,
March 30, 1828, where he resided until 1841, when, with his parents, he
moved and settled near Iowa City, Iowa. He remained there until May 1,
1852, when he, with a company of others, started across the plains for Cali-
fornia, arriving in this State in the latter part of September. He immedi-
ately came to Napa County, and located two and a half miles west of Napa,
on the Sonoma road, where he followed ranching until 1866. He then
moved to town, and has since made Napa his home. Mr. Smith is un-
married.
SMITH, DAVID. Was born in Liverpool, England, in 1836. When
he was but nine years of age he left his native land and crossed the ocean,
and settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where he resided until 1858, being
then twenty-two years of age. He then sailed via Panama for California,
arriving in San Francisco in April of that year. In May, 1858, he came to
this county, locating in Napa City, where he secured a situation as clerk in
a lumber yard, and remained in that business for two years. He then, at
the time of the Fraser River excitement, went to that place and stayed a
short time. Subsequently he located in San Francisco, where he resided
until 1874, when he again returned to Napa, and engaged in the grocery
business, which he has since followed, being a member of the well-known
firm of Hottel & Smith. The subject of this sketch is still unmarried.
SHAW, MATHEW. Son of Thomas Shaw, was born in Lancastershire,
England, December 2, 1836. When he was thirteen years of age, he, with
his widowed mother, came to America, and settled in Lawrence County,
Ohio, where he found employment in the coal mines of that section. He
remained there until 1856 when he came to California. He sailed from
New York on the steamer "George Law " to Aspinwall, and from Panama
to San Francisco on the "Old Constitution," arriving in the latter place in
April of that year. He immediately proceeded to the mines at Jackson,
Amador County, and continued in that occupation for the succeeding four
years. In January, 1860, he returned to Ohio, and was married Februaiy
19th of that year to Miss Ann Bowron, a native of the North of England,
born August 27, 1842. He then, with his bride, returned to California, and
proceeded to his old home in Amador County. He at once engaged in min-
ing at the Tunnel Hill Gravel Mine, which he continued until 1861. He
then moved to Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, and began mining which
he followed until 1872. He then came to Napa County and located in Napa
City, where he resided until 1874, not being, however, actively engaged in
any business. In that year he began operations on his fine farm, situated
about three miles north of Napa City. In 1879 he returned to Napa City
with his family. During all this time he was actively engaged in mining
in Tehama and Nevada Counties. February 4, 1880, he purchased a one-
Biographical Sketches. 555
third interest in the extensive and well-known clothing and gentlemen's fur-
nishing goods house of Alden & Co., of Napa City and Suisun, and is now
dividing his attention between that, his farm, and his mining interests.
Their children are Mattie H., Mabel, Lee W., Edith, and Ella L.
SWEITZER, L. H. Was born in Iowa September 3, 1838. When he
was nine years of age his parents moved to Atchison County, Missouri. In
1849 he, with his parents, crossed the plains to California. The first year
after arriving was spent in the mines. In the fall of 1850 they settled in
Suisun Valley, and in 1862 the subject of this sketch began farming on his
own account. This he followed in Solano County for five years, when he
came to Napa County and settled in Berryessa Valley. After following the
same business there for eight years he returned to Solano County, where he
resided until 1879, when he returned to Napa County and settled on his
present place, consisting of two hundred acres located in Pope Valley, where
he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Sweitzer married, April 19,
1863, Miss Emma V. Stanton, by whom he has three children : Lewis H.,
born July 2, 1865 ; Charles H., born July 26, 1868, and Edith L., born
February 21, 1874.
SCRIBNER ,T. S. Is the youngest child of Enoch and Chloe Sprague
Scribner, and was born in Saratoga County, New York, January 31, 1840.
He received his education at the common schools, and resided in his birth-
county until 1856. He then went to New York city, and in March of the
following year sailed on the steamer " Northern Light " to Panama, and at
that port took passage on the " Orizaba " to San Francisco, arriving in April.
He spent the first year at Mount Diablo, and then moved to Benicia, and
there followed hunting and ranching until 1863. He then moved to Napa
City, and was employed in hauling soda water from the Soda Springs for
eight years, in connection with which he established a livery business in
1866, which he conducted until 1870. In the latter year he began to run a
stage from Napa to Knoxville, which he conducted until 1878. In 1875 he
moved his family to Knoxville, where they opened a hotel, which they run
until 1877. He then removed to his present estate, consisting of six thou-
sand three hundred acres, located in the upper end of Berryessa Valley,
where he now resides. He was married in 1868 to Miss Anna Jackson, who
died in 1873. He was married secondly to Miss Ella Sweet in 1876, and by
this union they have one child, Thaddeus M.
SAFLEY, ANDREW (deceased). Was born in the village of Dolhourie,
in the famous parish of Cockpen, Scotland, February 17, 1813. At an early
age he showed a marked aptitude for mechanics, and he was given a thorough
course in that branch of study in Edinburg ; but his favorite pursuit in after
life was agriculture. In the year 1835 he came to America, accompanied by
556 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
his aged mother, who lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and three.
They settled in Sugar Grove, Linn County, Iowa, where he held several
positions of trust and honor. In 1865 he moved to California, and chose
the beautiful Napa Valley as his future home, settling in the vicinity of
Calistoga, where he resided till his death, which occurred July 13, 1880.
He was always known as a man of honor and strict integrity. He was
married September 3, 1841, to Miss Margaret Hunter, and there are four
living children, as follows : Robert, born August 1, 1844 ; John, born March
3, 1848 ; James, born November 25, 1849, and Agnes (now Mrs. W. F.
Fisher), born October 9, 1853.
SIMMONS, CAPTAIN EDWIN P. Whose portrais appears in this
history, was the son of John and Nancy Ann Pitcher Simmons. He
was born in Athens County, Ohio, May 5, 1828. When but one year of
age he, with his parents, moved and settled in Greene County, Illinois, where
he resided until 1850. During that time he received a common school
education in Greene County, and also attended a select school for eighteen
months in Athens County, Ohio. In 1850 he began life for himself, and
going to Quincy, Illinois, he embarked in the mercantile and hotel business,
in which he continued until 1852. May, 1st of that year he started across
the plains for California, arriving September 10th of the same year. He
first went to Soscol Valley, Solano County, and worked by the month for a
short time, and then went to Tuolumne County and embarked in mining,
which he followed until October, 1854, when he returned to Quincy, Illi-
nois, by way of the Isthmus and New Orleans. He once more engaged in
the mercantile business, and continued till the summer of 1855, when he
moved and settled in Perry County, Illinois, where he continued in the
mercantile business. United in marriage October 12, 1855, to Miss Ann E.
Rogers, who was born in Greene County, Illinois, December 31, 1835.
He continued in business until the breaking out of the war in 1861, and
August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company " H," 81st Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry, under Colonel J. J. Dollins, and served three years. He was
honorably discharged as Captain of Company " H," at Chicago, August 11,
1865. He participated in the campaign against Vicksburg, in the Red
River campaign, the two day's battle at Nashville, Tennessee, the forty-
seven day's siege against Vicksburg, the thirteen day's siege of Spanish
Fort, which was the defense of Mobile, and participated in all other battles
in which the regiment was engaged. At the fatal charge on the enemy's
works at Vicksburg on the 2 2d of May, his regiment and the 7th Missouri
Volunteer Infantry were selected as the assaulting column, and provided
with ladders for scaling the works, moved forward under a murderous fire,
with fixed bayonets and orders not to fire but use the steel. Almost imme-
C?Zc&.
■'
Biographical Sketches. 557
lately the Adjutant of his regiment was mortally wounded. He received
t 3 compliment of being detailed to the adjutantcy by Colonel Dollins, who
in a moment after was shot dead. In this charge the right wing of his
regiment, which was the most exposed, lost in killed or wounded their com-
missioned officers — both field and line, but he came out himself without a
scrr ich worth mentioning. In the campaign of Nashville he had the honor
of - ^ving as Acting Inspector-General of the second brigade of the third
d: ~>n of the 16th Army Corps. After being discharged he returned to
Pt* County, Illinois, and engaged in the produce business, which he fol-
low until 1868. In connection with this business he moved to St. Louis
an* ?ned a commission house under the firm name of Dodson, Simmons
h "\ .i, which he continued until 1876. He then sold his interest and re-
. urn^ to California, this time settling on his present farm of one thousand
two hundred acres, where he is engaged in general farming. He has three
a . children, Carrie A. (now Mrs. Booth), born August 18, 1856 ; Fred-
eric J., born July 27, 1859, and Julia E., born December 4, 1868.
SMITTLE, JOHN W. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
will be found in the body of this work, was born in Highland County,
Ohio, November 18, 1829, and is the fourth child of Jacob and Esther
Smittle, and while quite a youth emigrated with his parents to south-west
Missouri, where, like other backwoods' children, he grew up to manhood with-
out the advantage of an education, for want of which his struggle through
life has been a hard one, but imbued with a spirit of adventure, in 1851
he determined to come to California, and, being without means, he bargained
with L. H. Grigsby to drive team or cattle across the plains for his
board, and, after a five months' journey, without any accident other than
an occasional big Indian scare, he arrived safely in Napa Valley, California,
September 18th. Remaining here only a few days with acquaintances —
relatives he had none — with two others of his plains' companions, he started
out with his blankets on his back to try his luck in the mines. He re-
mained in the mines about six months, making only small wages. Came to
the conclusion that mining did not suit him, so, in March, 1852, returned
to Napa Valley, where he engaged to work by the month, which employ-
ment he followed until September, 1853. Concluding to get still a little
farther west, he boarded a schooner in San Francisco, and sailed for Hum-
boldt Bay in the county of the same name, where he remained for one
year, working alternately in the timber and saw mill ; but, not being very
well pleased with the country there, concluded to return to Napa County.
In 1853 returned to Napa Valley, and engaged in farming in company with
George Linn, on land belonging to George C. Yount, and continued there
until December, 1856, when he returned to Missouri by way of the Isthmus
558 Histoiy of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and New Orleans, and re-crossed the plains in the summer of 1857, part
owner of two hundred or more head of cattle, which he brought to Napa
County, where he remained farming until 1863, when he went to Nevada ;
spent three years in an unprofitable enterprise, losing all the means before
acquired. Then returned to Napa County, engaged in farming and general
stock raising in Berryessa Valley, where he still resides, and is the owner
of one thousand four hundred and thirty acres of fine land. He served
the county one term of two years as Supervisor of the Third District, and
has taken an active part in all that tends to the advancement of the coi
munity in which he lives.
SOUTHER, CHARLES N. Whose portrait appears in this work, was
born in Quincy County, Massachusetts, May 11, 1819. He remained with
his parents until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Boston and
served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and continued at this
until he was twenty-one years of age. He then worked as a journeyman,
which he followed until he started for California, January 20, 1854. He sailed
from New York on board the steamer " George Law " for Aspinwall, and at
Panama he boarded the " John L. Stevens," and arrived in San Francisco
February 14th of the same year. He immediately began work at his trade
in San Francisco, which business he followed for one year, when he went to
the mines in Tulare County and operated in mining for six months. In
October, 1855, he moved to Visalia, where he remained until March, 1856,
at which time his family arrived from Boston. He located in Napa County
and settled in Napa City, where he followed his trade almost continuously
until 1S77, when he started a glue factory and has since been engaged in
that business, a full description of which will be found in its proper place
in this history. Mr. Souther married December 22, 1848, Miss Mary M.
Craig, and by this union they have four living children, two sons and two
daughters : Lizzie ; Charles and Edgar (twins), and Emily Gertrude.
STAMER, G. A. The subject of this sketch was born in Hamburg,
Germany, September 8, 1842, where he l'esided until he was fourteen years
of age. He then went to sea, sailing first from Hamburg, going to China,
where they were ship-wrecked and captured by the natives, and were
detained for four months, when the Dutch Government bought back the
subject of this sketch and one other, they being the only ones left out of
the whole crew. Mr. Stamer still continued to follow a sea-faring life and
sailed around the world some four times in different ships, first landing in
America in 1860, on board a Hamburg ship bound for New York. At the
latter place, not liking his quarters, he deserted his ship and shipped on
board an American vessel, and made several voyages to Spain, and again re-
turned to New York, where he shipped for California, starting around
Biographical Sketches. 559
the Horn, but the vessel encountered severe weather, and most all the sailors
were frozen. They changed "their course and stood for Rio de Janeiro. Re-
maining there a few months he returned to Hamburg, where he concluded
to settle down, being then about twenty -three years old ; but his mind was
changed on account of the Government wanting him for a soldier, and this
not meeting his views, he again went to sea, and followed a sea-faring life
until the fall of 1867, when he arrived in San Francisco. He there engaged
in the grocery business, and resided there for two years, and in the fall of
1869, he moved to Napa County, locating at St. Helena, and engaged in the
saloon business, under the firm name of Townsend k Stamer. In 1871 Mr.
Stamer bought his partner out. In 1881 he bought a wine cellar and dis-
tillery in connection with his brother, located two miles south of St. Helena.
He conducts the saloon business yet. Mr, Stamer was married December
20, 1873, to Miss Amelia Banten, a native of Germany, and by this union
they have four children : Lillie, Emilia, Julius S. and Gustave.
SEELEY, C. B. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in
this work, came of revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Jonathan Seeley,
having served in the Continental Army throughout the war for Indepen-
dence. Mr. Seeley was born in Kirkland, Ohio, February 9, 1835, being
the son of Benjamin and Lydia Seeley, and the seventh son of a family of
eight children. At the age of four years he moved with his parents to
Warrick County, Indiana, where he was reared upon a farm, and where he
resided until he came to California in 1864. In his youth he attended the
public schools of his neighborhood, and subsequently Delaney Academy,
at Newburgh, Indiana. He afterwards engaged in teaching. On his
arrival in California he located in Napa County, of which he was elected
County Clerk in 1865, holding that office by re-election for ten consecutive
years. In 1866 he married Mary White, also a teacher. In 1879 he en-
gaged in the business of banking with L. A. Bickford, under the firm name
of Seeley & Bickford, in which business he is still engaged. He is at pres-
ent, 1881, a member of the Board of Trustees of the City of Napa. In
politics Mr. Seeley has always been a Republican, and is one of those
genial, whole-souled men whom it is a pleasure to meet. While not pro-
fessing to be a humorist, his frequent sallies of wit " without intent to
harm " certainly give him a place second to but few, among that very
attractive class of men. But underlying this vein of humor there is a sub-
stratum of deep thought and serious reflection. He is at his best in a
friendly discussion, wherein he shows in an eminent degree a mind both
analytical and logical. In an animated controversy a few days since, we
noted this quite characteristic expression : " When I die, I ask no better
epitaph than this : ' Sacred to the memory of one who paid every obliga-
tion in life, and met the world more than half way.' "
560 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
STOCKMON, D. MERRILL. The subject of this sketch was born in
New York City, August 22, 1830. When he was quite young his parents
moved to Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. In 1836 they moved to Del-
aware County, Ohio, and in 1844 they took up their abode in Ashland
County, that State. Here Mr. Stockmon was educated and resided until
December, 1857, when he came to California. He arrived in Suisun, Solano
County, in March, 1858, where his brother, David E., was a practicing phy-
sician. - He allied his interests with his brother, and took charge of the drug
bi-anch of the business. He has since continued in that business, and at
the present time resides in Napa City, having purchased the Pioneer Drug
Store in that place in 1879. He still conducts his business in Suisun also.
April 9, 1862, he was married to Miss Emma A., daughter of T. C. Everets,
M.D. Their children are May Ella, Emma, and Came. D. Merrill, their
only son, was drowned in Suisun.
SCOTT, JOHN. Was born in Ohio, July 17, 1833. At the age of
sixteen he moved with his mother, his father having died, to Henry
County, Iowa. Having learned the trade of milling in Ohio, he followed it
in Salem, that State. In the spring of 1851 he moved to Mahaska County,
same State, locating near Oskaloosa. In 1856 he came to California, coming
by the Sublette cut-off, and arrived at Dutch Flat August 22d of that year.
Here he followed mining for three years, when he went to Vaca Valley,
Solano County. In 1860 he moved to Knights Valley, Sonoma County. In
1863 he moved to Napa Valley, locating at the Bale mill, where he remained
for two years. He then went to Kansas and engaged in milling for three
years, and in 1871 he returned to California and to the Bale mill. At the
end of eighteen months he went to Chiles Valley and run that mill for
four years. He then went to Salem, Oregon, and in a short time returned
to Chiles Valley, spending one year there. Then he spent one year in Pope
Valley. He then moved to Calistoga and took charge of that mill, where
he still remains. He was married September 2, 1855, to Maria Hanson, a
native of Ohio. Their living children are, Sanford, born February 12,
1861 ; Mary, now Mrs. Roberts, born in 1862, and Arvilla, born January
31, 1865.
STILL WAGON, DR. W. W. Whose portrait appears in this work, was
born at Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1827. He studied
and practiced medicine there until 1848, when he moved to Illinois. In
March, 1850, he started across the plains, and arrived in Sacramento in
August of the same year. He spent a short time at mining near Oroville,
but in the fall of the year came to Napa and commenced the practice of
his profession, where he has ever since resided. He served one term as
Coroner ; he had been elected to the office but refused to trive bonds and
Biographical Sketches. 561
qualify, yet was, by popular sentiment, compelled to serve, and his acts after-
wards legalized. He ■ has at different times filled the position of County
Physician for the space of five years, and always given satisfaction. In 1871
he was elected to the Assembly from Napa and Lake, and while in the Leg-
islature did much towards so presenting the desirability of Napa, that the
Branch Insane Asylum was located here. He was also active in getting
several bills of a local nature passed. As an officer he always acquitted
himself with credit, and as a physician he has few superiors. The Doctor
was a Whig when he came to the county, and affiliated with that party
until the formation of the Republican party, of which he has ever since
been a prominent member. But party lines have never been strictly drawn
in local affairs in Napa County, and as a result she has always had good
and efficient officers. Dr. Stillwagon was one of the charter members of
Yount Lodge, No. 12, of Masons, and labored earnestly in the establishing
of that Order in the county. He was also one of the charter members, and
the first Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows in Napa City. He has of late
years been devoting much of his attention to quicksilver mining in Pope
Valley.
STONEY, THOMAS P. Was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on
the 25th day of April, A. D. 1835. He is the second child of P. Gaillard
Stoney and his wife, Anna Maria Stoney, nee Porcher. His ancestors set-
tled in the low country of the Colony of South Carolina about one hundred
years before the Revolutionary War. By the father's side he is of Irish ex-
traction. His mother's ancestors were French Huguenots, who sought refuge
in the flourishing Colony of South Carolina from religious persecution in
France, which followed the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Thomas P.
Stoney received a liberal education. He was prepared for college at the
celebrated preparatory academy of J. W. Hudson, Mount Zion College, at
Winnsboro, in South Carolina. After being prepared, he spent some years as
a student at the South Carolina College and the Universities of North
Carolina and Virginia. He applied himself closely when at school and
college. He has never been of robust physique, and his precarious health
interfered in some degree with the prosecution of his studies. Notwith-
standing the disadvantages under which he labored, he, however, left college
with an amount of culture and learning attained by few students, even
among those possessed of physical powers of such a character as to enable
them to devote all their time to study. He was, when at school and col-
lege, as he continues to be through life, of unimpeachable moral character.
He wasted no time in frivolities of doubtful propriety, and his force of
character was such that he could not be led by youthful associates from the
path of duty. In the year 185G he left the paternal roof to seek health
36
562 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
and his fortune in California, and made Napa his home in December of that
year. His first business effort in the new life upon which he had entered
was as a quartz miner, in Eldorado County. The fickle goddess did not
smile upon him, and he made no fortune. He had not found the occupa-
tion for which Nature designed him. His well-trained mind was not to be
lost to his fellow countrymen, amid the glitter of coin and cares of private
business. In 1858 he left the mines and returned to Napa City, where he
commenced the study of law in the office of Hartson & Edgerton. He was
admitted to practice by the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District
in 1859, and subsequently by the Supreme Court of the State. He soon
demonstrated the fact that he had found the profession for which he was
designed, and in which he was destined to make his mark. It was not long
before the subject of this sketch, by his application to business, strict integ-
rity, and an unostentatious display of his legal attainments, put himself in
the front rank at the bar. He foi'med a partnership with Hon. C. Hartson,
his legal preceptor. This firm did their full share of the legal business of
Napa and Solano Counties. Thomas P. Stoney continued a member of this
firm till the breaking out of the war between the States. In 1861 he mar-
ried Miss Kate M. Allen, a native of New York, and the daughter of Joseph
Allen and his wife, Catherine Allen, nee Walker. Mrs. Stoney 's ancestors
are of English and Dutch extraction. She was then residing in Napa County.
This lady is in every way worthy of her husband. The offspring of this mar-
riage were three sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living except
the eldest daughter. If these children fail to make valuable members of
society, it will not be for lack of careful, intellectual and moral training.
Having been trained in the school of politics taught by the States
Rights politicians of the South, and having imbibed a religious belief in the
doctrines of the strict constructionists of his native State, when the war
commenced he felt that his allegiance was due to South Carolina, and that
as a patriot he was bound to respond to her call in the time of her great
extremity. In May, 1863, he went East, and, leaving his family in New
York, succeeded in crossing the Potomac and the Federal lines. He reached
Richmond, the Confederate capital, from which city he soon took his de-
parture for his native State. Arriving in Charleston, he at once enlisted in
the Marion Artillery, a light battery then in the Confederate service. He
served faithfully as a private soldier till the close of the war, and was with
the army commanded by General Joseph E. Johnson when he surrendered
to the Federal hosts, led by General Sherman. His wife, who, with the
only one of their children then born, was left for safety with her rel-
atives in New York, had resolved that " his country should be her coun-
try," and that even grim-visaged war should not separate her and her
child from the husband of her choice, went to Nassau, on the Island
Biographical Sketches. 563
of New Providence, then the great entrepot for the Confederate fleet
of merchant vessels engaged in running the blockade. Orders had been
given by the Confederate Government at Richmond, forbidding the taking
of ladies and children on board of vessels engaged in the service of that
government. Mrs. Stoney found that she and her child would not be
taken. After great difficulty and much urging on her part, a kind Captain
agreed to make an exception in her case if she would consent to share all
the dangers and hardships incidental to the hazardous service in which this
adventurous seaman was engaged. She was told that the vessel would be
burnt rather than allowed to be captured by Federal cruisers. She cheer-
fully agreed to risk all the danger's of the voyage and embarked on board a
blockade-runner. She reached Wilmington, North Carolina, safely, and soon
joined her husband in the land of Sumter and Marion. After the disastrous
failure of the Confederate cause in I860, Thomas P. Stoney removed to New
York City and was for some time employed on the Metropolitan Record,
a weekly Democratic journal then published in that city. Many of the
ablest and most conservative articles that appeared in the columns of that
paper were from his pen. In May, 1866, he returned to Napa. Not being
able to practice law in his own name, owing to the test oath which practic-
ing attorneys were compelled by the Act of the California Legislature of
25th of April, 1863, to file, he was employed in the office of Hon. C. Hartson,
who has always been his steadfast friend. He rendered that gentleman
much valuable assistance in the preparation of his cases, during the time he
was employed by him. After the repeal of the test oath act he formed a
partnership with the late W. W. Pendegast, so well known both at the bar
and in the Legislative Councils of the State as one of California's most elo-
quent sons, as well as one of her ablest lawyers. Such a firm could not fail
to be leaders at the bar nor to draw to itself large practice. In October,
1871, Thomas P. Stoney was elected County Judge of Napa County. It
would be impossible for any man to receive a higher compliment than the
people of his county paid him by this election. The county had at the gen-
eral election in September, gone Republican by a majority of about two
hundred. Judge Stoney was, and continued to be, a pronounced Democrat
and was the nominee of that party. His opponent, Judge Crouch, was the
incumbent, an able lawyer and incorruptible Judge ; a man against whose
private and official character the voice of detraction was stilled even in a
heated political campaign. Yet Judge Stoney was elected in October by
over one hundred majority. His people bore witness to the ability and
fidelity with which he discharged the duties of his office by electing him to
a second term in 1875. With the close of his second term the Constitution
of 1849 was numbered with the things of the past, and he was therefore the
last County Judge of Napa County, and one to which her people may
564 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
always point with pride. He contributed his full share in creating the high
character of California's judiciary of which her people are justly proud.
After the adoption of the Constitution of 1879, it occurred to Governor Irwin,
who was then in office, and Governor Perkins, the Governor-elect, as well as
to many of the ablest lawyers in the State, that the work of the incoming
Legislature would be greatly lessened and the body of our laws much im-
proved, by appointing three gentlemen of high character and ability to pre-
pare such changes of the codes as the new organic law made necessary. In
looking among the lawyers of the State for talent and legal lore competent
and adequate to the task, the eyes of these two Governors naturally fell on
Thomas P. Stoney, and he with Hon. I. S. Belcher, an ex-justice of the
Supreme Court, and Mr. A. C. Freeman, a distinguished legal author, were
selected. The work assigned to this Commission was ably done, and had
not the jealousy of some lawyers who had been honored, unfortunately, with
seats in the Legislature, prevented the adoption as a whole of the work of
this Commission, the laws of the session of 1880 would not have been found
so defective, nor would so many of them have failed to stand the test of judi-
cial criticism. In 1879 he was nominated by the State Convention of the
Democratic party for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, but the break
in the ranks of that party, caused by the organization of the New Con-
stitution party and the Workingmen's party, led to the defeat of the regular
ticket and he was not elected. In January, 1880, Judge Stoney removed
with his family to the city of San Francisco and is now a member of the
well known firm of Stanly, Stoney & Hayes. In early life Judge Stoney
became a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. His culture.
and intelligence would entirely preclude the idea of bigotry in his religious
views. His convictions are, however, pronounced, and both he and his
wife are active and useful members of the cause which they have espoused.
J. G. P.
STOKEY, CHARLES A. Was born July 1, 1828, in London, England,
and was educated in Liverpool. At the age of nineteen, he with his parents
moved to Jamaica, West India Islands, and engaged in the manufacture of
sugar, and continued in this business until December, 1852, when the sub-
ject of our sketch sailed for New York, where he sojourned a short time.
He then started for Portland, Oregon, in the bark " American," Captain
Kirby, via Cape Horn, and, after a passage of six months, arrived at his
destination September 27, 1853, where he resided eighteen months, during
which time he was engaged in farming. We next find Mr. Storey in San
Francisco, in the employ of George O. Whitney & Co., furniture dealers, a
situation he held for over one year. He then spent the following four years
in the Sacramento office of Wells, Fargo fe Co., during which time the great
and memorable flood of 1861-2 occurred, inundating the whole city to the
Biographical Sketches. 565
depth of from four to twenty feet. He then moved to Gold Hill, Nevada,
and engaged in the groceiy business, in which he continued for five years,
when he returned to San Francisco and was again employed by Wells,
Fargo & Co. in the home office, a position he held for the next four years.
September 1, 1872, he moved to Napa County. In the early part of 1873,
he paid a visit to his native land, sojourning there for a few months,
returning to St. Helena in the fall, when he purchased his present prop-
erty, consisting of twenty-two acres of land located inside of the city limits,
devoting his time and study to the cultivation of hops, in which he is ex-
tensively engaged and in which he takes no little pride, having obtained a
diploma and medal at the Centennial Fair held in 1876 for sample of choice
hops. He is engaged also in viniculture. Mr. Storey was married in San
Francisco March 27, 1858, to Miss Emma E. Cooke, a native of New York
State, by which union they have had two children, one of which is deceased :
Charles A., born April 4, 1859, and Lulu, born September 22, 1860, died
January, 1862.
SMITH, W. A. C. Was born in Boston, England, August 26, 1834.
In 1851 he came to America, and after spending two years on a farm he
engaged in school teaching. March 21, 1857, he sailed from New York for
San Francisco, where he arrived the latter part of April of the above-named
year. The first two months of his California life were spent on a farm,
after which he engaged in mining in Plumas County for about two months.
We next find Mr. Smith in Butte County, where mining was prosecuted
until December, 1857. He next went to Tuolumne County, where the shin-
ing metal was sought for until 1859, when he went to Calaveras County and
engaged with others in the enterprise of building a flume, three thousand
feet long, for mining purposes. When this flume was nearly completed,
they, by some hook or crook, lost, not only the flume, but all their time and
money, which was no small amount. This was a heavy blow to a young
man, but Mr. Smith was not one to give up. He fought manfully on and in
a few months we find him engaged once more in " teaching the young idea
how to shoot," at the Academy in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. Here he
remained until he came to Napa County, where he has since resided. Mr.
Smith's first business in St. Helena was that of teaching, and what was then
the school room is now used by Wells, Fargo & Co. as an express office. In
February, 1876, he began the banking business, which he has since followed.
He is also engaged in the insurance business and is a notary public. Mr.
Smith was married August 8, 1879, to Mrs. Minnie Warren, a native of
Tennessee.
SCHRAM, JACOB. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will be
found in the body of this work, was born in Pheddersheim, two miles from
Worms, on the left bank of the Rhine River, May 26, 1826, and is the son
566 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
of Herman and Annie Wagner Schram. He resided in his native country
until he was sixteen years of age, receiving in the meantime a common
school education. In 1840, he came to America, first locating in New York,
where he began the barber business, which he followed until 1853. In that
year he sailed from New York to Aspinwall, and from Panama he sailed
in the steamer " Yankee Blade " to San Francisco, arriving in January,
1854. He immediately began the barber business, and then moved to
Marysville, and conducted the same business in that place. In August, he
returned to San Francisco, and opened the Metropolitan Theatre Tonsorial
Parlors, which he continued till 1857. He then came to the White Sulphur
Springs, where he was engaged as barber and ladies' hair-dresser for one
season. The fire of that year burned him out of house and home, as it
were, and he was compelled to seek business elsewhere. He then went to
Napa City and opened a shop which he maintained for three years. His
health then failed, and he purchased his preseut place and moved upon it
August 12, 1862. He and his excellent wife set about it at once to make for
themselves a home, and both of them went into the field and cleared up a
small tract and planted it into vines. From this small start the business has
grown from year to year, until at present he has fifty acres of bearing vines,
and has made upwards of one hundred and sixty thousand gallons of wine.
His wines have a well-earned and well-deserved reputation, and the " Schrams-
berger " brands are being sought for now all over the United States, and are fast
spreading in Europe. A full description of his wine cellar and vineyard will
be found in its proper place. He was married February 6, 1859, to Miss
Annie Christine Weber, who was born in Hochheim, one mile from Worms,
October 2, 1833. They have one living child, Herman Adolph, born April
23, 1862, in Napa City.
STEVES, JOHN H. Was born in Durand, Winnebago County, Illi-
nois, June 12, 1851, and resided in his birthplace until he was twenty
years of age, and attended the common schools of that place, and after-
wards the high school of Rockford, same State. At Durand he served
an apprenticeship of three years to the tinsmith's trade ; and in 1871 moved
to Beloit, Wisconsin, and there worked at his trade, being in the employ of
one firm during his stay of six years in that place. January 1, 1877, he
returned to his old home, Durand, on a visit ; and finding his father ready
to start for the Golden State, he concluded to accompany him, and arrived
in San Francisco January 25th of the above year, where they sojourned a
short time. Heai'ing of the beauties of the Napa Valley, they paid it
a visit, and finally located in St. Helena, where he found employment in
the shop of W. L. Phillips, and remained there until August 12, 1878. He
then bought out the tinware stock of Mr. Phillips, and moved to his present
location, next door to the Van Tassell Hotel, and is engaged in the general
tf^&f-
Biographical Sketches. 567
hardware business. He married, January 8, 1879", Miss Ida S. Warren, a
native of California, and by this union they have two children: Henry
Edgar, born November 12, 1879, and Charles Emory, born August 5, 1881.
STRAUS, JULES E. Was born in Alsace, France, February 24, 1844,
where he remained until he was fifteen years of age, when he came to
America, sailing from Havre de Grace to New Orleans, arriving in the
latter place in April, 1858. He there secured a position as clerk in a mer-
cantile firm, and held this position some six years, and then sailed for
California, and after a passage around the Horn of six months, he arrived
in the land of promise of plenty in April, 1865. Remaining in San Fran-
cisco a few days, he came to Napa County, locating in St. Helena, where
he accepted a clerkship from the firm of Lazarus h Levy, in a general
store, which he held for one year. He then accepted a position in a store
in Kern County, and remained for two years. His next move was to
Treasure City, White Pine County, Nevada, where he still pursued his
former occupation. Remaining a short time there he moved with his
family to Wickinback, Arizona, and opened a store, remaining in this place
eighteen months. He once more returned to California, and to St. Helena
in December, 1870, and started business in the building now occupied by
Wells, Fargo & Co., where he continued until 1875. He then moved across
the street into his present storeroom and is doing a nourishing business.
Mr. Straus was married July 13, 1868, to Miss Janett Levy, a native of
France, and by this union they have one child, Bernice B., born in St.
Helena ; also an adopted daughter, Matilda R. Straus.
SEA WELL, JOHN H. Was born in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri,
February 8, 1815. At the age of eight years he, with parents, moved to
Sumner County, Tennessee, where he received his education and resided
until 1839, at which time he went to La Fayette County, Missouri, and
engaged in clerking. In May, 1850, he crossed the plains to California, and
arrived in Napa County, October 7th of the above year. Here he engaged
in farming and merchandising, which he continued for eight years. In 1851
he was elected to the office of County Clerk, which position he held two years.
In 1858 he discontinued his mercantile business, and turned his undivided
attention to farming until 1864, when he went to Washoe and engaged in
mining for eight months. He then returned to Napa, and after a few
months went to Mexico, where he engaged in cotton growing until 1867,
when he returned and settled in Berryessa Valley, where he followed farm-
ing until 1871, when he once more engaged in merchandising. This he
followed for five years, since which time he has not been engaged in any
particular business. Mr. Seawell married December 7, 1843, Miss Mary
Louderdale. Their children are, Jonah L., Prudence, Martha, Charles and
Antoinette.
568 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
SPENCER, DENNIS. Son of Dwight and Eliza Kirby Spencer, was
born in Jackson County, Missouri, August 22, 1844. In 1852 he came to
California with his parents, who first settled near Sacramento. They after-
wards moved to Green Valley, Solano County, and after a short residence
in that place moved to Napa County. In 1864 Dennis entered the Santa
Clara College, where he remained for two years. In 1872 he entered the
Union University Law School at Albany, New York, and was admitted to
practice May 7, 1873. He then returned to Napa County, and in 1874 was
elected District Attorney, and served three terms. He was admitted to
practice in the Supreme Court of California April 13, 1874.
SHURTLEFF, GEORGE C. Son of Benjamin and Ann M. Griffith
Shurtleff, was born in Shasta, Shasta County, California, April 7, 1854.
After receiving the advantages of the public schools of Shasta City he en-
tered the Brayton College School, of Oakland, after which he entered the
Freshmen year of the University of California ; but in 1874 he came to
Napa and accepted a clerkship with Messrs. Allen & Parks, and with them
and their successors he r-emained in that position until August 19, 1880,
when he purchased a one-half interest in the firm now known as Thompson
& Shurtleff. He was married August 9, 1877, to Alice C. Nichols, daughter
of J. M. Nichols, who was born in Napa County, November 8, 1859 ; and
by this union they have one son, Roy N., born September 14, 1878.
SIMMONS, AMOS, son of Thomas and Rebecca Wilson Simmons, was
born in East Tennessee, August 24, 1827, and remained in his birthplace
until he was nine years of age, when, with his parents, he moved to Missouri,
and located in Greene County and engaged in farming. There he received
a common school education, and remained about twenty-two years. Leaving
that State in May, 1857, with his family, he started across the plains for
California with ox-teams. Crossing the Missouri River above Fort Kearny,
and coming via the Lassen cut-off, he first entered this State at Hangtown,
now Placerville, and remained there one year. He then moved, in August,
1858, to Napa Valley, and located near St. Helena, and purchased a farm
and remained there for six years. He then sold out and moved to Calistoga,
locating on, or pre-empting his present ranch, about one mile from the
above-named town, consisting of one hundred and sixty-three acres, and
engaged in farming and fruit raising, having a vineyard of eight acres and
a nice orchard of all the different varieties of fruit grown in this country.
He was united in marriage April 3, 1848, to Miss Martha Tyler, who was
born in Tennessee. By this union they have six living children : SophroniaE.,
born June 25, 1849 ; Thomas J., born April 14, 1851 ; James K., born Sep-
tember 29, 1854 ; Amos B., born January 27, 1861 ; Bell, born May 14, 1867,
and Emma B., born February 18, 1870.
Biographical Sketches. 569
TONOLLA, A. M. Was born in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, June 8,
1835. When nine years of age he, with parents, moved to Philadelphia,
where he received his education. He then served an apprenticeship to the
piano-making trade, of four years. In 1859 he came via Panama to Cali-
fornia, and arrived at San Francisco in December of the above year. He
at once engaged with the firm of Jacob & Zech, to work at his trade, that
of making pianos. In 1862 he was admitted as a partner in the bus-
iness, which relationship lasted about two and a half years, when he sold out
his interest, but still continued as journeyman for a short time, when the
firm was closed out by creditors. After this Mr. Tonolla remained in the
shop for about six months, finishing up some instruments and doing repair-
ing. Afterwards he was employed at Trinity Church for about five months,
then engaged at his former trade until 1871, when he came to Napa County
and located in St. Helena, where he is engaged at hotel-keeping.
TRUBODY, JOSIAH SIMMONS. The subject of this sketch, whose
portrait appears in this work, is the son of Edward and Mary Simmons
Trubody, and was born in Cornwall County, England, June 19, 1805. Here
he received a common school education and resided till 1830, when he pro-
ceded to New Brunswick. June 26th of that year we find him in Phila-
delphia, where he soon found work in the harvest-field with the Quakers,
at which he continued for three weeks. He then proceeded to Wayne
County, Pennsylvania, where he hired out to work at general farm labor, at
which he continued for seven years. In September, 1837, he emigrated
West, and settled in La Fayette County, Missouri, where he remained for
two years. He then moved to Carroll County, that State, and began farm-
ing, which he continued till August 26, 1849. He then started for Cali-
fornia, coming the southern route, and arriving in the State January 22,
1850. He immediately proceeded to Napa County, and located on land two
miles below Yountville, on which he resided till 1873. In May of that year
he moved to Napa City, and has since resided in that place. Mr. Trubody
married, in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, Miss Mary Ann Lakin, October
4, 1835, who was a daughter of Joel Lakin, of Massachusetts, and Clemen-
tina Sands, of New Jersey. She was born in Wayne County, Pennsyl-
vania, March 19, 1811. By this union, which was formed nearly fifty years
ago, they have two children : William P., born February 23, 1843 ; Edward
W., born December 13, 1851 ; one child deceased, Chrisanda Jane, born
August 17.. 1840, and died April 13, 1868.
TRUBODY, WILLIAM A. Son of John and Jane Palmer Trubody,
was born in La Fayette County, Missouri, December 5, 1839, where he
resided until May, 1847, when he, with his father's family, started across the
plains for California and arrived October 1st of that year. They remained
570 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
at Sutters Fort for two months, when they went to San Francisco. In 1850
he went East, and for four years attended the Mount Pleasant Academy
in New York. He then returned to California and completed his education
at the University of the Pacific, near San Jose-. He then came to Napa
County and located on his present place, consisting of a half interest in one
hundred and eighty-four acres, ninety of which are entirely devoted to
horticulture. In 1880 he shipped eighty tons of blackberries and averages
seventy and eighty tons each year. The vines cover thirty-five acres. The
Trubody brothers began the blackberry business in 1867 and have steadily
increased until to-day they stand at the head of the list. In 1867 he was
elected Supervisor and filled the position for one term. He was married
November 17, 1868, to Miss Lura, daughter of T. L. Grigsby, who was born
in Laclede County, Missouri, November 30, 1850. Their living children
are, George A., born September 22, 1871 ; Lulu Etta, born October 4, 1873 ;
Clara, born October 30, 1877 ; and Frank, born November 8, 1879. They
lost their oldest child, Elma, born September 29, 1869, and died June 8,
1873.
THOMPSON, ISAAC. Son of Ezra and Cynthia Gifford Thompson,
was born in Bristol County, Massachusetts, January 16, 1824. When he
was quite young his parents moved to New Bedford, same county. He was
educated at the Middleborough Academy, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
When he was fourteen years old he began as clerk which he followed for
six years. In 1843, he began the ship chandlers and grocery trade for him-
self in New Bedford, which he followed until 1851. In October, 1852, he
sailed from New Bedford on board the ship " Rainbow," and arrived in San
Francisco in May, 1853. In August of the the above year, he moved to
Waldo, Josephine County, Oregon where for two years he was superin-
tendent of a mining water ditch. He then, in 1855, opened a general
mercantile store in the above place, and continued in that business until his
removal to Napa County in 1876. He first purchased the place now owned
by Mr. Sharp, two miles east of Napa, upon which he resided until Feb-
ruary, 1879, when he moved to Napa City, and in August, 1880, began the
hardware business under the firm name of Thompson & Shurtleff. He was
married November 1, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Briggs, a native of New York,
born July 28, 1848. Their children are, Rosetta, born August 20, 1870 ;
Elizabeth Daisy, born in October, 1875, and Frank, born January 31, 1881
TRUBODY, JOSIAH PALMER Was born in Wayne County, Penn-
sylvania, April 18, 1836, where he resided only two years. His parents
then moved to La Fayette County, Missouri, where they resided until 1847.
May 1st of that year they started across the plains, and arrived at Johnsons
Ranch in October of the same year. The family settled in San Francisco,
Biographical Sketches. 571
and he remained there with them until 1856. In that year he came to
Napa County and began farming on his present place, where he has since
continued to reside. He has been engaged in the horticultural business the
last few years, and Trubody's blackberries have a State wide reputation. His
place consists of one-half interest in one hundred and eighty-four acres. He
was married May 3, 1865, to Miss Sophronia Ament, who was born in Ken-
dall County, Illinois, February 12, 1847. Their children are, Charles M.,
Albert W., Samuel A., and Charlotte Jane.
THOMANN, JOHN. Was born in Switzerland January 30, 1836, and
resided in his native place until he was twenty-two years of age. At the
age of fifteen he began working in a nursery, which he followed for two
years, and then worked on farms and vineyards until he came to America,
which was in 1858. He came to California in that year and settled in Sac-
ramento, where he engaged in the nursery and wine business, which he
followed until 1874. He then came to Napa County and located on his
present place, near St. Helena, where he has since resided. He has also a
ranch on Howell Mountain of one hundred and thirty acres, which he is
planting into vines. He has a fine, large wine cellar on his home place,
a full description of which will be found in its proper place. He is
an energetic, thorough-going business man, and is at present a member of
the Board of Supervisors of Napa County. He was married in 1863 to
Miss Josephine Esh, and by this union they have four children, Louisa,
Annie, Laura, and Bertie.
TUCKER, JOHN W. This old pioneer of Napa Valley is the son
of R. P. and Delilah Compton Tucker, and was born in Ohio, January 26,
1833. He resided in his birthplace until he was four years of age, when,
with his parents, he went to Rock Island County, Illinois. He remained in
that place until April, 1846, when he, with his father, started across the
plains with the intention of going to Oregon, coming the old Fort Hall
route. Arriving at Fort Hall they were advised, on account of the lateness
of the season, not to go to Oregon. They then turned their faces towards
California, entering this State at Truckee, and crossed the mountains a little
in advance of the Donner party, and only passed the place of the terrible
sufferings of that party a short time before the storm came on. On their
arrival in this State they rented a piece of land on the Johnson ranch on
Bear River, and put in a crop. In the spring of 1847 they moved to near
Sacramento, and there bought a farm, and remained one year. Not liking
that location they concluded to move to Napa Valley, locating on the farm
now owned by his brother, G. W. Tucker. In the spring following they
bought a farm, and continued farming until 1872, when, their title being-
declared illegal, and after a residence on this place for more than twenty-five
572 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
years, they were compelled to give it up. The years following, until
1880, Mr. Tucker made his home in the valley, and in the above year he
bought his present farm, comprising one hundred and eighty acres, and is
once more nicely situated in his favorite valley. Mr. Tucker is in every
sense of the word a pioneer, and his mind can not help wandering back to
the beauties of Napa Valley thirty-live years ago, when this district had
no resident save the Indian, or the herds of undomesticated cattle and
horses, the beast of prey, and the fowls of the air. Mr. Tucker is now
engaged in general farming. He was united in marriage, October 8, 1879,
with Mrs. C. E. Weed, who was born in Moscow, Maine, December 3, 1838.
He has three step-children : Bertha E. Weed, born September 10, 1860, in
Carmel, Maine ; Nettie M. Weed, born March 20, 1862, in Carmel, Maine ;
Edwin H. Weed, born January 10, 1864, in Bangor, Maine.
TABOE, ISAAC, M. D. Was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Feb-
ruary 28, 1817. He was educated in Providence, Rhode Island, at the
Friends New England Yearly Meeting Boarding School, and at Amherst
Academy, Massachusetts. In Cherry Valley, New York, he began the study
of medicine, and further prosecuted his studies by attending medical lectures
in Albany, that State, and Woodstock, Vermont, and graduated from the
Medical College of the latter place June 9, 1841, and received a third course
at the Berkshire Medical School of Massachusetts. We next find Dr. Tabor
in St. Louis, Missouri, where he followed his profession for one year, and
then, owing to ill-health, concluded to change and moved to Texas, and
settled on the Red River in Cass County, and there practiced medicine for
twenty years. The war then broke out and the Doctor's sympathies being
with the North, he left his sunny home for that of Providence, Rhode Island,
and there continued his practice until he removed to California, which event
occurred in June, 1876. He first located in Placer County, and there
remained until the fall of 1879, when he moved to Oakland, where he
sojourned for a few months, and then moved to Napa Valley, locating in St.
Helena, and is now building up a nice practice, and is respected by the com-
munity in which he lives. The subject of this sketch was twice married.
His first marriage occurred in Texas, October 23, 1844, to Rebecca S.
Prewitt, a native of Alabama, who died March 3, 1861, in Providence, Rhode
Island. They had three children : Benjamin Prewitt, born August 17,
1852, in Texas ; Isaac Francis, born November 24, 1854, in Rhode Island ;
Mary Elizabeth, born December 21, 1857, in Texas, and died March 4, 1860,
in that State. He married secondly in Worcester, Massachusetts, May 11,
1865, Miss Emily Whitney, a native of Westminster, Massachusetts. Their
children are, Ernest Frederick, born February 26, 1866, in Worcester,
Massachusetts ; Ashley Raymond, born December 24, 1868, in Rhode Island.
Biographical Sketches. 573
TULLY, THOMAS J. The subject of this sketch was born in Mason
County, Kentucky, July 18, 1825. In early life it was Mr. Tully's intention
to become a physician, but an accident to one of his eyes changed his whole
course of life, as his studies had to be abandoned. He then learned the
trade of plasterer, and in 1853 removed to Knox County, Missouri, and re-
mained in that State until his coming to California, which occurred July,
1873. On arriving here with his family, he first located at the Hoopa Val-
ley Indian Reservation, where he received a position as head farmer, in
which capacity he served for nearly one year. He was then appointed
clerk and commissary, which situation he held until January, 1875. At
that time he moved to Napa Valley, locating in St. Helena for a short time,
and then changed his place of residence to Calistoga. He has purchased
the " Maple Spring" property, a delightful place, situated on the Santa Rosa
road, two miles from Calistoga. Mr. Tully is engaged in the fruit business,
having a beautiful and, as we believe, the only orange orchard in Napa
Valley, of something over fifty trees ; also all the other varieties of fruit
known to this climate ; and " Maple Spring" promises to be in a few years
one of the most delightful summer resorts on this coast. Mr. Tully was
married to Mrs. Mary A. Robinson, of Missouri, July 22, 1869. Mrs. Tully
is a teacher by profession, and it is their intention to establish a boarding
school for children of both sexes at " Maple Spring " some time during the
coming year. Mr. and Mrs. Tully have one child, a daughter, Clara May,
born in Missouri, June 6, 1870.
THOMPSON, SIMPSON. This worthy pioneer, whose portrait will be
found in this work, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, September
18, 1803. His great-grandfather, John Wilson, bought the old homestead
farm, in Bucks County, directly from William Penn, and it may be remarked
as something very rare in American family history that the property is still
owned by his great-grandson, the subject of this sketch. John Wilson,
his great-grandfather on his mother's side, immigrated with his family to
America, and settled in the same township. This man was the eldest son
of James Wilson, who had violated the law of the realm by marrying
Isabel, the daughter and heiress of the Earl of Corsik, in Scotland, and had
been compelled to flee with his bride to ' the County of Antrim, Ireland.
Of the same family, two generations removed, was Margaret Wilson, who
was, in 1685, at the age of eighteen, sentenced to be drowned in the waters
of the Bladnoch, near Wigton, Scotland. An aged lady of sixty-three
years, named Margaret McLachland, was condemned at the same time.
Their only crime was refusing to take the oath of recantation, and to
abandon the principles of the Scottish Reformation. A beautiful cenotaph
of white marble was erected to the memory of these martyrs in the city of
574 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Stirling, and still commemorates their " faithfulness unto death." The
following is an extract from the minutes of the Kirk session of Penningham
Parish, February 19, 1711 : " Upon the eleventh day of May, 1685, these two
women, Margaret McLachland and Margaret Wilson, were brought forth to
execution. They did put the old woman first into the water, and when the
water was overflowing her, they asked Margaret Wilson what she thought of
her in that case. She answered, ' What do I see but Christ wrestling there.
Think ye that we are the sufferers ? No, it is Christ in us, for he sends
none on a warfare on their own charge.' Margaret Wilson sang Psalm
xxv., from the seventh verse and the eighth chapter of the epistle to
the Komans, and did pray, and then the water covered her. But be-
fore her breath was quite gone, they pulled her up and held her till
she could speak, and then asked her if she would pray for the king.
She answered that she wished the salvation of all men, but the dam-
nation of none. Some of her relations, being at the place, cried out,
' She is willing to conform !' being desirous to save her life at any rate.
Upon which Major Winram offered the oath of abjuration to her either
to swear it or to return to the waters. She refused it, saying, ■* I will not ;
I am one of Christ's children, let me go.' And they returned her into
the water, where she finished her warfare, being a virgin martyr of
eighteen years of age, suffering death for her refusing to swear the oath of
abjuration and hear the curates." Mr. Thompson grew up on the old Bucks
County homestead, and was educated in the common schools of the county.
In 1845 or 1846 he went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained for
twenty months, engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. On
account of ill-health he went to Philadelphia, and at the age of forty-five
engaged as an apprentice to the plumber and gas-fitter's trade, with the firm
of Archer & Warner. He worked at this for eighteen months, when he
went to Albany, New York, and began business for himself, which he con-
ducted till 1852. In May of that year he sailed from New York bound for
California, coming via the Chagres Kiver and the Isthmus route, making-
part of the journey from Gorgona to Panama upon a mule, and sleeping in
the open air with a box of medicine for a pillow. He came up the
coast on the steamer " Golden Gate," with one thousand five hundred
passengers, among whom were some forty or fifty stowaways, who came
aboard at Acapulco, and who had been wrecked upon another steamer.
Those were treated rather roughly, and made to work at whatever they
were able to accomplish. At last Samuel Brannan, who was on board,
made a speech in their favor, and headed a subscription list with $500 for
their relief. William Neeley Thompson, brother of Simpson Thompson, and
Thomas H., son of the latter, had come to California via the Horn in 1849,
in the ship " Grey Eagle," one hundred and twenty days from Philadelphia.
Biographical Sketches. 575
William N. entered into a copartnership with Mr. Blackburn in the lumber
business in San Francisco, and furnished most of the material for the State
House at Vallejo, and in 1851 three hundred and twenty acres of the Soscol
Ranch were taken in payment, at $12 per acre, from General M. G. Vallejo,
who had erected the State House at his own expense. A town site a mile
square had been laid out on the place by General Vallejo, and some of the
stakes are still standing. Subsequently Mr. Thompson pm-chased about
three hundred acres more. Mr. Simpson Thompson came to California with
the intention of putting up gas works, but when he arrived in San Francisco
he found that coal was $50 a ton, and that gas was only $10 per thousand
feet ; so he abandoned that project. He spent a few days at tallying lumber
as it came off from the vessels into his brother's yard. He then came to the
Soscol place and took charge of it. He found that his brother had sent
men up, who had planted a small field of potatoes, at the expense of $12.50
per acre for plowing alone. Nothing else had ever been done on the farm,
and the men abandoned the place in disgust. Upon his arrival at the place
Mr. Thompson spent the first six weeks under a big oak tree, making his
own bread and doing his own washing. This tree is near the present
mansion, and is surrounded by a circular arbor and cherished with the
greatest care. He found the place in a state of nature ; Soscol Creek, which
is now confined within artificial bounds and empties into the river, spread
then over a wide area, converting it into a morass. This is now reclaimed
and constitutes the richest part of the Soscol orchards. The first trees were
obtained from Rochester, New York, and from New Jersey. Nursery trees
of many kinds were brought out, but thousands of dollars were sunk by
losses in transportation. Trees packed in charcoal dried up and died,
and those packed in wet moss mostly rotted on the way ; but those
packed in dry moss arrived in good condition. The first peach pits
were planted in April, 1853, and most of them grew vigorously,
and ripe peaches were produced from them in sixteen months from the
planting. When the Mexican residents saw them put out, and prepara-
tions being made for a nursery, they laughed at such a thing. They said
that without water it was impossible ; that barley would not grow over two
feet and wheat not over six inches without irrigation, while trees would not
grow at all. Their astonishment may well be imagined when, sixteen
months after, he showed them finer peaches than they had ever seen in
the State. Apples were produced from the seeds in two and a half years.
Garden vegetables were produced in luxuriance and abundance without irri-
gation. The seedlings were, of course, inferior, but judicious grafting soon
produced fine results, and the stock of apple trees in California was soon
brought up to that of the East. The first basket of peaches sold from the
Soscol orchards brought $23.75, or about 80 cents per pound. They were
576 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
retailed at $1 . 25 each. The first basket of plum peaches brought $34, or
$1.1 2 1 per pound. A small area, only about one-fourth of an acre, was
planted in gooseberries, and the yield was three tons. The wholesale prices
of fruit in 1856, as shown by the books of Mr. Thompson, were as follows :
apricots, per pound, 70 cents ; early apples, 50 cents ; peaches, $9 to $14 per
basket of twenty-eight pounds ; peaches, best quality, $18 . 75 per basket, or
55 cents a pound ; yellow rare ripe peaches, 60 cents per pound. In 1855
$3 per pound was offered for the cherry crop before it was picked. The
prices of nursery trees were in proportion. In 1856 trees in the dormant
bud sold for $600 a thousand. Peach trees one year old brought $2 . 50 each
in 1855, and $1 .50 each in 1856. Apple trees sold from 75 cents to $1 .50
each, and as high as $5 was paid for a single fine tree. In 1856 the trees in
the original orchard would have brought more than he could now command
for the entire property. In that year the farm and orchard yielded $40,000,
a greater sum than it has ever since produced. Mr. Thompson carried on the
place for many years in connection with his two sons, Thomas H. and James
M., but now it may be said that the latter is really the manager of the
magnificent property, the father having resigned that position to him some
years ago, and the elder brother being now in Texas, where they are jointly
largely interested. The old gentleman is surrounded by everything that
could render life enjoyable, and is held in universal respect and esteem by
all who know him. The family mansion is a model of convenience, widely
known for its hospitality. The grounds are laid out with great beauty, and
dotted over with rare shrubs and trees from every part of the Union. Mr.
Thompson was married in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1826, to Miss
Susan T. Simpson, who died in that county in 1844, leaving two children,
Thomas H. and James M.
THOMPSON, JAMES M. Was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
November 6, 1833, and is the son of Simpson and Susan T. Simpson Thomp-
son. He received a common school education in his native place, and then,
in 1851-2, attended the Williston Seminary, in Hampton, Massachusetts.
August 4, 1854, he sailed from New York on the steamer " George Law,"
to the Isthmus ; came part of the way across that on a railroad, and the
balance on the hurricane deck of a mule ; thence on the steamer " Sonora,"
arriving in San Francisco August 28th of that year. He came at once to
the Soscol ranch, where he has been engaged in the nursery and orchard
business, in connection with his brother and father. In 1874 he went to
Texas and purchased, in company with two others, a tract of ten thousand
acres of land and stocked it. He now owns a half interest in that vast
estate. He was married May 28, 1862, to Miss Mary R. K. Gluyas, who
was born in Philadelphia, February, 1844. Their children are, George S.,
Biographical Sketches. 577
born June 29, 1864; Margaret Wilson, born September 19, 1867, and
William Gluyas, born August 5, 1873.
TUCKER, GEORGE W. Son of R. P. and Delilah Compton Tucker,
was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 15, 1831. He resided at
his birthplace until 1838, when he, with his father, moved to Rock Island
County, Illinois, where he remained until 1846. April 20th of the last-
named year the family left Illinois, bound for Oregon, but, when they
arrived at the head of the Humboldt River, they changed their course and
came to California, arriving in October of that year. He stopped during
the winter of 1846-7, at Johnsons Ranch on Bear River, and in the spring he
moved to the Cosumnes River and spent two months. He then came to
Napa County, and located on a place near the head of Napa Valley, living
in a log house on the site of his present dwelling. In 1848 he was among
the first to go to the newly discovered mines, following mining for two
summers. He has since remained at home permanently, and now owns one
hundred and fifty acres of land. He and his father were among the number
who went to rescue the Donner party. Married January 1, 1858, Miss
Angelina Kellogg, a native of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, born October 6,
1838. f Their children are, Lilia, Mary, Jesse, Charles, Henry, Martha, John
and Eda.
TEALE, GEORGE W. The son of Peter and Mary Ann Tucker Teale,
was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, October 1, 1851. When he was but
one year old he came with his parents to Napa County, California, and re-
mained with them on a farm near Calistoga until 1880. He then purchased
a ranch of forty-five acres, and is now engaged in general farming. He
married January 27, 1880, Miss Kate L. Parker, a native of Solano County,
California, born July 17, 1858. By this union they have one son, born
October 13, 1880.
THOMPSON, CHARLES. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
appears in this work, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, one of nine
sons, all born on the homestead farm that had belonged to the family for
several generations. He received his education and resided there and in
Philadelphia and New York, until the glowing accounts heard of the Golden
State, decided him to go and see for himself the truth of the stories that
were told of the land of gold, its delicious fruits and large vegetables. In
November, 1856, he sailed from New York, via, Panama, on the steamers
" George Law" and " Sonora," and arrived in San Francisco in December.
That they received a cordial welcome will be known from the fact that they
brought the news that it was supposed Buchanan was elected President ; but
it was not known for a certainty until the next steamer arrived, two weeks
later. After sojourning a few days in San Francisco, Mr. Thompson
37
578 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
proceeded to Soscol Rancho, where he engaged in farming for several years.
He then moved to the upper Napa Valley and bought land on the Yount
grant, east of Oakville, and at the end of three years he sold that and
leased the Yount homestead for one year. In June, 1867, he visited his
home in Pennsylvania, remaining several months, and then returned and
embarked in farming in Contra Costa County for five years. In 1869 the
people were becoming interested in grape culture, and he purchased his
present ranch, consisting of about one hundred and twenty-seven acres,
considering the soil particularly adapted to the vine, and after a trial of
several years he finds his opinion was entirely correct. Mr. Thompson
is one of those men who always weighs well the outcome of any enter-
prise before he ventures, as may be seen in his wise choice of grape lands,
and his wisdom in embarking in the business when he did. He has never
been an office seeker, but has always manifested a deep interest in all public
affairs, and lent a ready hand to the assistance of whatever has tended to
the advancement of the best interests of the community in which he resides.
He has always been a prominent farmer wherever he has resided, and his
opinions and conclusions concerning agricultural subjects, have been held in
high esteem by his neighbors. He is now living upon his beautiful estate,
surrounded by the comforts of home and the society of his family, enjoy-
ing the well-earned fruits of a wisely spent life. In 1874 Mr. Thompson
once more visited his native home, and February 23, 1875, was united in
marriage to Miss Jennie Buckman, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
and by this marriage they have one living child, Edward, born in 1878.
VAN BEVER, PETER. Was born in Belgium in 1825, and resided in
his native country till he was twenty-five years of age, receiving his educa-
tion in the meantime at private colleges. In 1850 he came to California
via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco May 3d of that year. He brought
a small stock of goods with him, but the city of San Francisco having been
destroyed by fire the day he arrived, he deferred the opening of a store and
went to Santa Clara County, where, in partnership with Levi Prevost, he
purchased a small farm. In the fall of 1851 he returned to San Francisco,
where he established himself in the general grocery business, which he fol-
lowed till 1853. In that year he paid a visit to Europe, and on his return
continued the business till 1857. He then went to Mariposa County and
began the same business, conducting it till 1S60. In 1S61 he came to Napa
City and opened a small restaurant, which he conducted for one season. Next
he began the produce business, which he conducted for a short time, and
then he opened the well-known "Bee Hive" store in 1864, which he con-
ducted till 1875. He then began the wine business, which he followed till
1881. Mr. Van Bever has ever been one of Napa's most energetic
Biographical Sketches. 579
men and earnest citizens, doing all in his power to advance the interests of
the city and county in which he resides.
VAN TASSELL, THEODORE. The subject of this sketch was born
in New York City, April 11, 1834, where he was educated at the common
schools, and resided until his twentieth year. At the age of twelve he was
apprenticed to the trade of hatter, and at this he continued up to his leaving
his native State, with the exception of one year spent in a commis-
sion house. June 18, 1854, found Mr. Van Tassell on board the steamer
" Surprise," Captain Ned. Wakman, bound for California, coming via the
Straits of Magellan, and after a passage of six months entered the Golden
Gate December 14, 1854. After a short time spent in visiting his relations
who had preceded him to this coast, he found employment in the hat store
of 0. H. Boyd & Co., where he remained until 1857. After one year spent
on a farm near Sacramento, he again returned to San Francisco, and took
charge of a hat store for J. B. Le Gay, and in 1862, in partnership with
Wm. H. Mead, and under the firm name of Mead & Van Tassell, he con-
ducted a mercantile house in that city. After a short time he bought his
partner's interest in the stock and moved to the Russ House Block, and
there carried on business until 1867, and then accepted a position in the
insurance office of R. B. Swain & Co. In July, 1871, he moved to Napa
County, and after spending one year with his father-in-law on the " Hill-
side " farm, near St. Helena, he entered the employ of J. A. Jackson fe Co.,
pjmber merchants. This firm selling out in 1874, Mr. Van Tassell succeeded
them, and remained in this business until 1880, when he took charge of the
White Sulphur Springs Hotel, which he conducted to the satisfaction of all
the patrons of that noted summer resort. The subject of our sketch was
united in marriage in San Francisco July 23, 1863, to Miss Emma S.
Pollock, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and by this union they have four
children. Their names are, Theodore S., Emily F., Florence L. and Philip L.
VANN, MATHEW. This old and respected citizen of Napa County,
whose portrait appears in this history, was born in Morgan County, Illinois,
June 9, 1823. When he was but a child his parents moved to Tennessee,
and there resided until 1830 or 1831, when they moved west and located
near Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. He remained in that State until
he came to this coast, which occurred May 1, 1850. He came in company
with two brothers, William H. and T. A., joining a train at Springfield,
Missouri. They came the old emigrant route across the plains, and arrived
in the Golden State July 30, 1850. He first stopped at Hangtown (Placer-
ville), and embarked in mining for eighteen months. In December, 1851,
Mr. Vann paid a visit to his home in Missouri, and was there united in mar-
riage ; and after sojourning there a short time he returned to California,
580 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
arriving in September of 1852. He proceeded direct to Napa Valley, first
locating on the Yount ranch, and in the following spring he purchased
his now valuable ranch of one hundred and fifty acres, located about
two miles south-east of St. Helena, and engaged in general farming and
grape growing. He is now, in company with the wife of his youth, enjoy-
ing the fruits of a prosperous life, surrounded by his family of five sons,
and enjoying the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the community
in which he lives. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, in
Pope County, Missouri, April 14, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Lane, a native of
Tennessee. Their children are, Charles R., Thomas L., William F., Robert
M. and Jefferson J.
VOORHEES, ALBERT P. Son of Samuel W. and Maria Loucks Voor-
hees, was born in Sharon, New York, March 22, 1840. When he was nine
years of age he, with his parents, moved to Sharon, Walworth County,
Wisconsin, where he received his education at the common schools, after-
wards taking a course at the Wayland University. He then worked on his
father's farm in summer and taught school during the winter. October 25,
1862, he sailed from New York on board the steamer " Old America " to
Nicaragua, where he took passage on board the " Moses Taylor," arriving in
San Francisco November 27th of the above-named year. He immediately
proceeded to the Montezuma Hills, Solano County, where he sojourned a
few months, and then accepted a clerkship at the Mare Island Navy Yard,
a position he held for five years. In 1868 he began the clothing and gentle-
men's furnishing business in Vallejo, which he followed until 1876. During
his residence in that place he held the office of City Trustee for a number of
years. June 24, 1876, he began his present business in Napa under the
firm name of Alden & Co., located on the corner of First and Main streets.
Mr. Voorhees was united in marriage in Vallejo, Solano County, Decem-
ber 21, 1870, to Miss D. Annie Farnham, a native of New Brunswick.
By this union they had two children : Evelina Jaunita and Albert Leland.
WALLACE, HON. WILLIAM CYRUS. The subject of this sketch,
whose portrait appears in this history, was born near Lexington, La Fayette
County, Missouri, November 13, 1823, and is consequently now in the fifty-
eighth year of his age. At the age of about eighteen years he moved, with
his parents, to Clinton, Henry County, in the same State, at which latter
place he received the greater portion of his education. Here he began the
study of law at the age of twenty- two, and in the year 1847 he was duly
licensed to practice in all the courts of the State. He immediately entered
actively upon the practice of his profession at Clinton, the county seat, and
so continued until the spring of 1849, when he joined the army of pioneers
whose hopes and fortunes were centered upon the gold-fields of California.
Biographical Sketches. 581
He connected himself with a party of emigrants coming with ox-teams, and
in this manner made the long and wearisome journey across the plains, ar-
riving at Sacramento in August of the same year, and encountering only
such incidents as were commonplace upon the trip in those days. In seek-
ing a new home he was not seeking simply adventure, nor was he'carried
away with the marvelous accounts concerning the gold discovery, but relying
upon the practice of his profession, he brought with him his law library,
and in a very short time he was engaged in an active practice at Sacramento.
At the first election under the Constitution — the spring of 1850— he was
elected District Attorney of Sacramento County. At a subsequent time, he
was nominated by the Whig convention of that county for the office of Pub-
lic Administrator, and was elected by a majority of more than five hundred,
though the rest of the ticket was defeated. That office was at that time
a very important one, and its duties very laborious, and were the more dis-
agreeable because of previous bad management. After a year, having ar-
ranged the affairs of the office in a satisfactory manner and settled its
business, he resigned. In 1853 he visited his former home, where he was
married, and then returned to Sacramento and continued the practice of his
profession. In the following year he was again a candidate on the Whig
ticket ; this time for the office of City Attorney, to which he was elected,
Hon. Cornelius Cole being his competitor. He continued to reside in Sac-
ramento until the summer of 1859, when, on account of sickness in his
family, he moved to Napa County and located at Napa City. Here he
remained until the winter of 1863, when he moved to the State of Nevada,
engaging to some extent in mining enterprises and practicing law at Virginia
City and Washoe. While in that State, he twice received the nomination of
the Democratic party for Justice of the Supreme Court— in the years 1864
and 1866. He had also received a like favor at the hands of that party in
California in 1861. He returned to Napa County in 1867, and this has been
his home ever since. In 1869 he was nominated by his party for and
elected to the position of District Judge of the Seventh Judicial District,
at that time embracing the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake,
Napa and Solano. He was re-elected to the same position in 1875, but this
time without opposition. During his second term the district was changed
by leaving off the counties of Marin, Mendocino and Sonoma. The
adoption of the new Constitution in 1879, by which our judicial system
was changed, cut short his term of District Judge, but he was immediately
put forward by the people of his own county for the position of Superior
Judge, and elected without opposition. There are few men who have been
more thoroughly tried by his people, and at all times commanded the high
confidence and esteem enjoyed by Judge Wallace. In his private life he is
benevolent, social, pure and true. His friendships are extensive, and are
582 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
ever warm and enduring. As a judge, he is gifted in more than an or-
dinary degree with the power of discerning truth and propriety, while his
great experience enables him to weigh and solve legal questions with great
dispatch and accuracy.
WILKINS, EDMUND TAYLOR, M. D. The subject of this sketch,
whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Montgomery County,
Tennessee, at the residence of his grandfather, Colonel Edmund Taylor,
October 20, 1824, and is the son of Dr. Benjamin and Jane Taylor Wilkins.
At the time of his birth his parents lived in Christian County, Kentucky,
but, for the sake of convenience and sociability, he was taken across the line
into Tennessee, to be born. Until he reached the age of ten years, the sub-
ject of this sketch alternated between the two States named above, after
which he resided in the States of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and
at eighteen he entered the William and Mary College, where he received his
collegiate education. In March, 1849, he sailed from New Orleans for Cali-
fornia, taking passage on the schooner " St. Mary," Captain Chasteau. When
off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the little craft, one hundred and fifty
tons burden, was overtaken by a terrible storm, in which she was so disabled,
that it became necessary to seek safety by going into port to replenish
supplies and repair the damages of the gale. Accordingly, the captain set sail
for Baltimore, where she remained six weeks ere she was again pronounced
ready to pursue her voyage arpund the Horn; Captain Chasm having been
placed in command in lieu of Captain Chasteau. After a long and perilous
voyage of more than nine months, she at last safely arrived in San Francisco,
January 26, 1850. Among the persons on board were the late Thomas
M. Logan, M. D., surgeon of the vessel; Henry Clay Duralde, grandson of
Henry Clay ; Benjamin T. Davis, nephew of Jefferson Davis ; Edwin Good-
all, of the firm of Goodall, Perkins & Co., and fifteen other passengers,
making nineteen in all. Among the other passengei-s were William R. Cox,
J. C. Smith, Thomas Fondry, P. Carrington, J. R. Valleau, M. C. Goodwin,
Captain Daniel Butts, W. E. Dabney, and Dr. Ewin Shiel and wife. The
others are not remembered. After a short sojourn in San Francisco, he
proceeded up the Sacramento River, in a whale boat, and thence to Bidwells
Bar, in Butte County, where he engaged for a short time in mining. From
thence he proceeded in company with Drs. Richard Pegram and Edward
Workman to Trinity River, which he attempted to turn from its course by
means of a sand-bag dam ; but after spending all the summer, and all of
his means in this fruitless effort to force the river to give up its hidden
treasures, he abandoned the mines forever. Returning to the valley in the
autumn, he purchased a farm on the Feather River, ten miles above Marys-
ville, in Yuba County, Drs. Richard Pegram, and John S. Griffin, then surgeon
Biographical Sketches. 583
in the United States Army and now of Los Angeles, being co-partners. In
1853 he returned to his native State, and attended his first course of medical
lectures at the Memphis Medical College, from which he graduated at the end
of his second course in 1861. When Dr. Wilkins first came to California,
he brought with him a faithful colored servant, known as Major Breeden,
one of the most honest and faithful of men, who stuck to his young master
amidst all the allurements and temptations of those more than tempting
times. They went East together in 1853, and when they returned to Cali-
fornia in 1854, Dr. Wilkins brought the entire family, consisting of thirteen
persons, who were his slaves in Louisiana, but who were given their liberty
and a tract of valuable land, three hundred and twenty acres, near
his own, upon which he placed them, and on which some of them
still reside. After receiving his medical diploma, Dr. Wilkins gave up
farming, moved to Marysville in July, 1861, and from that time has paid
undivided attention to the study and practice of his profession, and especially
to that branch which relates to the dethronement of reason and the care and
treatment of the insane. In February, 1870, the Legislature passed an Act
authorizing the Governor to appoint a commissioner to visit the principal
asylums for the insane in Europe and America, and it was made his duty to
collect and compile all accessible and reliable information as to their man-
agement and construction, and the different modes of treatment of the insane,
the results of this investigation to be reported to the Governor in time to
be laid before the next session of the Legislature. The great interest that
Dr. Wilkins had manifested in behalf of the insane, and attention he was
known to have paid to the subject, as well as his intimate and friendly rela-
tions with Governor Haight, pointed him out as a proper person to fill that
important mission, and the appointment was accordingly bestowed upon
him. Immediately after receiving his commission, Dr. Wilkins commenced
his investigations. First familiarizing himself with our own asylum, he
proceeded at once to visit those in most of the States of the Union and of
Canada. With the information obtained from visiting fifty asylums on this
continent, and exchanging views with the most experienced, able and learned
of the superintendents in his own country, he crossed the Atlantic well pre-
pared to contrast and compare the asylums and the systems of management
of these institutions in this country and those beyond the Atlantic. Having
spent twenty-one months in visiting one hundred asylums in Great Britain
and Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Bohemia, Prussia, Bel-
gium and Holland, in addition to half as many in America, and having
attended meetings of the superintendents of asylums in France, England and
the United States, he returned to California and made an elaborate and ex-
haustive report to the Governor on the 2d day of December, 1871, ten thousand
copies of which were published by order of the Legislature then convened.
584 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Among the first and most important results of this report was the passage
of an Act by the Legislature to provide additional accommodations for the
insane of this State. Dr. Wilkins was appointed by Governor Booth as one
of the commissioners to select a site and location for the projected asylum,
Dr. George A. Shurtleff, superintendent of the Stockton Asylum, and Judge
C. H. Swift, of Sacramento, being the other two members of the Commis-
sion. The location was made in Napa County, and the elegant structure
known as the Napa State Asylum for the Insane now adorns the selected
site, and is the best proof of the wisdom and taste displayed by the Com-
mission in the choice made. Dr. Wilkins was also named in the bill, to-
gether with Dr. Shurtleff and Governor Booth, to act as an Advisory Board
to the Board of Directors in reference to the adoption of suitable plans for
the new asylum. Having been thus intimately connected with and inter-
ested in the establishment of this noble charity, and largely instrumental,
through his report, in procuring the passage of the Act authorizing its con-
struction, the Board of Trustees appointed for its management showed a just
appreciation of his worth, and a proper regard for the best interests of the
institution, by electing him, on the 16th of March, 1876, as the Resident
Physician. At the expiration of his term of office he was re-elected for a
second term of four years, and is now in charge of that institution. Its
management needs no encomium from us. The perfect cleanliness of the
entire establishment, the comfortable condition of the inmates, the order
and general harmony that seems to exist among the officers, employe's and
attendants, and the good taste displayed in the improvement of the grounds,
are evidences that speak for themselves, and are ever open to the inspection
of the public. Dr. Wilkins was married in Marysville, in May, 1855, to
Miss Matilda Pegram Brander, a native of Virginia, and by this union there
were three children : Jane Taylor, who died at the age of five years ; Martha
Pegram, and Benjamin Sidney. His wife died March 9, 1867. On the 24th
of May, 1877, he married Miss Camilla Price, daughter of John R. Price, and
niece of General Sterling Price, of Missouri, of which State she is a native.
It would be doing injustice to Dr. Wilkins if we failed to state that he feels
that he has been much more closely identified with the county of Yuba,
where he resided for twenty-six years, than with Napa, where he has lived
but six years. In Yuba he was known by everybody, was esteemed and
respected by all, and in return he was greatly attached to her citizens ; and
if his wishes had been consulted, we doubt not but he would have preferred to
have been sketched among those in that county who had long been his inti-
mate friends and associates. But in writing a history of the prominent
men of California' by counties, we must take them where and when we find
them. In conclusion, we will state that the maternal grandmother of Dr.
Wilkins, Elizabeth Lewis, was a daughter of Lawrence Lewis, a nephew of
ical Sketches. 585
General Washington, and Eleanor Parke Custis, the granddaughter of
Martha Washington, being the only lineal descendant of Mrs. Washington
with whom we have met in California.
WALSH, THOMAS. Was born in Ireland, August 15, 1822. In 1847
he came to America. He followed boating on the Hudson River until
April, 1857, when he started via Panama for California, and arrived at
San Francisco August loth of the above year. After spending about eight
years in the vicinity of St. Helena, he bought and settled on his present
place, about one mile from Calistoga, where he has since resided. He mar-
ried, June 4, 1852, Miss Margaret Hilliard, by whom he has five children :
William P. F., Robert, Henry, Matilda and Josephine.
WATSON, JOHN. Was born in County Clare, Ireland, and resided
there until 1852, when he came to America and settled in St. Louis, where
he remained until 1853, when he turned his face westward, and crossed the
plains to Salt Lake, where the winter was spent. In September, 1854, he
arrived in California, and proceeded at once to Napa County, where he has
since resided. He owns nine hundred acres of land, located near Napa
Junction, and is engaged in farming and stock raising.
WEINBERGER, JOHN C. This gentleman, whose portrait will be
found in the body of this work, was born in Weissenburg, Bavaria, July 13,
1830, and is the son of Christian and Madaline Rebesberger Weinberger.
He resided at his birthplace until 1848, during which time he was educated
at the common school. At the age of fourteen he began the confectionery
trade, which he followed until March, 1848. He then came to America,
landing in New York the latter part of May. He remained there and
worked at his trade until 1853, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he worked a few months only, when he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where
he began business upon his own capital. He remained there until 1865. He
then purchased a farm, in connection with W. H. Ragan, and began the fruit
and nursery business, which he followed until 1870. In 1869 he paid Cal-
ifornia a visit, and was so pleased with the country that he returned to
Indiana in 1870 and settled up his affairs, and came back to California to
make it his permanent residence. He came to Napa Valley and located
upon his present place, a short distance above St. Helena, and has since paid
his entire attention to the manufacture of wine. He is an active member
of the Viticultural Society of St. Helena, and has a fine cellar, a description
of which will be found in its proper place. He was married January 27,
1860, to Miss Anna V. Von Dakkum, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was born in
Paris, France, November 5, 1838. By this union there is one daughter,
Minnie, born December 27, 1861. Mrs. Weinberger died in 1866. He mar-
ried, secondly, Miss Hannah E. Rabbe, a native of New Albany, Indiana,
586 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
bom October 7, 1840. They have children as follows : Hannah, born June
7, 1876 ; Mary, born July 4, 1878, and John C, born March 4, 1881.
WILLIAMS, JOHN W. Was born in Phillips, Franklin County, Maine,
September 17, 1834, and at the age of ten his parents moved to a town
called Letter E, where the subject of this sketch followed farming, and was
educated at the common schools, and remained until 1864, during which
time he was married. In the latter year he moved with his wife to Green
County, Wisconsin, and engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business, in
which he continued until he came to California, which occurred July 16,
1875. Proceeding direct to Napa Valley, he sojourned there for about one
year, and then returned to Wisconsin. In the fall of 1876 he sold his in-
terests in the saw mills, and in the following spring started again for Cali-
fornia, arriving a second time in Napa County July 3d of the above year,
his family following a few months later. In August of that year he pur-
chased his present valuable property of thirty-two acres, located near Pine
station, nearly all of which is in vineyard. Mr. Williams, although com-
paratively a new settler in Napa Valley, has made many warm friends, and
commands the respect and esteem of all who know him, He was united in
marriage in Maine, October 9, 1864, to Miss Elvira Goodwin, a native of
that State, and by this union they have three living children : Elvira,
George H, and Samuel.
WHEELER, CHARLES. The subject of this sketch was born in Ver-
gennes, Vermont, February 22, 1818. When he was five years old his
parents, Horace and Laura Isham Wheeler, moved to St. Johns, Lower
Canada. He there attended the public schools, and afterwards finished his
education at Poultney, Vermont. At the age of fifteen he began life for
himself, going to Laporte, Indiana, where he engaged with his uncle as clerk
in the mercantile business, a position he held for ten years. He then re-
turned to St. Johns, Lower Canada, and purchased his father's business, and
engaged in the manufacture of leather, in which he remained until 1852,
when he paid a visit to the Pacific Coast, remaining only a few months.
On his return East he located at Oswego, New Yoi'k, where he engaged in
the grain and flour business, which he continued until July, 1868. Then,
under contract to the California Pacific Railroad, Mr. Wheeler came to Cali-
fornia, and was one of a company who built the first grain elevator on the
Pacific Coast, at Vallejo. After experimenting for two years, the company
came to the conclusion that it was not profitable or practicable to handle
grain in bulk, consequently they disposed of their interests to Mr. Fried-
lander, of San Francisco. In May, 1870, Mr. Wheeler visited Napa Valley,
and, being highly pleased with its beauties, he purchased a tract of land of
Mr. J. M. Thompson, at Bello station, two miles below St. Helena, where he
Biographical Sketches. 587
erected his present home. Mr. Wheeler has been married twice, having six
children by his first wife, five of whom are still living.
WELLER, HOEACE I. Son of William and Sarah Hutchinson
Weller, was born in Oswego County, New York, May 5, 1837, and remained
in his birthplace until he was twenty-one years of age. In his native town
he learned the tinner's trade. He then, May 5, 1858, started for the Golden
State, coming via Panama, sailing from New York on board the " Moses
Taylor " to Aspinwall, and on the Pacific side took passage on board the
" Sonora," arriving in San Francisco in June, 1858. Remaining there but a
short time he came to Napa Valley, and followed harvesting for one
and then in the fall went to the mines in Yuba County, and
that occupation for two years. He then returned to San Francisco and
engaged in the wood and coal business, remaining in this about six months.
He then, in August, 1861, returned East, and on his arrival in New York
enlisted in the 110th Volunteer Infantry for three years, and served in the
19th Army Corps, and the Department of the Gulf under General Banks,
and took part in all the engagements that his corps participated in. He
served two years and eight months, and then, on account of sickness, was
discharged, and returned home to New York, where he sojourned for about
six months. He then moved to and settled in Hall County, Nebraska, and
engaged in farming, and remained in that place for ten years. He then, in
1875, moved with his family to California, and settled in Calistoga, and en-
gaged in farming two miles from town, following this for four years. We
next find Mr. Weller in town engaged in the butcher business, in which he
continued for two years. He then sold out this business, and taking up a
mining claim, located in Kings Canon, he began to operate in mining, and
is now engaged in opening up what is known as the California claim, with
very flattering prospects. Mr. Weller was united in marriage in Hall
County, Nebraska, to Mrs. Hannah B. Shaw, a native of Wisconsin, born
January 30, 1842. By this union they have two children, one son and one
daughter, Cora Ellen, born October 28, 1877, and George Frederick, born
January 25, 1879.
WESCOTT, CHARLES ALBERT. The subject of this sketch was
born in Chenango County, New York, March 19, 1828. At his birthplace
he received a common school education, and worked on a farm until
1850. In February of that year he took passage from New York on the
steamer " Philadelphia " to Panama, and from thence he took passage on the
steamer " California " for San Francisco, arriving at the latter place in
March, 1850. He immediately proceeded to the mines on the American
River, and mined at Coloma until late in the fall of that year. He was
then taken sick, and returned to San Francisco, where he took passage on
588 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the sailing vessel " Constitution," with the intention of returning home ;
but after a stormy passage of seventy-six days they ran into a port
totally out of provisions. He remained there four weeks, when he boarded
the same ship, and started for Peru, but finally arrived at Acapulco,
where he remained some three months. He then took passage on board an
English ship, and returned to San Francisco, arriving there in May, 1851.
He immediately returned to Coloma, and bought into his former claim, and
prosecuted mining until fall. He was again taken sick, and returned to
San Francisco, and placed himself under a physician's care for a short time.
He finally heard that two of his former partners were in Napa County en-
gaged in hunting. He came here and also engaged in hunting wild game,
which was sent to San Francisco. He continued in this business until 1857,
when he settled on his present estate of one hundred and sixty acres, and
has lived here since. Was twice married. By the first union he had two
children, one of whom is still living: Clara, born June 16, 1851. There are
no children by his second mai-riage.
WEAKS, WASHINGTON P. The subject of this sketch was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, September 25, 1819, and there received a common
school education, and engaged in farming until his coming to this coast.
In 1852, in company with his wife and family, driving ox-teams, Mr. Weaks
started across the plains for the Golden State, arriving in Sierra County in
August of the above year. After a short stay there he moved to Yuba
County, locating in Marysville, and resided there until the fall of 1863.
He then went to Mexico and engaged in cotton raising near Mazatlan for
four years, and in the fall of 1867 he returned to San Francisco, and re-
mained there until his coming to Napa County, which event occurred July
3, 1872. He then purchased his present property of twenty-six acres, two
miles south of St. Helena, and is now engaged in viniculture and wine-
making. Mr. Weaks was united in marriage in Ohio, December 19, 1839,
to Miss Mary Macklin, a native of that State, and by this union they have
one child, Louisa, now Mrs. A. J. Mason.
WRIGHT, REV. J. M. This very worthy old pioneer was born in
Davidson County, Tennessee, October 29, 1809, and is the son of William
and Rachel Sawyer Wright. He truly belongs to the pioneer corps of
America, and sprang from pioneer stock. His grandfather, Peter Wright,
was one of the first settlers of Boatland County, Virginia, locating in the
great bend of the Jackson River, nearly one hundred years ago. Here he
planted a field of corn, which was subsequently devoured by the buffaloes.
At the close of the Revolutionary War, the father of the subject of this
sketch moved into the then wilderness of Tennessee, where he lived for
twenty years, and reared a family of thirteen children. In 1818 he, the
Biographical Sketches. 589
father, sold his Tennessee farm, and moved his family to Boone County,
Missouri, where he died in his seventy-seventh year. Young Wright was
in his ninth year when his father moved to Missouri, and here he received
his education in the old log school-houses so common in that country in those
days. At the early age of sixteen he felt called upon by the Master to
enter the great moral vineyard of the world, and work for the salvation of
men's souls. Nor did he wait until the eleventh hour, nor till he had spent
the strength of his youth and manhood in the service of the world and self,
but he came up to the front at the early dawn of his manhood's estate,
giving all that he had or ever hoped to have to the great cause he was es-
pousing. It was not long, however, until failing health bade him desist
from his labors ; and for the purpose of regaining it, he made a trip to New
Mexico in the capacity of teamster for some merchants who were trading
at that early day in that country. He was then nineteen years of age, was
gone six months, and returned completely recuperated. This train con-
sisted of thirty-three wagons, all mule teams, and seventy-three men, with
Riley Gregg as Captain. An escort of two hundred United States soldiers
under Major Riley accompanied them to the Arkansas River, which was
then the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. After
leaving the Arkansas River, they had one or two fights with the Indians, in
one of which Mr. Wright is honest enough to state that his hair stood so
stiffly on end that it pushed his hat off. In the midst of the fight a good
Baptist brother desired him to take a dram of whiskey ; but Mr. Wright
displayed his temperance principles by saying, " No ; if I have to die, I
want to die sober." He made three of these trips to New Mexico, and then
remained in Missouri till the gold excitement in California. He then, in
April, 1849, set out across the plains, and arrived at Sacramento on the last
day of July of the same year. The journey in from the Sink of the Hum-
boldt was made on foot, leading a pack-mule, on which was packed all his pos-
sessions. Sacramento City was then a town of tents. The next day afte
landing, he sold " Old Gray," the pack-mule, for fifty dollars, and purchased
an outfit. He and Thomas O'Neal and Eli Pullin were " pards," as the old
miners used to say. They set out on foot for the mines, and chanced to
pick up a ride, and finally arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, where
they staked off their claim. Here he worked for six weeks with good suc-
cess, and then bade an eternal farewell to mining. We here incorporate his
own account of his experiences in the mines. " I look back at my associa-
tions in the mines with proud and pleasant remembrance. I must say, that
no more honorable, social, high-minded and intelligent class have I met
with before or since. I soon gave out an appointment to preach, by posting
notices on the trees. I preached my first sermon between two log cabins
belonging to a Mr. Spence. He had provisions in one cabin, and whiskey
590 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
in the other. My congregation was about fifteen or twenty men. They
helped me to sing with a will, but with mischief in their eyes. They soon
got right, however, and listened to my sermon like gentlemen. This was
the first sermon ever preached in Hangtown. I discovered that Spence
was selling whiskey at the same time ; hence, I removed to another place.
I preached here every Sunday while I remained in the mines." At the
end of the time mentioned above, he came to Sacramento, and has never
seen the place since. He then proceeded to San Francisco, where he ex-
pected to take passage on the steamer for Panama ; but as all the tickets
were sold, he secured a position as coal passer on the steamer " California,"
and thus secured a passage to Panama. While on his way down, he was
called from the coal bunkers to the cabin by Captain Budd, for the purpose
of preaching a sermon to the passengers. From Panama he crossed the
Isthmus on foot to the Chagres River ; thence down that stream in a canoe
to the sea, where he took passage on the " Falcon " for New Orleans, going
via Havana. He arrived at home on Christmas day, 1849, making the en-
tire round trip in less than nine months. He remained in Missouri until
1854, when he again crossed the plains to California, bringing with him his
family this time. They settled near Vacaville, Solano County, where a year
was spent in stock raising. He then came to Napa County, and located at
Yountville, where a year was spent. He then moved to his present place,
three miles north of Calistoga, which consists of one hundred and twenty-
two acres, where he is engaged in farming, fruit and grape growing. This
old pioneer had always been so far in the vanguard of civilization that he
never saw a railroad until the one terminating at Calistoga reached that
place. He was in his sixty-second year when he took his first ride in a
train of cars, which, to us of this day and age, who have rode on' them ever
since our infancy, seems almost incredible. In 1878 he published a
pamphlet entitled, " The Giant Mystery Explained : The Bible Teaches
Three Distinct Original Creations of the Human Family." It shows deep
research, and, to say the least, is a novel idea. It is not our province to
criticise or review it. Mr. Wright was married in Boone County, Missouri,
to Miss Louisiana Shaw, daughter of John Shaw of Howard County in that
State. She was born in 1811, and died in the fall of 1854. There are
three living sons : John R., James G, and Paul J.
WOOLLEY, ELIPHUS B. Was born in Rockingham, Vermont, No-
vember 28, 1828, and resided there until he was four years of age, and then
moved with his parents to Canada, locating in Compton, where he received
a common school education. Remaining there for nine years, and his
mother in this time having died, he moved with his father back to Vermont,
and there remained until his starting for California, excepting eighteen
Sketches. 591
months that he attended a Jesuit College at Vicolet, in Canada. April 20,
1850, he sailed from New York on board the steamer "Philadelphia,"
coming via Panama, and arriving in San Francisco, June 24, 1850. Re-
maining in the metropolis for a few days, Mr. Woolley proceeded to Beales
Bar on the American River, and engaged in mining. Remaining only
a short time he returned to San Francisco, and sojourned a while.
Then in the following three years he located in several places, only staying
a short time in each, until April, 1854, we find him working a claim at
Summit Pass, and a short time afterwards he sold it and cleared over six
thousand dollars for his year's work. May 1, 1854, he sailed from San
Francisco for New York, and thence to his old home in Vermont, remain-
ing there about one year and visiting all the principal cities of the East,
he again, in March, 1855, sailed via the Nicaragua route for the Golden
State. On his arrival in San Francisco for the second time he remained
but a short time, and then moved to Stockton, and there remained a few
months. He then, October 11, 1855, went to Volcano, and there engaged
in the livery and stage business, in which he continued for seventeen years,
during which time he made another visit to his old home in the East. On
his arrival on this coast again he settled in San Mateo, and there ran a
stage from San Mateo to Pescadero, some thirty-one miles, carrying the
United States mails and Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express. He continued
in this place and business for three years ; then selling out, he moved to
Napa County, locating in Calistoga, and engaged in running the Harbin
Springs stage line for a few months from Calistoga to the Springs. He
then opened a meat market, in which he still continues. Mr. Woolley was
united in marriage May 20, 1859, to Miss Jane M. Foster, a native of New
Hampshire. They have one adopted boy, Burt, born January 8, 1879.
YOUNT, GEORGE C. (deceased). The subject of this sketch, whose por-
trait we take great pleasure in presenting to our readers in the body of this
work, was born in North Carolina in the year 1794, and, with his father's
family, emigrated to Missouri in 1804. From Missouri he went to Santa
F6, and engaged in the business of distilling, and made money very fast
there, but owing to the dishonesty of his partner he lost all. There are
men living yet in that place who remember him very well. Mr. Henry
Fowler saw and conversed with one such man during his visit to that place
during the summer of 1881. From thence he set out for California, where
he arrived in February, 1831. He justly ranks among the earliest pioneers
of civilization on the Pacific Coast, being at the time of his arrival, and for
some time after, the only white man to be found from the Mission of So-
noma to the quarters of the Hudson Bay Company. He found the country
overrun by numerous tribes of savage Indians — there being at that time
592 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
not less than ten or twelve thousand ranging the country from Napa to Clear
Lake. They were composed of various tribes, which, perhaps, accounts in
some degree for their sudden and almost total disappearance, as they fre-
quently made war upon and destroyed each other. Grizzly bears were also
found in great numbers. To use the words of the venerable pioneer, " They
were everywhere — upon the plains, in the valleys, and on the mountains,
venturing even within the camping-grounds, so that I have often killed as
many as five or six in one day, and it was not unusual to see fifty or sixty
within the twenty-four hours." The only traces of civilization to be found
in the country at the time of Mr. Yount's arrival, were the Missions which
had been founded by the old Padres, who were sent from Spain for the pur-
pose of civilizing the Indians, which object they accomplished by attacking
small parties of Indians, taking them prisoners, and driving them into the
Mission, where they were put through such a course of instruction as best
fitted them for the duties they might be expected to perform. Each Mis-
sion was supplied with five or six Spanish soldiers, and when one band of
Indians became somewhat tame, they were sent out, under the command of
the Spanish soldiers, to attack and drive in more Indians, who, in their turn,
had to go through a course of instruction or civilization. The soldiers wore
coats made by pasting one deer-skin upon another, to the number of seven,
which admirably served the purpose of coats of mail, as no arrow could
possibly penetrate them. As soon as one Mission was well filled, the Padres
would take some of the most civilized Indians, and, selecting another sta-
tion, start a new Mission. In this way the various Missions were established,
beginning at San Diego, and extending until every important point had its
Mission. In the fall of 1833 the cholera broke out in California, and raged
with terrible violence among the Indians. So great was the mortality that
they were unable either to burn or bury the dead, and the air was filled
with the stench of decomposing humanity. A traveler, who passed up the
Sacramento Valley at this time, relates that on his way up he passed a place
where there were about three hundred Indians, with women and children,
encamped ; when he returned, after an absence of three or four days, the
ground was literally strewed with dead bodies, all having died except one
little Indian girl ; she occupied the camp alone, while around her lay the
festering bodies of her dead companions, and the air was rendered noxious
by the disgusting stench arising from the dead bodies which, not alone in
this camp, but everywhere throughout the valley, strewed the ground. After
Mr. Yount's arrival in California, he continued his occupation of hunting
and trapping, together with catching sea-otter, up to the year 1834. He then
spent two years in traveling from place to place, engaging sometimes in one
occupation, and again in another. At this time he frequently took charge of
the Sonoma Mission, while the Padre went to San Rafael to look after affairs
Biographical Sketches. 593
there. In 1836 he came to Napa Valle}', for the purpose of settling upon a
large tract of land which had been granted him by the Mexican Government.
Here the same spirit of enterprise which had prompted him to stray so far
from the land of his fathers, began to show itself in the way of improve-
ments, and, in the fall of 1836, he built the first log-house ever erected on the
Pacific Coast, and raised the first chimney in California, from which ascended
the blue smoke to heaven. The Spanish Padres, when they saw the cheerful
fire blazing on the hearth, exclaimed in alarm, " Yount ! it will make you
grow old to have a fire in the house ! " And the savage Indians looked on
in wonder and amazement, then, shrugging their shoulders, retired to ponder
over the wonderful works of the " white man." The house was constructed
somewhat after the fashion of a block-house or fort, with one room below
about eighteen feet square, while above, the walls extended so as to make a
room twenty or twenty -two feet square ; where the roof extended, port-holes
were made for the purpose of protection against numerous hostile tribes of
Indians, and through which Mr. Yount was often called upon to defend him-
self by firing many a deadly shot upon the savages, who from time to time
came down from the mountains to make war upon him. At this time his
only companion was an old Frenchman, who had served in the war with
Bonaparte, and his only neighbors five or six families of friendly Indians,
who had taken up their abode near by. With these exceptions, there were
no neighbors nearer than the Sonoma Mission on the one side, and the Hud-
son Bay Company on the other. At one time the Indians of Sonoma made
a great feast and dance. The Indians on Mr. Yount's place took it into their
heads to go to the feast ; so a young Indian came forward and asked Mr.
Yount if he might go, at the same time signifying that five or six more of
the tribe would also- like to attend. Mr. Yount readily gave his consent ;
but the young Indian became depressed in spirit, seemed moody and sad, and
finally declared he would not go to the dance, and no persuasion of his com-
panions could induce him to change his mind, so they departed without him.
The air was still and calm, and the night wore quietly away until just
before day-break, when suddenly arose upon the air the fearful warwhoop !
Louder and louder it sounded, as if the very fiends incarnate had been set
loose ; and Mr. Yount, grasping his rifle, sprang from his couch to find his
house surrounded by a band of savages, who had come down from the
mountains for the purpose of war and plunder. Thick flew the arrows, and
the first one to fall was the young Indian who but the day before had re-
fused to leave Mr. Yount. The Frenchman guarded the room below, while
Mr. Yount fired from the port-holes above, killing many of the invaders, so
that they were glad to retreat, carrying their dead and wounded with them.
During the skirmish a little circumstance occurred, which serves to show the
disposition of the brave settler. The friendly Indian women rushed to the
594 History of Napa and Lake Counties — -Napa.
door of Mr. Yount's cabin, for the purpose of obtaining protection from the
flying arrows of the wild Indians ; but the Frenchman had the door strongly
barricaded, and refused touopen it. At length their piteous screams reached
the ears of Mr. Yount, and in a voice like thunder he exclaimed, " Open the
door, you old rascal, and let those women and children in, or I will come
down and put you out among the Indians ! " It is needless to say the door
was opened immediately, and the women and children given such protection
as the house afforded. The man who could ride right up to the face of a
grizzly bear, and fight the red-skins with furious and unerring aim, whose
courage in the midst of most imminent danger never faltered, could not
listen to the pleading voice of the helpless Indian women and their babes,
but ordered the door opened, even though by so doing he risked his own
life and the life of his only companion, his trusty Frenchman. At another
time Mr. Yount and his friendly Indians had had a fight with some savage
tribes, and whipped them. But revenge still burned within the breasts of the
savages, and they determined to make another attack. Mr. Yount heard of
their approach, and taking twenty-five picked braves from the Sonoma
Mission, went out to meet them. They met in Pope Valley a company
of five or six hundred wild savages, and a terrible battle was the re-
sult. The arrows flew thick as hail, yet the little party of braves, led
on by Mr. Yount, stimulated by his example, and encouraged by his
voice, fought like heroes, and after a desperate encounter, which lasted until
the morning began to break, succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, hav-
ing taken forty prisoners, and killed and wounded many more, while they
suffered comparatively small loss. During the engagement, Mr. Yount, who
was foremost in the fight, had a silk handkerchief shot off his head by an
arrow, yet he remained unhurt. When we consider what a little handful
of men went out to meet hundreds of a warlike race, and yet returned vic-
torious, we realize the power of him who " giveth not the battle to the
strong, nor the race to the fleet," and also the fact that knowledge is power,
and that it is destined by the all-wise Ruler to cover the earth as the waters
cover the sea. As civilization advanced, his fights with the grizzlies and
wild Indians became less and less frequent, but new and more formidable
enemies appeared in the land commissioners, squatters, and lawyers. Mr.
Yount's history, in this respect, is but a repetition of that of almost every
one of the early settlers of the country. The land which their own daring,
energy and courage rescued from the grizzly and wild Indian, they had
to contend for in our courts of law. This is not as it should be. They are
all men well advanced in years ; their thin locks are white with the frosts
of many winters. They have played a noble part in the history of our
country, and it ill becomes our Government to allow them to dwell in inse-
curity, uncertainty, and anxiety, now. They have earned their repose, and
Biographical Sketches. 595
should be allowed to sit in the shade of their own vine and fig-tree, in their
declining years, with none to dispute their right. Notwithstanding all he
had to contend against, Mr. Yount resided in Napa Valley, on the very place
which had been to him the scene of so many trials and adventures, every
foot of which he contended for with the grizzly bears and wild Indians,
until the day of his death. Strange to say, he was never wounded in any
of his conflicts, and bore upon his person no scars as mementoes of the past.
He retained much of the energy and firmness of his youth, and preserved
his memory to a remarkable degree to the last, relating incidents which
happened years ago as if they occurred but yesterday, even giving the day
of the week and month, without the least reference to notes. He was un-
ostentatious and simple in his manner, narrating incidents of the most start-
ling and thrilling nature in which he played a conspicuous part, without be-
traying arrogance, egotism, or vanity, and fascinated the listener by his easy
and simple statement of facts. Such a man was Mr. Yount — a fair repre-
sentative of a class of people who seemed by nature fitted for trying times,
and whose courage was at all times equal to any emergency. The more des-
perate the circumstances, the more calm and collected the mind, the more
deadly the aim. To use the words of the venerable patriarch, " the tighter
the place the surer the shot." He looked with a keen insight into human
nature. It was to him no sealed book, but one with which he was perfectly
familiar, and with which he was so well acquainted that no garb of decep-
tion could long be worn in his presence ; his sharp eye and quick perception
would penetrate and rend it into fragments. So while the crafty and de-
signing could make but little headway with him, the honest and worthy
might approach fearlessly, sure of ready sympathy and that benevolence
which is ever the accompaniment of a noble nature. He died in October,
1865, at the age of seventy-one years, and his body is resting in the ceme-
tery near the beautiful village which bears his name, and in the heart of
the lovely valley in which he was the first white man that ever set foot
upon its virgin soil, and within sight of where he spent over a third of a
century. A large monument has been erected to his memory. On one side
of it is inscribed, " George C. Yount, born in North Carolina May, 1794 ;
died October, 1865 ; age, 71 years." On the next side is a medal represent-
ing a hunter with a rifle, and a dead grizzly at his feet, with the inscription,
" Arrived in California February, 1831." On the third side is a medalion
representing Plenty ,-with a sheaf of wheat, grapes, horses, and men plowing,
and the words, " Received his grant of land February, 1836 ;" while on the
fourth side is Death with his scythe.
YOUNG, E. G. Was born in Bath County, Kentucky, December 12,
1830. In 1835 he, with parents, moved to Jackson County, Missouri. In
May, 1850, he came to California, arriving at Hangtown, October 11th of
596 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
that year. He came to Napa and farmed till 1855. He then went to Contra
Costa County, and engaged in the same pursuit, and in 1858 he returned to
Napa, where he still resides, being engaged in farming. He was married,
in Contra Costa County to Miss Isabella White, a native of Randolph
County, Missouri, bom July SO, 1840. They have one child, Guy Wallace,
born September 8, 1873.
YARRINGTON, JAMES. Was born in Genesee County, New York,
November 16, 1830. Here he received a common school education and fol-
lowed fanning until 1851, when he went to Jackson County, Michigan,
where he followed railroading for about six months. We next find Mr.
Yarrington in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he remained about six months
working at wagon making. He then went to Cattaraugus County, New
York, and followed the same business until 1873, when he came to Cali-
fornia and located at Salinas City, in Monterey County. Here he conducted
a wagon shop for six years, then came to Napa County and located in
Calistoga, where he is engaged in wagon making.
YORK, JOHN. This worthy old pioneer, whose portrait appears in
this work, was born in Granger County, Tennessee, June 15, 1820, and is
the son of Enoch and Nancy Hill York. When he was thirteen years of
age his parents moved to Warren County, Middle Tennessee, where he
resided till 1841. He then emigrated west and settled in Dade County,
Missouri, where he began farming, which he followed till 1845. April 15th
of the above mentioned year he started in Captain John Grigsby's Company,
together with David Hudson, William Hudson, William Elliot, and over one
hundred more men, across the plains to California, arriving at Johnsons
Ranch October 15th of that year. Continuing his journey to this county,
he arrived at Calistoga, then known as the Hot Springs, with above men-
tioned three gentlemen, November 1, 1845. He resided at Calistoga till
the Bear Flag War, in June, 1846, when, for protection, he moved his family
to Sonoma. Lieutenant Revere, commanding a Government vessel at San
Francisco, and who took command of the forces in Sonoma, entrusted the
subject of our sketch and Sam Kelsey with the important duty of carrying
the American flag from Sonoma to Sacramento, and delivering the same to
Captain Sutter at his fort, which duty these two brave young men promptly
and faithfully carried out. In the fall of 1846 he returned to Calistoga, and
settled on the farm now owned by Peter Teale. On the discovery of gold
in 1848, Mr. York with his family went to the mines, and began operations
below Colomaj where he continued two weeks. He then proceeded to
Hangtown (Placerville), where he mined until September, meeting with
good success. He then returned to this county, and settled on the ranch
which he had purchased from Dr. E. T. Bale previous to going to the mines.
Biographical Sketches. 597
In 1849 he again returned to the mines, being absent six weeks. He now
owns sixty acres of land, mostly in vines. Mr. York married September 5,
1842, Lucinda Hudson, who was born in La Fayette County, Missouri, June
20, 1823, and by this union they have nine living children : William E.,
born June 5, 1843 ; David, born September 3, 1845 ; Henry, born December
6, 1847; John A., bom April 18, 1850; Nancy I., born August 12, 1852;
Pettis S., born December 24, 1855 ; Charles, born March 3, 1858 ; Caswell,
born November 14, 1860; Frank, born January 21, 1863, and Nellie, born
February 13, 1867.
ZOLLNER, J. F. Was born in the Kingdom of Prussia in the year
1832. Went to school in the city of Balve, commencing in the year 1837
and ending in the year 1843, when, in company with his parents and two
brothers, Antone and Henry, he immigrated to the United States. His
parents with their family, Antone, John F. and Henry, settled for a short
time in Mine La Motte, Madison County, Missouri, where John F. was
sent to school and obtained an English education. In 1846 the father,
having been engaged in lead mining for three years, then purchased a farm
in Perry County, Missouri, where he moved with his family, leaving John
F. at that time at school in Mine La Motte. In 1847 John F. went to his
father's farm and remained with the family until the year 1848, when, on
the 28th day of August of that year, becoming dissatisfied, he left home
with the consent of his father, and returned to Mine La Motte, where he
engaged in the lead mining and butchering business until the winter of
1849. Then he purchased a stock of goods, and, in company with a young
man by the name of Thomas Barton, went into the Black River Swamps,,
trading their goods for furs, deerskins, etc., which enterprise proved a suc-
cess, but, becoming tired of that sort of laboi-ious life, they concluded to sell
the remainder of their stock, and try their luck farther west. He then, in
company with Barton, went into Pulaski County, Missouri, and remained
there until the winter of 1850. He then started for Arkansas, arriving at
Fort Smith in the spring of 1851. Barton hired to drive a team for some
farmer, and Mr. Zollner remained in the city of Fort Smith until the
cholera broke out. He then enlisted in the government train running from
Fort Smith to all of the frontier forts, such as Forts Arbuckle, Preston,
Washiteau, Brazes and Fantom Hill. In 1852, in the month of April, be-
coming dissatisfied with frontier life, having then visited, and been through
about a dozen different Indian Nations in the employ of Uncle Sam, he
started through Texas, by the way of El Paso, Doniana, Mimbres, Cruzes, Tuc-
son, Warners Ranch, El Monte, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Stockton to
Sonora, Tuolumne County, to engage in gold mining. He arrived in Tuol-
umne County, which at that time was considered the banner county of
598 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
the State, in November, 1852, and engaged in gold mining at Sonora Hill
Gulch, but until about February, 1853, with little success. About that time
the small-pox broke out in the boarding-house, where there were about
thirty boarders, and all hands scattered and built cabins as best they could.
It had been raining continually from November 13, 1852, up to this time.
The roads from Stockton became impassable, and a great deal of the provi-
sions used in the mines were carried in by Chinamen, some of which would
carry two hundred pounds from Stockton to Sonora, a distance of sixty-
five miles. Provisions went up until flour was sold at $1 per pound,
potatoes 80 cents a pound, and everything else in proportion. Common
rough mining boots cost $16 per pair. About April 1, 1853, the roads being
better, goods went down so rapidly that it caused a great many failures
among the merchants. At that time he sold the claim at Sonora Hill Gulch
and moved, in company with seven others, to Woods Creek, to a place
known as Cowskin Island, so called on account of the many small huts
built by Mexicans of the hides taken off of cattle, there being a slaughter-
house on the island, the owners of which were glad to have any one take the
hides out of their way. Worked that claim until July, and not having met
with success, abandoned the same and moved to what was known as Jackass
Gulch. Mined there in company with one Rodgers, with some success until
the 28th day of August. Becoming dissatisfied, he concluded to leave the
mines. Went to San Jose" and soon found employment in the Campbell
Redwoods, and remained there until about the middle of November ; he
then went to Santa Cruz, and from there to Pajaro Valley, near Watsonville,
and engaged in digging potatoes. When the potato season was over he
went back to the mines, and commenced mining in a little gulch, between
Jamestown and Sonora, with some success. Becoming dissatisfied on
account of the flattering news that came from Cave City, Calaveras County,
he started in March, 1854, to that place, but the reports not being true, soon
found the undertaking a fruitless one, and returned to the old place in
Tuolumne County. Remained there a short time when good news was
heard from a place above Sonora, at the head-waters of Woods Creek,
known as Hardscrabble. Went there and remained until June; then went
to work driving a logging team for Messrs. Heslep & Traylor, who, at that
time, were the kings of the lumber business in Tuolumne County, their
place of business being at the county seat, Sonora. Tuolumne County at
that time had a voting population of five thousand six hundred, three-fourths
of which lived in and about Sonora. Remained in the mountains teaming
until the fall of that year; went back to mining again as the teams were
turned out during the winter. In the spring of 1855, went back into the
mountains and engaged in teaming until September. Finding good news
coming from Murphys Camp, Calaveras County, he went there and engaged
Biographical Sketches. 599
in mining on a little creek, between Murphys Camp and Calaveritos, until
1856, with reasonable success. He then went to Mariposa County and en-
gaged in mining again, between Princetown and Agua Frio, but the mines not
proving remunerative he abandoned them in the spring of 1857, and went
back into old Tuolumne County and commenced again to mine on a place
called Peoria Bar, with excellent success. There were four partners, John
F. Zollner, James Oliphant, Frank Shaw and George W. Moore. Some days
they took out as high as $370 to the hand. Sold the claim and in the spring
of 1858 engaged in the butchering business. In the fall of that year pur-
chased a market, with Thomas J. Severus as partner, in Montezuma,
Tuolumne County, and for nearly three years did a successful business. In
July, 1861, was married to the only single daughter, at that time, of Mr.
William McClung, the result of that marriage being five children, James,
Thomas, Agnes, Ada and Mamie. In 1862 the Copperopolis copper mines,
so noted for their rich ores, caused a great excitement. He sold the mar-
ket in Montezuma, and purchased another in Copperopolis, Calaveras
County. In 1863 the first death occurred in the family, being the death
of the second child, Thomas. In 1867 the copper excitement having
abated, Copperopolis went down faster than it had raised on account of the
failure of C. T. Meader, in the sum of over $1,900,000. He left his family
in Copperopolis, after having sold the butchering business, and started out
with Thomas Cuttler hunting for business. Landed in Napa in March,
1868, and went into the butchering business with Henry Bihler as partner
and continued in business for one year, when Mr. Bihler sold his interest
to John Even. In 1869 the second death occurred in the family, it
being the son James, the first-born. In 1871 he was elected Sheriff of
Napa County, and in 1873 run again for the same office against L. M.
Corwin. The county that year went Democratic by about five hundred
majority, and Corwin, being a Democrat, beat Zollner by only seventy-
six votes. After the first term of office he went back into the old firm ;
also purchased a third interest in the well-known McBain & Co. tannery ;
also purchased a one-third interest in the lumber yard now owned by
James & Boggs. In 1877, having received the nomination by acclamation
in the Republican Convention for Sheriff, he accepted and ran against
Bennett James. The Republican party was beaten by about three hundred
votes that fall, and Zollner was elected by one hundred and fifty-three
majority. In April, 1878, he sold the butchering business to A. B. Walker,
and the lumber business to Bennett James. Continued in the tanning
business. At the expiration of that term of office Zollner & Even pur-
chased the butchering business then carried on by Joseph Henry, who in
the meantime had been elected County Treasurer, also the business of George
600 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Napa.
Christie and P. A. Zeigenfuss, and then commenced to slaughter for the
wholesale and retail trade. The firm is known as Zollner & Even, which
has never been changed since they first went into business. Zollner and
family are living in Napa City. The family now consists of John F. Zoll-
ner ; his wife Euth ; eldest daughter, Agnes, aged fifteen years ; second
daughter, Ada, aged twelve years ; and youngest daughter, Mamie, aged
eight years.
'-■•'■■■
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^{^fiifruuf 0 <7fyt,<z&
HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA.
Geographical Situation and Area — Derivation of Name— Topography -
Geology— Climatography, Etc., Etc.
Lake County is bounded on the north-west by Mendocino County, on
the south-west by Sonoma County, on the south by Napa County, and on
the east by Yolo and Colusa Counties. The territory embraced within its
limits is not so extensive as many of the neighboring counties, but it has
many redeeming features which put it more on a par with them. In ex-
treme length it is nearly one hundred miles, while in width it approximates
fifty miles.
DERIVATION OF NAME.— When a name was sought for the new
county, which was being organized from the territory separated from the
northern portion of Napa County, no more appropriate title than Lake
could be found, as in the very heart of the county there is the beautiful
sheet of water well named " Clear Lake."
TOPOGRAPHY.— The topographical features of Lake County are quite
varied, and yet they may be reduced to three general classes : Valleys,
between which, of course, there are mountain ranges, with here and there
prominent peaks, such as Cobb, Uncle Sam and others ; water courses and
the general system of drainage ; and lakes.
Valleys. — There are quite a number of small valleys in Lake County,
but Big Valley is the only one that is of any great extent. We will give a
summarized statement of the general outlines of each one. Beginning at
the south-eastern corner of the county, we find first,
Morgan Valley. — This valley is distant about twelve miles from Lower
Lake, and is about ten miles long and will average one mile in width. It
is made up of a section of rolling country, and is only called a valley be-
cause the general face of the country is far below the surrounding ranges
of mountains. The stream which flows through it is called Hunting Creek,
and it empties into Putah Creek.
4 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Long Valley. — This is a truly long valley, being about nine miles long
by one-half to one mile in width. It is located north-east of Lower Lake
and east of East Lake. Its general trend is south-east and north-west, and
Long Valley Creek is the stream that passes through it. It is a branch of
Cache Creek, into which stream, of course, it empties.
Burns Valley. — This is a circular valley, lying north-east of Lower
Lake and about three miles in diameter. The country is rolling and well
adapted to grazing. It comes to the margin of Clear Lake, at the Lower
Lake landing.
High Valley. — This valley is up in the mountains north of East Lake,
and is about four miles long by half a mile in width. It runs almost parallel
with Long Valley, lying on the west side of the western boundry ridge of
the latter. There is a small stream running through it.
Jerusalem Valley. — This valley is about two miles long and perhaps
a half mile wide, and is located south of Morgan Valley, and south-east of
Lower Lake about fourteen miles. Jerusalem Creek runs through it.
Jericho Valley. — This is a small valley lying just west of the last
named, and very near to it; so near in fact that that section of the county
is always referred to under the union of the two titles — Jerusalem and
Jericho.
Little High Valley. — This is a very small valley, located about four
miles south of Lower Lake, and is perhaps one and a half miles long. and
three-quarters of a mile wide.
Coyote Valley. — This is a beautiful valley lying along the banks of
Putah Creek, south of Lower Lake about ten miles. It is about ten miles
long and from one to six miles in width.
Copsey Valley. — This is a rolling, open country lying just south of
Lower Lake, and is known as the Copsey settlement, although it is as justly
entitled to the name of valley as many of the other sections which are
denominated valleys.
Lower Lake Valley. — This is the title we have given to the open
section of country immediately around the town of Lower Lake. It is not
very extensive, but is fertile, being rich made land on the margin of the
lake and Cache Creek.
Loconoma Valley. — This valley extends from the foot of St. Helena to
the foot of Cobb Mountain, and is about ten miles long and from one and a
half to five miles wide. St. Helena Creek is the only considerable stream
in it, and the town of Middletown is near its center.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 5
Cobb Valley. — This is a charming little valley, which lies on the north
side of Cobb Mountain, and is about four miles long and probably one-half
a mile wide. The head waters of Kelsey Creek flow through it, known
locally as Cobb Creek.
Big Valley. — This valley lies on the south-western margin of Clear
Lake, and extends from Lakeport, in a south-westerly direction, a distance
of nine miles. In width it ranges from one to seven miles. Adobe, Kelsey
and Christie Creeks serve as avenues of escape for the water-shed of the
valley. The soil is very rich, and well adapted to agricultural purposes.
Donovan Valley. — This is a small valley which lies up in the moun-
tains just west of Big Valley, and is one and a half miles long by perhaps
half a mile in width.
Scotts Valley. — This is a beautiful valley lying west of the western
margin of Clear Lake, and running almost parallel with it. In length it is
about ten miles, and ranges from one-half to three miles in width. Scotts
Creek flows through its entire length.
Bachelor Valley. — This valley lies north-west of Upper Lake a few
miles, and is five miles long and from one-half to three miles in width.
Upper Lake Valley. — This valley lies around the head of Clear Lake,
and is eight miles long and from one to five miles wide.
Clover Valley. — This valley extends from Upper Lake Valley east-
ward, at Clover Creek to the foot of the mountains, on the road to Bartlett
Springs. It is about three miles long and half a mile wide.
Gravelly Valley. — This lies in the very north-west corner of Lake
County, on the head waters of Eel River. It is four miles long and about
one mile wide. It is well named, as the winter's rains overflow it almost
entirely and leaves it entirely strewn with gravel and debris. It is a great
place for salmon during the spawning season.
Squa/w Valley. — This is a very small valley lying just east of Gravelly
Valley.
Rice Valley. — This is a small valley lying adjacent to the last men-
tioned.
Twin Valleys. — These are two small valleys which lie north of Bart-
lett Springs.
Paradise Valley. — This is a small valley lying just across the narrows,
north of Uncle Sam Mountain.
Water-Courses. — There are no navigable streams in Lake County,
and none of any great importance, except for purposes of drainage. Begin-
ning at the south-east corner of the county we find the
6 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Putah Creek, which, with its tributaries, serves for an outlet to all the
water-shed of the south-eastern portion of the county. St. Helena Creek
rises on the north-eastern slope of the mountain of that name, and as it
passes by the town of Middletown, and thence into Putah, it assumes the
broad proportions of the latter. Other head-streams of the Putah originate
on the south-eastern slope of Cobb Mountain, and center near the head of
Coyote Valley, whence the stream passes through the valley, and thence to
the Sacramento River. Through the Coyote Valley the creek is very wide,
being from three hundred to five hundred feet in width, and during the
winter freshets it becomes a fearful mountain torrent, into which an enor-
mous volume of water is precipitated in a very few hours.
Cache Creek. — Passing on to the north, we come next to Cache Creek,
which is the outlet for the waters of Clear Lake. As it passes eastward
towards the county line it receives several additions known as "forks" of the
stream itself. The north and middle forks are the most prominent of them
all. These rise in the mountains in the vicinity of Bartlett Springs, and
one of them finds its way to the main stream through Long Valley. In this
connection we would state that the entire water-shed of Lake County, makes
its egress through these two channels — the Putah and Cache Creeks. The
County of Lake is one vast basin, and its border lines are laid upon the
rim formed by mountain ridges. Passing up along the north side of Coyote
Valley, and extending to the summit of Cobb Mountain, is a low dividing
ridge, which separates the waters from Cache and Putah. Along this ridge
springs often come out of the ground, within a few feet of each other, that
ultimately find their way to the Sacramento River in widely divergent
channels.
Scotts Creek. — Beginning at the northern end of Clear Lake, this is
the first stream that debouches into that body of water, and enters it near
the town of Upper Lake. It rises some distance south-west from Lakeport,
in the head of Scotts Valley, and flows in a northerly course through that
valley, to the lower end of the Blue Lake Canon, where it changes its course
to easterly, and passes on to its mouth as above indicated. This stream runs
almost parallel with Clear Lake, and within a few miles of it.
Clover Creek. — This stream rises in the mountains to the north-east
of Upper Lake, and the road to Bartlett Springs passes along it to its
sources. It empties into Scotts Creek, near the mouth of the latter.
Middle Creek. — This is a small stream which flows out from Bachelor
Valley and empties into Scotts Creek.
Adobe Creek. — This is the next stream that debouches into Clear Lake,
and its mouth is a short distance south of Lakeport, while its head is in the
southern portion of Big Valley, and the mountains that surround it.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 7
Kelsey Greek. — This stream rises properly in Cobb Mountain, on the
north side, but as it passes through Cobb Valley it is called Cobb Creek.
The fact of the water of this stream being the head waters of Kelsey Creek
is a matter of artificial circumstance, the water being, some years since,
diverted from its original channel into its present one. Kelsey Creek passes
on down the mountains to the eastern side of Big Valley, and thence into
Clear Lake near the foot of Uncle Sam Mountain. These streams are all
beautiful, and the water in them is as clear as a crystal. Fish of many
varieties, principally trout, however, abound in all of them, while to bathe
in them at the proper season of the year is a luxury not found anywhere
except on the sea-beach. Babbling brooks, singing cheerily as they dance
and glint in the silvery sunlight, in their merry chase to the sea, is no poet's
dream in Lake County, for they greet one on every hand.
Lakes. — There are several lakes in this county, and it is very appro-
priately called Lake County. The chief of these is
Clear Lake.— This beautiful sheet of water is located near the geo-
graphical center of Lake County, and is a most charming sight to behold.
The water is as pure as a crystal, and in the early morning when the
bright rays of a summer's sun come gliding over its rippling bosom it
becomes a veritable sheen of silver. This lake is about one thousand five
hundred feet above the level of the sea, and is about thirty -five miles long,
and is from one mile to ten miles in width. It is divided into three sections,
upper, lower and east lake. The upper portion extends from the narrows
at the foot of Uncle Sam Mountain, northward to the head of the lake near
the town of Upper Lake, and is by far the most considerable part of the
entire body. Below the narrows there are two arms of the lake, divided
by a projecting tongue of land, the northern arm extending to Sulphur
Bank, and forming the east lake, while the southern part extends to or nearly
to the town of Lower Lake, and forms the lower lake. The daily discharge
of water through its outlet, Cache Creek, is estimated to be forty millions
of gallons. In depth it varies from a few feet to about ninety, the deepest
place being off Soda Bay, and thence through the narrows. The winter's
rains will raise it usually about ten feet above low water. There are a host
of mineral springs in its bottom and around its margin, and the water in
the summer season is really not a very pleasant purgative. It gets quite
warm, and affords fine bathing, and for rowing and sailing is unexcelled.
Blue Lakes. — The next lakes in importance in the county are a series
known as Blue Lakes, which are situated in the north-western portion of
the county. They lie on the road from Ukiah to Lakeport or Upper Lake,
and are a great place of resort during the summer season. They derive their
8 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
name from the beautiful reflection that is seen of the sky on their limpid
bosoms. There are three of them in reality, though they are spoken of as
four, the upper one being divided into two sections by the narrows. The
entire upper lake is about one mile and a half in length, and will average
between one-fourth and one-half of a mile in width. The next one to the
south is perhaps one-half of a mile long by one-fourth of a mile wide, and
the last one is about one-fourth of a mile long by a few hundred yards wide.
They are all beautiful sheets of water and abound in fish, and rowing upon
them is a rare luxury. Their depth is unknown, but they are reported to
be very deep in places.
Tide Lake. — This lake lies about midway between the Blue Lakes and
the upper end of Clear Lake, and is formed by the widening out of Scotts
Creek. It is about three miles long and three-fourths of a mile in width.
It is called Tule Lake from the fact that vast quantities of this rush grows
all over its surface. It is of no importance for any purpose, except that it
affords a bountiful supply of tule roots for the sustenance of the Indians,
who used to camp upon its borders in great numbers during the root-digging
season.
Borax Lake. — These lakes lie one on either side of the lower portion
of Clear Lake, the one on the eastern side being known as the Big Borax
Lake and the other as the Little Borax Lake. The larger one is about one
and one-half miles long by one-half mile wide, and the other is but a few
hundred yards in diameter, being nearly circular. The principal character-
istic of the water in these lakes is borax, hence the name, and they were
both worked successfully for that substance some years ago by the California
Borax Company.
Lake. — This is a small body of water lying on the road from
Glenbrook to Kelseyville, on the margin of which Bogg's saw mill was at
one time located. This lake is of no importance only as a curiosity, being
located far up in the midst of the mountains.
Rices Lake. — This is a shallow sheet of water, lying adjacent to what
is known as Rice's saw mill, on one of the roads leading from Lower Lake
to Kelseyville, and at the north-western base of Siegler Mountain. It is of
no importance except as a water supply for the engine of the mill.
A more extended description of all these lakes will be found further on
in the bod}' of this work, it being our object here to collect them all together
into one general view, giving only a general outline of them in this con-
nection. The same will apply to all streams, valleys, springs, etc., in this
chapter.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 9
GEOLOGY.— Beginning at once with the special geological features of
Lake County, we will name and describe the various minerals and metals
to be found within its borders :
Gold. — Gold in quite large quantities has been found in this county,
and from time to time there have been quite extensive mining excitements.
This metal occurs in quartz, gravel and sulphurets, and possibly in solution
in some of the mineral springs. There is a possibility that a time may
come when the gold mines of this section will be worked to advantage,
especially should any process be discovered whereby low grade ores and
poor gravel could be made to yield enough to pay for the working of them.
Silver. — Argentiferous ores are common in all portions of the county,
and mining for silver has been conducted quite successfully in several
localities. As remarked above, whenever a process is developed by which
low grade ores can be worked to advantage, it may be reasonable to suppose
that the industry of silver mining will become quite prominent and suc-
cessful.
Iron. — This useful metal is found all through the mountains of this
county, the ores consisting mainly of chromic, hematite, magnetic, and
titanic. No iron mines have, however, been worked to any extent in this
county, from the fact that fuel is too scarce at home, and it is too high for to
freight the ore to the metropolis. Vast bodies of this ore lie along the eastern
borders of the county, and should there ever be a railroad constructed lead-
ing to San Francisco directly from that section, it would probably be worked
to great advantage.
Coal. — This useful ai-ticle of economy has not been found in any great
quantities in Lake County, yet there are here and there outcroppings of it.
It is, however, similar to all the coal on this coast — lignitic or brown — and
is not the genuine article at all. It is as one born out of due time ; the
days for the formation of true coals had gone by when this coast was devel-
oped to the right conditions for the formation of a coal-field, hence the
assertion that there is no true coal on the Pacific Coast in the full sense of
the word. Moreover, the greater portion of the volcanic action of this sec-
tion has evidently taken place far subsequent to the formation of the present
lignitic coal measures, hence no continuous vein of it can be expected to
exist within the radius of the influence of these convulsions. It is hardly
probable that a rich vein of true coal underlies the upper formations, for if
such were the case, in all of the upheavals and eruptions which have
occurred in this section, some traces of it would have been revealed.
Petroleum. — This substance is not found in any quantities in the county,
though there are indications of it on all sides. Some of the most famous
springs in all this section are strongly impregnated with petroleum, the
10 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Highlands being a very good example. It is not probable, however, that
any great flow of this product will be found in the county, as the same con-
ditions exist here to prevent it as elsewhere on this coast, viz : the broken
up and convoluted condition of the earth's crust allows the body of the flow
to become broken up and disconnected, so that no very strongly flowing
wells have been found, as compared with those at the East, in the Appa-
lachian range of mountains.
Quicksilver. — This metal has been found in large quantities in almost
all portions of Lake County, and the ore is being very successfully reduced
at the present time by the Sulphur Bank Quicksilver Mining Company,
and at the Great Western Mine. This metal usually appears in the
form of cinnabar, which is, in its composition, 81 f grains of quicksilver
to 18£ grains of sulphur. Hence, knowing that it abounded in the hills
and mountains all through that section, it was nothing more than reason-
able to expect to find it in connection with the Sulphur Bank at East Lake.
When it occurs free from sulphur it is said to be native, and in this condi-
tion it is found at the Sulphur Bank, but not in connection with the sulphur,
but in a soft talcose rock which abounds in that vicinity.
Borax. — The chemical term for this is biborate of soda, and it is a salt
formed by the combination of boracic acid with sodium. It was first dis-
covered in and obtained from a lake in Thibet, and was sent to Europe
under the name of tincal. It is of a white color, or sometimes grayish, or with
a shade of blue and green. It is an excellent flux in many metallurgical
operations, and useful in soldering iron and steel. There are two borax
lakes in Lake County, one lying on the eastern side of the southern arm of
Clear Lake, and just south of the Sulphur Bank, and the other directly west
of the first, and across the lake, on the Buckingham place. In both of these
lakes the water is very strongly impregnated with borax, and the California
Borax Company prosecuted the industry of preparing it for the market very
successfully, and for quite a term of years.
Umbers and Ochres. — These mineral substances, used extensively for
painting purposes, occur frequently in this county, and in many places in
quantities sufficient for working advantageously.
Petrifactions. — These may be considered the alphabet of geology, as it
is by them that scientists are able to read, in a great measure, the record of
the earth's existence and the upbuilding and formation of its crust. They
occur here and there in Lake County, but as the formation of the rock is
mostly igneous rather than aqueous, comparatively few petrifactions are
found. A wonderful physical and chemical transformation occurs during
the progress of lapidification, and it is well worthy the careful attention of
any one to observe and study the transformation.
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 11
Copper. — Copper has been found in several portions of the county, but
not in any great bodies.
Sulphur. — This substance is to be found in all portions of Lake County
in some form or other, extending through all the grades from native to
union with almost every known substances for which it has an affinity. At
the Sulphur Bank at East Lake there are acres of it in an almost native
state, varying in depth from a few feet to fifty or more. Whence came this
great volume of sulphur ? This is a question which puzzles the wisest of
our scientific men. One theory, and it seems to us the more probable of the
two, is that this great bed of sulphur is but the deposit of a host of thermal
springs which at one time burst forth at that place. The other theory is
that it was deposited there by some volcanic action in a body as it is found
to-day. The first theory supposes the deposit to be an accretionary process
covering perhaps centuries ; the other, a comparatively instantaneous work
of perhaps a day, or even an hour. There is a crater, now extinct, just to
the eastward of the place, and the rim of it is fractured upon the west side,
and the lava flow can be traced to the water's edge ; but the body of this
flow is under the sulphur deposit, and only boulders of basalt and meta-
morphic rock are to be found in the body of the deposit. A more extended
discussion of this subject will be found in the body of this work, to which
the reader is referred. There are a host of sulphur springs all over the
county, both cold and thermal, a striking example of the former being
found at the Pierson Springs, and of the latter at the Harbin Springs. In
most cases it appears as yellow sulphur, but occasionally white sulphur is
deposited by a spring. The first is its normal or natural color, and the
latter is induced by its uuion with some other mineral substance, usually
sodium or potassium.
Soda. — This substance is to be found in nearly all the waters of Lake
County, and even Clear Lake is highly impregnated with it. It occurs
mostly in the form of carbonates, sulphates and chlorides. As a carbonate,
it occurs in all the soda springs in the county, and it is the carbonic acid gas
which is always found with this water that gives to it the sparkle and the
slightly acid taste. As a sulphate, its presence is often made known in the
mineral springs by their cathartic tendency, the sulphate of soda being what
is known in commerce as glauber salts, which are very much akin to epsom
salts. As a chloride, it appears as common salt, and in much of the water
the salty taste is very prominent. In none of the springs is the yield of
soda enough to justify any attempt to manufacture it for the market.
Lime. — Sulphate of lime, (gypsum), carbonates and magnesian lime-
stones are found in quite large quantities all over the county. At the
southern end of Long Valley there is quite a mountain of limestone, which
12 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
has yielded a fair quality of lime, when burned, for economical purposes.
Another quarry is in the vicinity of Lower Lake, and the lime made from
it is a very fair article.
Alabaster, — This form of the sulphate of lime is found occasionally in
very small quantities, and serve more for rare specimens than for any pur-
pose of utility. Specimens of it have been found near Middletown.
Manganese. — The peroxyd of manganese occurs in its massive form in
several localities, and it could doubtless be worked to good advantage.
There is quite a body of it in Scotts Valley.
Arsenic. — This substance is found in several of the springs, but only in
tracings.
Magnesia. — This mineral is found in nearly all the springs in the county
in greater or less quantities.
Potassa. — This substance is found in many of the mineral springs of
the county. In the form of a sulphate it is found in quite large quantities
in the well known Epsom Salts Spring, a few miles west of Lakeport.
Other Metals. — -Tracings of many other minerals or metals are to be
found upon a close analysis of the waters and soils of the county, such as
aluminum, chromium, etc.
Minerals. — Of the six hundred simple minerals which have been dis-
covered on the earth's surface, only nine form any considerable portion of
it. These are quartz, feldspar, mica, limestone, hornblende, serpentine, gyp-
sum, talc and oxyd of iron. Of these, quartz or silica is the most abundant
of all, comprising at least three-fourths of all the crust of the earth. In
the granite it forms one of the three elements, in all the sandstones of the
world it constitutes the sole element, and in all the soils and vegetables it
forms a large percentage. Quartz crystallizes beautifully, and is found in all
shades imaginable, owing to its ready union with foreign substances. The
red shades are the results of combination with the oxyd of iron ; the purple
has manganese, or perhaps cobalt, as the coloring matter. In Lake Gounty
the very waysides are strewn with gems, in the shape of quartz crystals,
which would cause the heart of the specimen hunter of the Eastern States
to leap for very joy. The boy, listlessly driving his cows home from pas-
ture at nightfall, hurls beautiful and glistening jewels after them, little car-
ing for their loveliness. The more highly esteemed varieties of quartz
crystals are the amethyst, rose quartz, prase, smoky and milk quartz, chal-
cedony, carnelian, agate, onyx, jasper and bloodstone. Most all of these
varieties occur in greater or less amounts throughout the county.
Feldspar. — This is one of the elements which enter into the composition
of granite, and is quite common in other forms, though not at all approxi-
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 13
mating quartz. When decomposed it forms a clay well adapted to the pur-
poses of pottery and brick-making, which is known in commerce as kaolin.
Spar is not found in any great bodies in Lake County, although it is scat-
tered throughout the whole of it.
Mica. — This is the third element in granite, and is discerned from spar
and quartz by always being crystallized in flakes, and is usually black, form-
ing the black specks observable in most of granite rock. There is a great
abundance of mica in Lake County, as many of the rocks of that section
are micacious in their formation.
Limestone. — While there are no extensive bodies of limestone in Lake
County, yet there are a few good quarries. Mention has already been made
of the mountain of lime in Long Valley, which always looks as white as
chalk at its western extremity.
Hornblende. — This is a tough mineral, generally dark colored, and occurs
in volcanic rock. It is found in large quantities all through the mountains
of Lake County. It is not useful for any of the general economic purposes.
Sepentine, — This mineral, in a coarse, massive form, occurs in large
bodies in Lake County everywhere. The road leading from Middletown to
Guenoc passes through a large body of it, only a few miles from the former
place. It is of volcanic origin, and is easily affected by the action of the
elements, and readily decomposes and forms soil ; it is a brittle rock, however,
and is of no practical use to man, except some choice varieties like verd-
antique, which is not found here.
Oxyd of Iron. — This is the matter which is commonly known as iron
rust, and is either red or yellow, the shades being dependent upon the quan-
titative union. It is this substance which gives color to almost all the
stones and clays which come under our daily observation, and which are so
conspicuous in Lake County. In the red sandstone or the red and yellow
clay, the coloring matter is the same. In the red brick or the yellow " set-
tlings " on the rock over which the water from a mineral spring has passed,
the color is alone attributable to the oxyd of iron. Iron, however, seldom
occurs in a body as purely the oxyd, hence in this form it is not found in
this county.
Qranite. — Strange as it may appear, although the entire surface of Lake
County is covered with mountains, yet the eruptions did not extend deep
enough or were not sufficiently violent to expose the bed-rock of the uni-
versal granite, except in a few places, and there is no well defined ledge or
quarry in the county. In the vicinity of Harbin Springs, a few miles north
of Middletown, there are broken fragments of granite to be found in the
hill-sides. They do not assume the shape of boulders, nor seem to have
ever come into contact with water at all, but rather to have been exposed
14 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
to the action of fire, and the outer crust of the fragments are so charred
that their identity is almost destroyed, and even upon breaking them in
twain all characteristics of granite are seen to have disappeared in many of
them, except the peculiar form of crystallization.
Basalt.— This is a rock of igneous origin, consisting of augite and
feldspar, with grains of magnetic or titanic iron, and also bottle-green
particles of olivine frequently disseminated. It is usually of a greenish-
black color, or of some dull brown shade of black. It constitutes immense
beds of rock in Lake County, and may be seen everywhere. It is also
the principal rock from which was formed the great mass of boulders met
with on all the mountain sides, and in the valleys. It has often a prismatic
structure, as at the Giants Causeway in Ireland, where the columns are as
regular as if the work of art. A very similar formation is seen along the
roadside from Glenbrook to Kelseyville, the similarity being so striking that
the casual observer, in passing by on the stage, is attracted by it. Basalt
is a very tough and durable rock and is much used for macadamizing roads,
and paving streets of cities ; yet, strange to say, the worst roads in Lake
County pass through the heart of a basaltic section, and the boulders lie
idly by the roadside awaiting the blast and sledge to make them of ines-
timable value to the people.
Trap. — This is a heavy, massive, igneous rock, of a greenish-black or
grayish color, consisting of an intimate mixture of feldspar and hornblende,
or pyroxene. This rock may be distinguished from basalt, of which the
latter is simply a species, from the fact that trap generally contains nodules
throughout the mass. Travelers along the roads in Lake County will often
observe a face of a body of rock which seems to have had a shower of
small boulders fall into the mass of which it is composed when the mass
was in a liquid state, and the boulders, extending in size from a pebble on
up almost ad lib., have the appearance of lodging in the liquid and became
a part of the mass when cooled. When the rock is blasted oftentimes it
will break around these nodules, thus apparently proving that they are
veritable boulders of a foreign rock, but a close examination will show that in
reality the whole body of the rock is homogeneous. The surface of the rock,
after a long exposure to the action of the elements, becomes shaly, and these
nodules then disclose the fact that they are only a part of the common
rock. This result is obtained by the filling up of the cavities in the rock
which were formed by the bubbles of air and gas which became incorporated
and imprisoned in the mass when it came out of the volcano. The matter
which is in these interstices is of course a part of the substance of the
body of the rock, or such portions of it as are most easily acted upon by
the operations of water, and the process is infiltration.
Geography, Name, Topography , Geology, Etc. 15
Obsidian. — The geology of Lake County would be incomplete without
due mention being made of the great bodies of obsidian which are to be
found within its limits. The main body of this rock lies to the south-west
of Uncle Sam Mountain, and the road from Glenbrook to Kelseyville passes
through a large portion of it, and the road leading from Kelseyville to
Lower Lake passes through a portion of it also. It is a volcanic production
— a veritable lava, but with such marked peculiarities, that it is noticed
sooner than any other rock by the casual observer. To all intents and pur-
poses it is a glass, and will fuse at as low a temperature as will glass. How
it was formed in Nature's laboratory or smelting-works far down under-
neath the ground, is an interesting subject for scientific research. Soda and
silica abounded here in sufficient quantities, and evidently in very neai'ly
the right proportions, to form glass, and heat was the only element lacking
for the effecting of the union, and glass was the natural result. In the
course of time chemical action generated the requisite degree of heat, and
the molten mass began to ooze out of the crater and to spread over the sur-
face of the country. From day to day the volume increased, and lapped
over the already partially cooled mass, and apparent stratification occurred.
Since this flow evidently extensive eruptions have occurred, and the mass
is Jjroken and sundered in all directions. The depth of the body varies
from a few inches to several feet, and the color ranges through all the shades
from gray to black, and from the dull, lusterless leaden surface to the bright,
almost mirror-like.
Lava. — There is lava everywhere all over the surface of Lake County,
ranging through all the grades from ashes to hardened rocks. One kind of
this rock is quite soft when first quarried from the ledge, but time and
exposure to the atmosphere serves to harden it, and in a short period it
becomes very enduring, and in the course of time attains a degree of hard-
ness almost equal to basalt. In fact, it is incipient basalt, and only requires
the proper conditions to develop it into the latter rock.
Sandstone. — There is but very little true sandstone in the county of
Lake, and what little there is is broken up so that no ledges of it exist,
except here and there. A beautiful example of this formation can be seen
on the road-side just south of Kelseyville. In a cut there the sandstone is
exposed and appears in regular stratifications. The formation is very
recent indeed, and has been made since the cessation of violent volcanic
action. It is very soft yet, and will never devolop into a true stone. The
variety of sandstone known as shale occurs very seldom here, though there
are outcroppings of it on the west side of Scotts Valley.
SPRINGS.— The springs of Lake County are a marvel, and to write of
their beauty and usefulness would require the pen of a poet. They may be
divided into three general classes, as follows : Pure cold water, cold mineral
16 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
water, and thermal mineral water. Of the first there are thousands and
thousands; every hill and mountain side teem with them, and the weary
traveler and his thirsty beast find streams of pure water, cool and fresh,
gushing from the wayside banks, and gathered into troughs for his conven-
ience. The flow of these springs vary from a few gallons a day to barrels
per minute. The largest flow, perhaps, in the county, is from the Howitzer
Spring, the stream from which crosses the road a short distance north of the
toll- house on Cobb Mountain. The amount of water which comes pouring
forth from this place is something wonderful to contemplate, and, what is
more strange, the yield seems to be always the same ; winter's flood nor
summer's drouth seem to have no appreciable effect upon it. Whence
comes all this grand body of pure water which is yearly poured from the
mountain sides of Lake County ? No one knows ! It is evident that the
fountain head is far away from the outlet, and far above it also. The snow
melting on the far away Sierras must be the grand center of supply ; and
when we come to contemplate what a wonderful system of channels and
veins there are in the surface of the earth, and how perfectly they all work,
it is a fit subject for reverential meditation. How it gushes from the rock,
in its pure and crystalline beauty, glittering and glistening in the sunshine
as it dances down the hill-side, refreshing and cheering the thirsty world,
making the flowers to spring up in their glorious grandeur, making the grass
to put forth its greenest shoots the whole year through. What a glorious
mission on earth has this spring of water ! To man and beast and bird
and tree and shrub and grass and flower and fruit — -to all that exists on
the face of the earth, it proves a grand, glorious, inestimable boon.
" From the rock amid the desert,
Gushing forth at God's command,
Streams of water, pure and sparkling,
Laved and cooled the thirsty land ;
Hearts were cheered and eyes grew brighter,
Pleasure thrilled in every vein ;
Even age forgot its weakness,
While it drank and drank again.
Oh, the spring forever flowing,
Life and health and hope bestowing ! "
As stated above, the mineral springs are divided into two general classes,
cold and thermal. Each of these classes have quite a number of represen-
tatives in the county, a full and extended account of all of which will be
found further on in this work.
TIMBER. — While Lake County is not essentially a timber county, still
it is well wooded, and a full description of this feature of the section de-
serves a place in these pages. The redwood of the coast (Sequoia semper-
virens) does not grow at all in Lake County, nor indeed does any redwood
tree. It is doubtful if there is a single redwood tree of any variety within
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 17
the entire limits of the county. The next coniferw that is indigenous to the
Pacific Coast, in the scale of usefulness, is the yellow fir (Abies Williamsonii),
which grows in clumps and groves all over the county, and on some of the
mountain tops is found in vast and extended forests. It makes excellent
lumber, and the mills of the county are engaged chiefly in the manufacture
of lumber from it. It grows tall and straight in Lake County, reaching
oftentimes a height of two hundred feet, making a very stately tree. A con-
gener, red fir (Picea amabilis), is commonly known by the name of Oregon
pine, and is quite prevalent throughout Lake County, but is not so gener-
ally spread over its face as the former. It does not make as good lumber
here as it does farther north, although it is prized for its toughness, but not
for its durability nor fineness of grain, in both of which qualities it is sadly
lacking. Of the several pines, the sugar pine (Pinus Lambertiana) is by
far the most important, and in fact it is the only kind of pine of which any
use can be made at all. It is the choicest of all the soft woods produced in
Lake County, or indeed on the Pacific Coast. Its fiber is compact and its
grain fine, while it works very easily, and beyond the fault of "season
checking" is altogether a desirable lumber. It is used principally for doors,
sash, blinds, counters, shelving and similar purposes. While it does not
grow to any great extent in Lake County, yet there are a few quite large
bodies of it. In the vicinity of Bogg's mill, on the eastern slope of Cobb
Mountain, about ten per cent, of the lumber is sugar pine. On Elk Mount-
ain, in the northern portion of the county, the percentage of the sugar pine
amounts to thirty. The ratio of the lumber producing timber in three
different localities is as follows : At Bogg's mill, forty-five per cent, yellow
fir, forty-five per cent, red fir, and ten per cent, sugar pine ; at Pine Mount-
ain, sixty per cent, red fir, twenty per cent, yellow fir, and twenty per cent,
sugar pine ; at Elk Mountain, thirty-five per cent, red fir, thirty -five per
cent, yellow fir, and thirty per cent, sugar pine. This will give the reader
a very fair idea of how the lumber yielding timbers of Lake County are
distributed. We would state that what is commonly called yellow pine is
yellow fir, and that the pines that are common in the county are not lum-
bering woods. The best of these is the Pinus Coulteri, which rises about
sixty or seventy feet, and is distinguished as having the heaviest cones of
any of the family of conifers. Who that travels about Lake County is not
familiar with those trees under which bushels of enormous cones are found
lying in the spring of the year ? This is the tree to which we refer. The
California white cedar (Libocedrus decurrens), abounds in Lake County,
growing very large and reaching a height of two hundred feet. It is an
excellent timber for economical purposes, and has been so generally sought
for that there are but few of them standing now in their primeval glory.
The cypress grows here also, forming a very beautiful tree.
2
18 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Of the other varieties of trees which grow in Lake County the chestnut
oak (Quercus densiflora) is the most important. It is that variety of the
oak which yields the tan-bark of commerce, and is very familiar to all resi-
dents of the county. It seems generally to be found growing in companjr
with the coniferce. In this county but little use is made of the wood,
although it makes quite a fair quality of firewood. It is not thought worth
while to prepare it for market in any other shape, and it is not known
whether it would be suitable for economic purposes or not, but it is to be
presumed that it is not so considered by the woodsmen themselves or it
would be put upon the market in that shape. The laurel (Oreodaphne Cali-
fornica) is a wood much prized, and some very fine trees of this grow in
Lake County. It is scattered pretty much all over the county and will
eventually be a staple article of export, when the demand for it will justify
the labor and other expense requisite to get it to the San Francisco market.
The live-oak (Quercus viren-s) is the most prized of any of the oaks which
grow in Lake County, for its wood, not for lumbering purposes, however,
but for firewood. It is considered the best wood for fuel on the coast and
always commands an advanced price in any market where it is offered for
sale. It is to be found on all the mountain sides in the county, and as the
most of the county is comprised of mountain sides it stands to reason th^Jt
the trees are pretty generally diffused over the country. There are several
other varieties of oaks, such as the black oak, valley oak, etc., none of which
are, however, of any importance either for lumber or wood. Probably the
widest diffused tree and of least value in Lake County is the madrona (Ar-
butus Menziesii). Go where you will the madrona meets you on the way-
side, until its face becomes so familiar that should you miss it for a mile or
two and come suddenly upon it you gaze with kindly eyes, somewhat as
you would upon a long-lost friend. There is a tree, the soft maple (Acer
rubrum), which grows in Lake County, and is not seen in the counties south
of it. It extends northward, and is found in large bodies in Oregon. It is
a beautiful lawn or avenue tree, and there can be nothing more lovely than
the multi-colored leaves of a grove of maples in the autumn season, after
" Jack Frost " has touched them with his icy brush and changed the sombre
chlorophyl to the bright-hued colors of the rainbow. Another rare tree for
California, the chestnut (Castanea Calif ornica), is found occasionally in
Lake County. The tree has every outward appearance of the Eastern
chestnut, of which every person reared east of the Alleghany Mountains has
such fond childhood reminiscences ; but the nut is a great deal smaller. It
is encased in a bur just as competent to prick the bare foot of the small boy
out chestnutting as its congener at the East. Quite a considerable alder
(Alnus) grows along the streams of the county and on the low flat lands.
It is used for nothing except light summer firewood. It is never exported,
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 19
as the shipper would come out badly in debt on each cargo. There is an
occasional white ash (Fraxinus alba) and rarely a white poplar (Popidus
alba) growing on the mountain sides, but not in any bodies at all.
Passing from trees to shrubs we find the manzanita growing every-
where, its bright red bark and deep green leaves contrasting beautifully, and
producing a charming effect on the landscape. Here and there in clumps and
clusters the buckeye (JSsculus pavia) grows all over the county, and in the
time of blooming they make the air in their vicinity redolent with rich odor.
Another shrub, which is the chief of all flowering shrubs in the county, is
the wild azalea (Rhododendron Calif or nicum). This is described by Volney
Rattan, in his " Popular California Flora," as follows : " R. Calif or nicum,
Hook, is a large evergreen shrub, with large, bell-shaped, rose-purple,
flowers; a true Rhododendron, probably not found south of Lake County."
The beauty of these flowers cannot be described ; they must be seen to be
appreciated. The shrub sometimes attains a height of twenty feet or more,
and is laden to the bending of the limbs with great clusters of roseate
flowers. A large cluster of them may be seen on the road-side near the
foot of Mount St. Helena. But the shrub of all shrubs in the mountains of
Lake County is the chemisal (pronounced chemeese). Go where you will
and there is chemisal to the right, left, fore and aft of you ; and it grows
so thickly that a mountain sheep cannot get through it. It must have been
on the top of a chemisal mountain where the patriarch Abraham was sent
by the Lord to try his faith ; at least, such a mountain would be a good
-place to find a sheep fastened by the horns. f
There are other trees and shrubs growing within the limits of Lake
County, but those of major importance have been mentioned and described.
Another shrub is the wild hazel, which is perhaps not found south of Lake
County. The writer has given the subject a great deal of research, and is
convinced that for all practical purposes all the trees and shrubs of import-
ance have been touched upon, not with the master hand of a professional
, botanist, but rather by a close and careful observer of facts and things as
he passed by the wayside. Months would be required for the former, while
weeks suffice for the latter.
SOILS. — The soil of Lake County is characteristically mountain, or in
other words, that kind which is formed by the direct action of the soil-
making machinery, so to speak, of a mountainous region. There may be
said to be three classes of soil here, viz : argillaceous, adobe and loam, and
in all of these there is more or less of sand and cobble-stones. The first
named is quite widely diffused, and is found on all the mountain sides, and
is, of course, not very prolific, trees, shrubs and grasses growing only indif-
ferently in it. Adobe is to be found on the hill-sides and in the valleys. It
20 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
is much given to land-sliding in the winter season, and gives much trouble
in the way of obstructing roads. It is not apparently so rich here as in
some of the other counties of the State where it predominates, but is con-
sidered very fair wheat and grazing land. The loam is the best of all soils
in the county, and is found along the rich alluvial bottoms of the county.
In it all manner of fruits and vegetables thrive very well indeed, and in
fact, anything that will grow anywhere will grow in the rich soil of the
beautiful valleys of Lake County. There is a peculiar " half-and-half "
kind of soil which predominates on the " second bottom," or benches of land
lying at the foot of the mountains, which is known locally as " manzanita
soil." It is composed of clay, adobe, and loam in spots, with here and there
an alkali or " scald " spot. It grows a most excellent quality of wheat, but
not much can be said of the quantity. In all mountainous sections the
effect of water is to carry off the lighter particles of richer loam to the
valleys below, and perhaps far away near the mouths of the streams, while
the heavier, coarser materials are left, and those soils which do not wash
away easily ; hence, near the foot of the mountain we find boulders, further
away cobble-stones, and further on coarse gravel, then finer, until the mar-
gin of the stream is reached, where there is a fine bed of loam. Should
there be a body of adobe or clayey soil near the foot of the mountain, the
most of it will be found still there, as the water rushing in madcap torrents
from the gorges of the mountains to the river in the valley below can have
but little effect on it. There is a small amount of another kind of soil in
this, county which, though forming no considerable portion of the soil of
the county, must not be overlooked. This is the bog or peat soil, formed by
the decaying vegetation in the swamps of overflowed and tule land in and
around the lakes, and perhaps in other places in a limited amount. This
soil is composed of decayed vegetation, guano, detritus and sedimentary
deposits from the overflow of streams, mixed with a large percentage of
preserved roots, the principal preservative agent being tannic acid. This is
the richest soil known in the county, and the yield of grain and vegetables
from fields of this character is simply marvelous.
CLIMATOGRAPHY.— The climate of Lake County differs materially
from, perhaps, any other county in the State of California. It presents many
phases, and even within a few miles there can be found wonderful diver-
sities, not to say extremes, of climate. Inside the western border range of
mountains the air is shorn in a measure of its moisture, but is still damp
enough to keep the temperature reduced greatly and to make it a most
pleasant place to live, it being that happy mean where the wind is shorn of
its chilling fog, and the heat of the midsummer's sun is tempered by pass-
ing through a strata of moist air. Farther in the interior the air is shorn of
Geography, Name, Topography, Geology, Etc. 21
all its moisture, and becomes arid and parches the vegetation as it passes
over it. The summer's sun pours its unimpeded rays into those valleys in
a merciless manner, as if fully determined to prove to mankind that it can
shine more fervidly to-day than it did yesterday. And yet it is not so
very disagreeable, and those accustomed to it really enjoy its pelting rays.
In the upper mountain valleys, such as Cobb, the temperature is always
reduced in the summer season,. and they afford the most delightful places of
residence in the summer.
The average rain-fall is much more in Lake County than it is in San
Francisco. It is a remarkable fact that there never has been a year yet
when the crops and grass were an entire failure for the want of rain. This
being a mountainous district, the rain-fall is naturally great, and the country
reaps the results of the rains. The season of rain in this section may be
said to commence in October and end in May. It is rare that it rains more
than a day or two at a time, and the intervals range from a few days to
several weeks. This is truly the beautiful season for all parts of Lake
County. The grass now springs to newness of life, and is bright and
green on every side, spreading an emerald tapestry over hill and dale fit for
the dainty tread of a princess. The swelling bu dis bursted, and the tree
is clothed in its garments of green, and the bright flowers gladden the
scene with their lovely presence, and exhale an enchanting aroma which
serves to make the spring days all the more grateful to man, betokening
fruitage and vintage, to which the heart of man gladly looks forward : and
in those mountain fastnesses, when the sun shines upon the early springing
verdure of ground and tree, what a halo of glory is spread over the vista !
How the shadows of the fleecy cumuli chase each other over fen and
brake, and how the merry sunshine kisses with loving tenderness the
newly -born offspring of Mother Earth ! And the birds and the bees are all
in their merriest glee, and the woods with music ring as the sweet hours of
the fresh, bright, joyous spring day passes by. Winter's snows are all
past now, only on the far-away mountain's-top does there remain even a
vestige of the icy monster who has so lately held a large portion of the
land in his chilling grasp, and even that is fast disappearing beneath the
genial rays of the ascending sun.
Quite an amount of snow falls during the winter months in the mount-
ains of Lake County. In the valleys there is usually a fall of snow each
winter, ranging from a few inches to several feet, and remaining on the
ground from a few hours to several days.
February is the growing month of the year, and the life which has sprung
into existence since the rains came now begins to be vigorous and thrifty.
The sun has come an appreciable distance to the northward now, and the
days are lengthened out enough to make the atmosphere very mild and
22 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
warm during the day, and the earth is able to retain a sufficiency of the
genial rays to keep vegetation springing all night. March is also a great
growing month, but there is a likelihood of the north wind blowing some
days, and cold storms coming on and checking the growth of vegetation and
casting a shadow of gloom over the whole face of nature. April is the month
of " smiles and tears," and the saying that " April showers bring forth May
flowers," holds as true here as at the East. The weather is now quite warm
almost every day, and the air is so deliciously balmy that to live is a pleas-
ure, and to grow is all that vegetation has to do. May is a continuation of
those beautiful days, with now and then a real warm one, as a sort of har-
binger of the days that are to come.
But June brings with it a change, especially in the valleys. On the
mountain sides the grass begins to sere, and the patches of russet are every-
where visible, showing out in bold relief, contrasted with the green foliage
of the shrubbery or trees growing around it. This " sere and yellow leaf "
is not the sombre hue of death as it is in most parts of the world, but it is a
bright and beautiful tint which, while if unbroken might weary the eye, but
broken and varied as it is in Lake County, with ample green from the trees,
it presents a picture of rare beauty, and one on which the skill of a master
limner might well be exercised to its utmost to catch the delicate tintings
which the halo that now always overhangs the mountains, at early mora
and evening, casts upon the scene. From now on till the rains come there
is but little change in the scenery. The russet spots remain the same, and
the green surrounding them is still the same emerald fringe.
In Lake County there are many days, during a season of unexcelled
beauty and loveliness — days when the sun shines in unalloyed brightness
from out the blue empyrean of heaven's own vault, mantling the world in
a sheen of silver — days when the waves of the lake are all lulled to sleep,
and naught but a myriad of gentle ripples disturb the placid quietude of
her face, upon which the glinting rays of the midday's sun dance in a per-
fect revelry of delight — days when the sparkling ripples, breaking in upon
the beach, has been hushed down to a murmuring whisper, which is borne
along upon the gentle evening zephyr, and falls upon the ear of the listener
like the vesper anthems of some far away choir of angel singers.
Indians of Lake County. 23
INDIANS OF LAKE COUNTY.
There was a time when the Indians of Lake County were as a swarm of
locusts all over the land, and that day is not so very long agone either.
Common report states that between 1830 and 1840, the fatal scourge of
small-pox decimated the ranks very much of all the tribes in the Sacramento
and bay valleys ; but it does not seem that the Indians of this section were
affected by it. The lakes and streams abounded with fish, the woods were
full of nuts and berries, and the margin of the lakes afforded a large field
for " tule potatoes," as the succulent and nutritive roots of that rush are
called. Thus it will be seen that Nature had provided in a most generous
way for the sustenance of her children in this remote and sequestered place.
In the fall of the year there were myriads of wild water fowl upon the
lakes, and these they captured in vast quantities by means of the arrow and
the spear, but the most effective implement of all was the sling. It is stated
that those old Aborigines could send a smooth stone skipping along on the
surface of the water for a remarkable distance, and that it would mow a
swath i-ight through the swarm of fowl floating upon it. They were able to
trap and snare hare, deer and other animals for food, hence, their supply of
provisions was only limited by their activity in its procurement.
From Mr. H. H. Bancroft's most excellent work, " Native Eaces of the
Pacific States," we collate the following facts concerning these people. As a
general classification he employs the term " Pomos," which signifies people,
in all the section covered by the classification. This is the collective appella-
tion of a number of tribes living in Potter Valley, Mendocino County. Each
tribe takes a different prefix, as Ki Pomos, Cahto Pomos, Shebalne Pomos,
etc. On the borders of Clear Lake the Indians belonged to the same general
family, but their names were far different, being Lopillamillos, Mipacmas
and Tyugas.
Their height rarely exceeds five feet eight inches, and is more frequently
five feet four or five inches, and although strongly, they are seldom sym-
metrically built. A low retreating forehead, black deep-set eyes, thick
bushy eyebrows, salient cheek-bones, a nose depressed at the root and some-
what wide-spreading at the nostrils, a large mouth, with thick prominent
lips, teeth large and white, but not always regular, and rather large ears, is
the prevailing description of these people. Their complexion is much darker
24 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
than the tribes farther north, often being nearly black, so that with their
matted, bushy hair, which is frequently cut short, they present a very un-
couth appearance.
Gibbs, in " Schoolcraft's Archaeology," says : " The Clear Lake Indians
are of a very degraded caste, their foreheads being often naturally as low as
the compressed skulls of the Chinooks, and their forms commonly small and
ungainly."
Of their dress Mr. Bancroft says : " During the summer, except on festal
occasions, the apparel of the men was of the most primitive character, a
slight strip of covering round the loins being full dress; but even this was
unusual, the majority preferring to be perfectly unincumbered by clothing.
In winter the skin of a deer or other animal was thrown over the shoulders,
or sometimes a species of rope made from feathers of water fowl, or strips
of otter skins twisted together was wound round the body, forming an
effectual protection against the weather. The women were scarcely better
clad, their summer costume being a fringed apron of tule grass, which falls
from the waist before and behind nearly down to their knees, and is open
at the sides." The authority quoted above, Gibbs, says : "At Clear Lake
the women generally wear a small round, bowl-shaped basket on their heads ;
and this is frequently interwoven with the red feathers of the woodpecker,
and edged with the plume tufts of the blue quail."
Of the habit of tattooing Mr. Bancroft says : " It is universal with the
women, though confined within narrow limits. They mark the chin in
perpendicular lines, drawn downwards from the corners and center of the
mouth ; they also tattoo slightly on the neck and breast. The men rarely
tattoo. All who have seen the Indian women of Lake County are familiar
with the bluish black stripes which are to be seen on the chins of all of them."
The primitive habitations of these Indians were very rude affairs, if we
are to believe the statements made by the authorities quoted by Mr. Ban-
croft, and which he deems of sufficient reliability to endorse in his own text.
In this he says : " In the summer, all they require is to be shaded from the
sun, and for this a pile of bushes or a tree will suffice. The winter huts are
a little more pretentious. These are sometimes erected on the level ground,
but more frequently over an excavation three or four feet deep, and varying
from ten to thirty feet in diameter. Around the brink of this hole willow
poles are sunk upright in the ground and the tops drawn together, forming
a conical structure, or the upper ends are bent over and driven into the earth
on the opposite side of the pit, thus giving the hut a semi-globular shape.
Bushes or strips of bark are then tied up against the poles, and the whole is
covered with a thick layer of earth or mud. In some instances, the inter-
stices of the frame are tilled by twigs woven cross-wise, over and under, be-
tween the poles, and the outside covering is of tule reeds instead of earth."
Indians of Lake County. 25
Our observations of the habitations of the Indians in Lake County lead
us to believe that, as a class, they are far superior to the primitive affairs
mentioned above. There are none covered with dirt or mud, except the
sweat-houses. In shape they are perhaps about equally divided between
the conical and oblong, and while the majority of them are thatched, not a
few of their houses are constructed with shakes and boards, many of these
latter displaying quite a degree of skill in their construction. The writer
remembers well to have seen quite an effectual attempt at making a scol-
loped cornice on a house in a rancheria at the mouth of Big River, Mendo-
cino County, which was the woi'k of an Indian with a handsaw. Of course
these wooden buildings are a modern innovation, and not to be reckoned in
our estimation of the Aborigine. The thatched buildings are strong, well
shaped, and well-constructed affairs. The frame-work is strong, and the
thatching so perfect as to be impervious to the heaviest storms of winter.
Ordinarily there is a sort of a portico in front of the doors to these houses,
which protects the entrances from the summer's sun and the winter's rains.
The sweat-house approach is generally well timbered, and has much the
appearance of the entrance of a mining tunnel. It is also well braced up
with strong timbers on the inside. These timbers are generally hewn
square, and are quite good samples of workmanship. In Long Valley we
saw the frame-work of a house just ready for the covering, and saw the
Indians in a neighboring swamp gathering grass for the thatch. This
structure was about twenty feet wide and thirty long, and the frame-work
consisted of poles planted in the ground, about two feet apart, and rising
perpendicularly to the height of ten feet ; thence the roof began, and ex-
tended to the ridge-pole — this angle being about forty-five degrees. About
every foot, passing horizontally around the entire structure, and interlacing
the upright poles, were a series of withes, making the entire thing look like
a crockery crate. When this is thatched, it will make a comfortable and
durable structure.
The statement made by Mr. Bancroft that " the bestial laziness of the
Central Californian prevents him from following the chase to any extent,
or from even inventing efficient game-traps," may apply generally, but it
does not apply to the Indians of the Clear Lake section. As has been
stated already, they were good hunters and fishers, and they were expert
with the trap. These Indians were not so lazy as the race is generally
represented to be. They made active and trusty vaqueros as early as the
middle '40ies, under the regime of Salvador Vallejo; and Stone and Kelsey
found them very willing and efficient workers. The testimony of the early
settlers of Napa and Sonoma Valleys is that large numbers of the Lake
Indians would come down every season and engage in work, and they made
good hands also. Many of the adobe houses of old Sonoma were built by
26 History of Napa and Lake Counties— Lake.
these Indians, although the whole valley ai'ound the place was full of
natives. If a white man was fair and honest with these Indians, they did
him good work and were his most faithful vassals. Mr. W. C. S. Smith, of
Napa City, is our authority for stating that in 1854, before there was any
permanent white settlement in the county, the Indians at the north of Kel-
sey Creek had quite an extensive garden of vegetables, melons, corn, etc.
It would thus seem that they had learned the art of cultivating these things,
and their value as food, and that they had proceeded in a business-like
manner to their production.
In their personal habits they are quite far from being tidy, viewed from
the highest standpoint of decency and cleanliness, but viewed in the light
that is generally thrown upon the Indians of California, they are remarka-
bly neat and clean. The stranger on the streets of Lakeport is surprised to
see the really tidy and cleanly appearance of the Indians that are seen there,
as compared with many in other towns. Several white men within the
limits of the county cohabit with Indian women, and have educated them
to a high degree of proficiency in housekeeping and the preparation of food
in the modern American style. We have the testimony of a gentleman who
ate a dinner prepared by one of these women, unawares, and he states that
he never ate a finer meal ; but when he learned who had prepared it he ap-
preciated the merit more than before.
" Their weapons were bows and arrows, spears, and sometimes clubs.
The bows were well made, from two and one-half to three feet long, and
backed with sinew, the string of wild flax or sinew and partially covered
with bird's down or a piece of skin, to deaden the twang. Their arrows
were short, made of reed or light wood, and winged with three or four
feathers." The head was of obsidian chiefly in this section, as it is strewn
all over the face of the country. The spears were about five feet in length
and were usually pointed with obsidian, though sometimes the wood was
hardened at the point by subjecting it to the action of fire. To this list of
weapons given by Mr. Bancroft must be added the sling, which was with
the Lake Indians a very effectual implement of warfare. As stated above,
they were very proficient in its use, and could hurl a stone with such force
and precision that many an enemy fell beneath its force. They had no
tomahawks, and did not practice scalping.
They had but few implements of domestic economy, the basket being
the most useful of all. This was made of fine grass, so closely woven to-
gether as to hold water. In this their food was boiled, when occasion
required, by placing the food and water in the basket and then heating it
by immersing hot stones. The flat surface of a heated stone served all the
purposes of baking, and a spit was used in broiling. But it must be re-
membered that a large percentage of their food, roots, berries, seeds, and
te.#4
Viu~*M
Indians of Lake County. 27
even a large portion of meats, was eaten in an uncooked state. For knives
they used the sharp edge of a flat stone, and by patient perseverance were
enabled to accomplish wonders with their flint instruments, as is evinced by
the beauty of, and the work put upon their shell money.
Bancroft states that the existence and quality of the boats used by any
primitive race is a good index of their advancement, both intellectually and
in power and prowess, and, as an example, shows the characteristics of the
Chinooks and Columbia River Indians, as compared with those further
south, where nothing beyond a balsa was ever known or used. Taking this
as an indicator of the grade of their intelligence, the Lake Indians come to
the front again. They had boats, which, though not of wood, were really
canoes, and the old Indian will shake his head and say, " Old canoe mucho
wano ; log canoe no mucho wano." These old boats were constructed in this
wise : A willow pole was taken for a keel and properly shaped, by placing
it between stones and weights. Withes of proper length were then taken
and fastened to the keel just as the ribs of a boat are, and shaped up and
attached to another pole used as the gunwale. Tule was then interwoven
between the ribs of the boat and made as compact as possible. It is true
that the boat leaked, but what did they care for that ? They were always
naked, anyway. They were sure of one thing, their boat would never
founder at sea nor capsize, for the roughest seas could put no more water in
them than there was, and the weight of the occupant kept it well ballasted.
These boats were propelled by a paddle. They would have to be rebuilt as
to the tule part every year generally, though by careful usage they would
' last two years. The boat of to-day is the rude dug-out of the pioneer days,
and is made with fire as the chief implement. It is easily upset and Indians
frequently drown, which is the occasion of the remark quoted above in re-
gard to the relative merits of the two styles of canoes.
Polygamy obtained among them, and the chastity of the wife was a car-
dinal tenet among themselves, though the white man's gaudy trinkets were
often a sufficient temptation for the man to prostitute his wife. The white
man who was kind to them was always gladly welcomed to a matrimonial
alliance, and the fairest daughters of the tribe were readily yielded, and it
is but fair to state that many of these hardy old pioneers have never de-
serted the wives which they took to themselves from the daughters of the
forest, but still abide with them and are rearing families.
Every citizen of Lake County is familiar with the customs which attach
to the sweat-house and to the various dances and feasts, hence we will not
occupy the space in narrating them. Cremation was the old way of dis-
posing of the dead, though it is generally, if not entirely, done away with
now, and the bodies are buried. Gibbs states that " the body is consumed
on a scaffold built over a hole, into which the ashes are thrown and covered."
28 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
" A scene of incremation is a weird spectacle. The friends and relations of
the deceased gather round the funeral pyre in a circle, howling dismally.
As the flames mount upward their enthusiasm increases, until, in a perfect
frenzy of excitement, they leap, shriek and lacerate their bodies."
Mr. Stephen Powers, a most excellent authority on matters pertaining to
the Indians of California, has given a lengthy series of articles on these
people to the world through the pages of the Overland Monthly, an excel-
lent journal, published in San Francisco until December, 1875. In these
he has used the language affinity to locate the boundaries of the different
familes in the State. To the Indians in the north-central portion of Cali-
fornia he applies two great family names, Pomos and Patweens. Of the
former he says : " The Pomos consist of a great number of tribes or little
bands, sometimes one in a valley, sometimes three or four, clustered in the
region where the headwaters of Eel and "Russian Rivers interlace, along the
estuaries of the coast and around Clear Lake. Really, the Indians all along
Russian River to its mouth are branches of this great family, but below
Calpella, Mendocino County, they no longer call themselves Pomos. The
broadest and most obvious division of this large family is into Eel River
Pomos and Russian River Pomos." Mr. Alfred E. Sherwood, of Sherwood
Valley, Mendocino County, came into that section in 1853, and is very
conversant with all matters pertaining to the Indians, and he is our authority
for the statement that this family extended as far south as Petal uma, and
all talked a kindred tongue. But strange as . it may appear, the Shebalne
Pomos could not converse with the Cahto Pomos, who had their habitation
only a dozen miles to the north of them. Their name, as given by Mr.
Powers, Shebalne Pomos, signifies neighboring people, would carry out that
idea, as does also the name given us by Sherwood, Chehulikia, which sig-
nifies the north valley, or the valley farthest north that is inhabited by this
family. We can thus see the appropriateness of Mr. Power's subdivision
into Eel River Pomos and Russian River Pomos, the Cahto Pomos belonging
to the former, and the Shebalne Pomos to the latter. The justness of Mr.
Powers' statement that the Pomos should include those around Clear Lake
is evidenced by the fact that the Sanels, in Russian River Valley, speak a
kindred tongue, and all big feasts by either party are attended by at least
delegates from the other.
The reader has now got a very good idea of the geographical extent of
the Pomo family, to which the larger portion of the Lake County Indians
belonged, and we will now pass to the consideration of the other family —
the Patweens. This word signifies person or Indian, and is common in all
tribes of the family, just as Pomo meant people, and was common in all the
members of that family. The following is the geographical statement given
by Mr. Powers, of the Patweens : " In Long, (Lake County,) Indian, Bear
Indians of Lake County. 29
and Cortina Valleys, along the Sacramento River from Jacinto to Suisun
inclusive, on Cache and Putah Creeks, and in Napa Valley, the same lan-
guage is spoken." This fact was well known by the early settlers, as the
following will prove : In the spring of 1849, ex-Governor L. W. Boggs dis-
patched a party to the headwaters of the Sacramento for the purpose of
prospecting for gold. It was desired to secure a large body of the upper
country Indians to work for the party, and a chief from the Suisuns was
taken along to act as interpreter for them.
In Long Valley, Lake County, just east of Clear Lake, the Indians were
known as the Lolsels or Loldlas. Lol denotes Indian tobacco, and sel is a
locative ending ; hence, the name means wild tobacco place, applied first to
the valley and then to the people in it. On Cache Creek there were three
tribes : the Olposels, Chenposels and Weelacksels, all accented on the first
syllable, and signifying the upper, middle and lower tribes, " Sel " being a
locative, as stated above.
When wild clover came into blossom, they frequently ate it so greedily
as to become distressingly inflated with gas, and amusing scenes ensued.
One remedy was a decoction of soap-root administered internally, and judi-
cious squaw mothers usually kept a quantity of it on hand. The most fre-
quent treatment was, however, to lay the patient on his back, grease his
belly and let a friend tread it.
Mr. Powers says : " Among the Lolsels, the bride frequently remains in
her father's house, and the husband comes to live with her, whereupon half
of the purchase money is returned to him. Two or three families live often
in one wigwam, and they are very clannish, and family influence is all-potent.
That and wealth create the chief. The chief of the Lolsels was, at one
time, long ago, named Clitey ; but his brother became more powerful than
he through family alliances, and created an insurrection, involving the tribe
in civil war, which resulted in the expulsion of Clitey and his adherents —
nearly half of the tribe — from Long Valley to the head of Clear Lake.
They remained there for several years ; but when the Americans came, they
effected a reconciliation. The Lolsels and their neighbors on the south, the
Chenposels, were noted for the savage vendettas which prevailed among
them.
" These Indians undoubtedly committed infanticide before the arrival of
the Americans, but less frequently than now." This is a handsome tribute
to pay to the civilized, and supposed to be Christianized American citizen !
Can it be that they are more brutish than brutes, more heathenish than
heathens ; that they have out-Heroded Herod, by being lower down in the
scale of humanity than the despised and persecuted " Digger Indian ?"
In this connection Mr. Powers relates the following : " In Long Valley, a
squaw who was about to give birth to an infant was so strongly threatened
30 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
by its American father that she consented to destroy it. But the neighbors
interfered, collected a sum of money and a quantity of supplies, and pre-
sented them to her on condition that she should preserve its life, to which
she gladly consented. Afterwards they bought the child of her for ten dol-
lars, and it lived with its purchasers eighteen years."
Mr. Powers proceeds : " In Long Valley I saw a phenomenon in physiol-
ogy. Clitey, the chief, eighty years old, perhaps, was turning gray in spots.
The process had been going forward slowly for several years, not by any
sloughing off, but by an imperceptible change from black to a soft, delicate
white. The old captain seemed to be rather proud of it than otherwise,
hoping eventually to become a white man. When asked by the interpreter,
J. F. Hanson, where he expected to go to after death, he replied that he did
not know, but he intended to follow the Americans wherever they went.
The Lolsels speak of a divinity whom they call Kemmy Salto, which signi-
fies, literally, ' The White Man of the Skies ; ' but this is too manifestly a
modern invention, made to please their patron, Mr. Hanson. Neither is
there any ceremony which may properly be called religious.
" There is a ceremony of raising the dead, and another one of raising
the devil, but both are employed for sordid purposes, the farthest removed
from religious feeling. When the dead are to be raised, there is first a noisy
powwow in the sweat-house, and then a number of muffled forms appear,
before whom the women pass in procession in the darkness, with fear and
trembling and weeping, and deposit gifts in their hands. This ceremony
was formerly observed merely to keep the women in subjection, but in these
days it enables the men, without using coercion, to extort from their female
relatives the infamous gains of their prostitution. In raising the devil there
is still greater ado. About the time of harvest, they go out and kindle fires
on all the hills around at night ; they whoop, halloo, and circle together as
if driving in game to the valley ; finally they chase the fiend up a tree, and
throw shell money underneath it to hire him to take himself off. Some-
times he makes for the sweat-house, fantastically dressed, and with harlequin
nimbleness capers about it for a while, then bows his head low and shoots
into the entrance backward. He has now got possession of the stronghold,
and, literally speaking, the devil is to pay. Presently they follow him in,
and for a while there prevails the silence of the grave. Then they fling
down money before him and dart out with the g7-eatest agility. After a
proper length of time he steals out by a trap door, strips off his diabolical
toggery, and reappears as a human being. The only object of this egregious
foolery appears to be simply to assist them in maintaining their influence
over the squaws.
" A widow wears tar on her head as long as she is in mourning, and
when she removes it, it is a sign that she wishes to remarry. Among the
Indians of Lake County. 31
Patweens a mixed usage prevails in disposing of the dead, but most are
buried. Those living near Clear Lake are influenced by their western
neighbors, the Pomos, in favor of cremation. Previous to interment the
body is laid in state, outside the sweat-house, and then each of the relations
in turn pass around it, wailing and mourning ; then ascends the dome of
the sweat-house, smites his breast, faces towards the setting sun, and waves
the departed spirit a long, last farewell, for they believe it has gone to the
happy western land.
" Of legends there are not many to relate, as it is a nation not very
ingenious or fertile. The Corusias (Colusas) hold that in the beginning of
all things, there was nothing but a great turtle cruising about in the limit-
less waters, but he dived down and brought up earth with which he created
the world. The Lewytos related that there was once a great sea all over
the Sacramento Valley, and an earthquake rent open the Golden Gate and
drained it. This earthquake destroyed all men but one, who mated with a
crow and so repeopled the world. The Chenposels account for the origin of
Clear Lake : Before anything was created the old frog and the old badger
lived alone together. The badger wanted a drink and the frog gnawed a
tree; sucked out and swallowed the sap, and discharged it in a hollow
place. He created other frogs to assist him, and together they finally made
the lake. Then he created the little flat white fish, and it swam down
Cache Creek and turned into the great salmon, pike, sturgeon, and whatever
other mighty fish there are in the waters.
" This same tribe also relate the following legend : There was once a
man who loved two women and wished to marry them. Now, these two
women were magpies (atchatch), but they loved him not and laughed his
wooing to scorn. Then he fell into a rage and cursed these two women
who were magpies, and went far away to the north. There he set the
world on fire, then made for himself a tule boat, wherein he escaped to
the sea, and was never heard of more. But the fire which he kindled burned
with great burning. It ate its way south with terrible swiftness, licking
, up all things that were upon the earth — men, trees, rocks, animals, water
and even the ground itself ; but the old coyote saw the burning and the
smoke from his place in the far south and he ran with all his might to put
it out. He took two little boys on his back in a sack and ran north like
the wind. So fast did he run that he gave out just as he got to the fire and
dropped the two little boys. But he took Indian sugar (honey dew) in his
mouth, chewed it, spat it on the fire, and so put it out. Now the fire was
out, but the coyote was very thirsty, and there was no water. Then he
took Indian sugar again, chewed it up, dug a hole in the ground in the
bottom of the creek, spat the sugar into it and it turned into water, and the
earth had water again. But the two little boys cried because they were
32 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
lonesome, for there was nobody left on earth. Then the coyote made a
sweat-house, and split a great number of little sticks, which he laid in the
sweat-house over night. In the morning they were all turned to men and
women, so the two little boys had company and the earth was repeopled.
" The subject of shell-money possesses some interest, and as I have had
opportunities of studying it most among the Neeshenams of Bear River, I
shall speak of it as seen there. Their common white money is called
' hawock,' and is made of the bivalve shell known as the Pachydermia cras-
satelloides, found on the coast of Southern California. It is cut into flat
rounded discs or buttons, varying in thickness according to the shell, and
from a quarter-inch to an inch in thickness. These are strung on a string
made from the inner bark of a kind of milk-weed (Apocynum), and gener-
ally all the pieces on a string are of the same size and value. They are
subject to all the evils of a fluctuating currency. This may be considered
their silver, or common circulating medium, while that which answers to
gold with us is made of the red-backed ear-shell (HaMotis rufescens) and is
called ' uhllo.' This money is in oblong pieces, varying from an inch to two
inches in length and about one-third as wide."
We were shown several specimens of shell money by Augustine, the
chief of the Hoolanapos at Lakeport. He stated that the various styles
and sizes of it ranged in value in accordance with the American coins ; the
white representing silver and the red gold, as stated above. The smallest
buttons were valued at five cents ; then came a size larger for ten cents, and
twenty-five and fifty cents and one dollar followed in regular succession.
The smallest red piece was valued at two dollars and a-half , and was per-
haps an inch long by one-third in diameter. From this the scale advanced
to ten dollars, which was a piece about three inches long and one inch in
diameter. This "money" alb had a hole through it longitudinally, and were
strung on strings, some of the strings being all of one value, and others
having several varieties on it, but all assorted. Augustine stated that the
white shells came from Bodega Bay, and that the red was a kind of a stone
which was found in the mountains. We had no way of testing the truth
of the latter statements as to its being made of stone, but will state that it
had that appearance. Like many other old Indians, Augustine had the
most of his wealth in this kind of money. He stated that it was always
exchangeable for coin, and that sometimes Americans would come around
and purchase it for the purpose of speculating upon it with interior tribes.
One man last spring, (1880) had invested $500 in gold in that kind of an
entei-prise, purchasing his shell money from the Lake Indians. Augustine
exhibited, with a degree of pardonable pride, a large and handsome bead
head-dress for a woman, which was an article of native manufacture. The
entire fabric was about a foot square, and the beads were strung so as to
Indians of Lake County. 33
form triangles of the different colors about an inch in height. When we
come to consider the rude appliances these people had, and the almost entire
absence of tools, and the entire absence of metal instruments of any kind,
and consider also the wonderful patience and perseverence they exhibited
in the construction and manufacture of whatever they had, we are forced to
accord to them a great amount of credit. While their acumen and skill is
not to be compared with a white man's, yet for the chances they have had,
and the inducements they have had for improvement, they have done well.
As some interest is attached to the manner in which they produced fire
in the early stages of their existence, anterior to the advent of civilization,
we will append the following description of the process as witnessed by
George H. H. Redding, among the Wintoon Indians on the Cloud River,
and recorded in the Califomian of December, 1880 :
" After long negotiations and the exercise of considerable diplomacy, an
Indian came to me, bringing his beaver-skin quiver filled with arrows.
From among these he took a dried branch of buckeye (JSscidus Galifor-
nica) about as long as the shaft of an arrow, but much larger at one end.
From his quiver he also produced a piece of cedar (Libocedrus decurrens).
This was about eighteen inches in length, an inch thick, and two inches
wide in the center, but tapering to a rough point at each end. Its general
appearance might be described as boat-shaped. In the center of this piece
of cedar, on one side, he had made a ch-cular hole a quarter of an inch deep
with a piece of obsidian, and from this hole he had cut a channel extending
to the edge of the wood. He now gathered a handful of dry grass and
some fine, dry, powdered wood from a decayed pine. Each end of the boat-
shaped piece of cedar, with the side containing the hole and channel upper-
most, was placed on a couple of flat stones and held firmly by another In-
dian. The dry grass was piled loosely under the cedar, and on it was scat-
tered the fine powder of the decayed wood. The fine powder was also scat-
tered in the channel leading to the hole in the center of the boat-shaped
piece of cedar. He now took the branch of buckeye and placed the
larger end in the circular hole, and spitting on his hands, commenced revolv-
ing it back and forth rapidly between his palms, and at the same time bear-
ing down with considerable force. At the end of ten minutes smoke made
its appearance, and in a few seconds the powdered dust of the decayed wood
took fire, and the fine coals communicated this fire to the dust in the chan-
nel and rolled down to the dust scattered on the dry grass. He now took
the bunch of dry grass in his hands, and carefully blowing upon it, soon
created a blaze."
The tribal boundaries of these Indians have been variously stated by dif-
ferent writers, varying in some cases very materially, yet when the subject
is carefully studied the difference can be readily accounted for. For instance,
3
34 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Gibbs, in Schoolcraft's Archaeology, states that " the Sanels live at Clear
Lake," while Mr. Powers, in his Pomo MS., states that " the Snakes occupy
Russian River Valley, in the vicinity of the American village of Sanel."
This latter statement is the real truth in the matter, yet the Sanels and the
West Lake Indians are so closely allied that a stranger in an early day could
be easily led to believe them one tribe, with different branches or divisions.
We will now give the tribal boundaries as laid down by Mr. Bancroft in
his work, and then give them as related to us by Augustine. As has been
before stated, all the Indians in Lake County, except those in Long Valley
and Cache Creek, belong to the great general family of Pomos, and to the
second division of that family known as Russian River Pomos.
" The Guenocks and Locollomillos lived between Clear Lake and Napa."
This was in what are now known as Coyote and Loconoma Valleys respect-
ively.
" The Lopillamos, or Lupilomis, lived on the borders of Clear Lake."
This is so indefinite that a real location cannot be established.
" The Mayacmas and Tyugas dwell about Clear Lake," and they " inhab-
ited the vicinity of Clear Lake, and the mountains of Napa and Mendocino
Counties." The latter is, more probably, their true habitat, though it is
probable that they made frequent incursions to the lake country for fishing
and other purposes ; and if found there, they were located by the party as
being regularly established in that section.
" The Wye Lakees, Nome Lakees, Noimucks, Noiyucans, and Noisas,
lived at Clear Lake ;" so says Gieger, in Indian Affairs Report of 1859.
" Napobatin, meaning ' many houses,' was the collective name of six
tribes living at Clear Lake. Their names were Hoolanapo, Habenapo, or
stone house, Dahnohabe, or stone mountain, Moalkai, Shekom, and How-
kuma." These tribes were situated on the western shore of the lake, and
remnants of some of them still remain, and are known by the same name.
" The Bochheafs, Ubakheas, Tabahteas, and the Moiyas live between
Clear Lake and the coast." This is doubtless the names of the people in
Scotts Valley and the adjacent country, as no such names are indicated as
being further west.
We will now give the following facts concerning the Indians of Lake
County, which were given to us by Augustine, chief of the Hoo-la-nap-os,
premising by the statement that Augustine is a very intelligent man, about
fifty years of age, and well versed in Indian lore and legend, and bears a
good name among the white citizens for probity and veracity. His state-
ments are as follows :
" The Ki-ou tribe had their rancheria at the west end of Tule Lake, and
at the time of the coming of the white settlers they numbered one hundred
and twenty. The name of their chief is (or was) Ba-cool-ah. We con-
Indians of Lake County. 35
versed with him through an interpreters young and very intelligent Indian,
but are inclined to the opinion that he misapprehended the question asked
about the names of the chiefs; we asked for the names of the chiefs at the
time of the killing of Stone and Kelsey, and we think he gave us the name
of the present incumbent, though of this we are not at all sure. It is pro-
bable that in many cases the person who was chief at that time is still alive.
As we asked for the name of the chiefs at that stated time, if any are now
alive and hold that position, who are given as holding it then, it is safe to
assume that they have continued ever since. This tribe numbers now only
about forty.
" The Yo-voo-tu-ea tribe were neighbors of the Ki-ous, and were just
east of them, on the borders of Tule Lake. Their former number was one
hundred and fifty, which is now reduced to forty-five. Ja-ma-toe was their
chief.
" The Quoi-lack, or Hwoi-lak, tribe was located just north of the town-
site of Upper Lake, and near the residence of Benjamin Dewell. They
numbered one hundred and twenty, but have only fifty now. Da-mut was
their chief.
" The Di-noo-ha-vah tribe were on the north side of the head of Clear
Lake, but further east than the last named. They numbered one hundred,
and are now reduced to about twenty. Goo-ke was their chief.
" The She-gum-ba tribe lived across the lake from Lakeport, where Mr.
Morrison now resides. They once numbered one hundred and sixty, but only
about fifteen of them are left now. Leu-te-ra was their chief.
" The Boil-ka-ya tribe lived in Scotts Valley, and their number was one
hundred and eighty, which has dwindled down to forty. Che-boo-kas was
their chief.
" The Cum-le-bah tribe were located in the upper end of Scotts Valley,
on the Deming place. Their number was ninety, but are now reduced to
thirty. Du-goh was their chief.
" The Hoo-la-nap-o tribe were just below the present site of Lakeport, on
the place formerly owned by Dr. J. S. Downes. At one time there were
two hundred and twenty warriors, and five hundred all told in the ranch-
eria. They are now reduced to sixty. Sa-vo-di-no was the chief before
their present one, Augustine.
" The Ha-be-nap-o tribe were located at the mouth of Kelsey Creek, on
the north side. They numbered three hundred, but only about forty of
them are left. Ba-cow-shun was their chief.
" The Lil-la-a-ak tribe had their location near the foot of Uncle Sam
Mountain, on the west side. They numbered one hundred, and about fifteen
of them are left. Mim-ak was their chief.
" The Shoat-ow-no-ma-nook tribe had their homes on an island near the
36 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
lower end of the lake. They numbered one hundred and twenty, but only
thirty are left. Their chief was called Sain Patch.
" The Cow-goo-mah tribe had their rancheria at the Sulphur Bank.
They numbered one hundred and thirty, but are now reduced to forty.
No-tow was their chief.
" The Le-mah-mah lived on an island just west of the Sulphur Bank.
There was at one time one hundred and forty of them, but only about
twenty remain. Beu-beu was their chief.
" The Kai-nap-o tribe was located just at the lower end of Long Valley,
and at one time numbered one hundred and sixty, but are now reduced to
twenty. So-yu-done was the chief. These were evidently members of the
Patween family, and probably a branch of the Olposels spoken of by
Powers. •
" The Now-wa-ke-nah tribe lived in Long Valley, and their number was
one hundred and twenty. There are probably thirty of them leftv Li-e-ta
was their chief." These are the Lolsels of the Patween family mentioned
by Powers. They call themselves Lolsels.
" The Koo-noo-la-ka-koi tribe live in Coyote Valley. They had once
one hundred in their rancheria, but twenty is all that they can now muster.
Ba-san-nak was their chief." These are the Guenocks spoken of above in
Bancroft's catalogue.
" The Lal-nap-o-een tribe had their habitat on the St. Helena Creek, just
west of the present site of Middletown, in Loconoma Valley. They num-
bered ninety, but have dwindled down to ten. Chu-puh was their chief."
These are the Locollomillos of Bancroft's list.
It will be remembered that in the above list those names have been ap-
plied to the tribes which were the local appellations for them by the Hoo-
la-nap-os. It will be noticed that these names are not, oftentimes, the name
that the tribes apply to themselves. In fact, tribal names were a " fluctu-
ating currency " also, having really no stability, and, above all, only a very
limited " local circulation." By summing up the estimates given by Aug-
ustine above, it will be found that the original number foots up two
thousand six hundred and eighty, and that the present number is five hun-
dred and twenty-five. The last census, 1880, shows that there are seven
hundred and sixty-five Indians in Lake County, which is about one-third
more than Augustine's estimate. Taking that as a basis, it would indicate
that there were, in all probability, between four thousand and five thousand
Indians in Lake County when the whites first began to invade their ter-
ritory.
From Augustine we ascertained the meaning in English of the names of
the several tribes. It is well known that the Indian tongue is made up of
appellations for concrete subjects, and but little or nothing of the abstract
Indians of Lake County. 37
enters into their language. Hence all names have a literal significance.
The language is a guttural, being similar to the Semitic tongues of Asia,
and is rather pleasant and musical than otherwise. We append the list
below as a souvenir of a fast disappearing race of people :
Ki-ou, head of the Lake people.
Yo-voo-tu-ea, a small hill.
Nap-o, village or town.
Hwoi-lak, a city of fire.
Di-no-ha-vah, a city built in the cut (canon) of the mountain.
She-gum-ba, a city built across the lake.
Boil-ka-ya, a city built in the west.
Cum-le-bah, a kind of mineral water.
Hoo-la-nap-o, a lily village.
Ha-be-nap-o, a city of rocks.
Lil-la-a-ak, a people close by the mountain.
Shoat-ow-no-ma-nook, a neighboring people.
Cow-goo-mah, lower end of the lake.
Le-mah-mah, on an island.
Kai-nap-o, a wood ranch, or, in consonance with the Porno tongue, vil-
lage of the valley or valley people.
Now-wa-ke-nah, a city over the hill.
Koo-noo-la-ka-koi, a coyote.
Lal-nap-o-een, goose village.
Augustine gives the following as the names of the places in the county :
Clear Lake — Ka-ba-tin, big lake.
Uncle Sam Mountain — Sha-hul-gu-nal-da-noo, big mountain. This was
called by many tribes " Konockti."
Big Valley — Yo-ka-koi, a big valley.
Kelsey Creek — Noo-na-po-tea, a big dust or ash heap.
Scotts Valley — Ye-mah-bah, over the hill.
Tule Lake — Now-ga-shoi, a separate lake.
Blue Lake — Kah-nel, a small separate lake.
Upper Lake — Sa-kah-ko, brush land.
In speaking of the future of his people Augustine stated that he was
hopeful for the best. Like all Indians everywhere they had been blighted
by the withering touch of civilization, which is to an Indian only another
term for demoralization and extermination, but the dires irces is almost
past now, he hopes. Within the past few years their numbers have been
increasing, instead of diminishing as is the case elsewhere. Their women
are healthy, and bear strong children. They are honest and trustworthy to
a great degree, and are employed and well paid for their services as a con-
sequence. Contracts are let to them just the same as to a white man, and
they take as much pride in filling the contract as any man can. Some
38 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
years ago a man was found drowned in the lake under suspicious circum-
stances. It was at once laid at the doors of the Indians adjacent, and
Augustine was arrested and held as a sort of hostage until the guilty one
should be forthcoming. Time failed to bring to light the offender, if indeed
he was an Indian, and Augustine was soon liberated. On the day on which
he gained his freedom there was a large concourse of Indians in Lakeport,
and he gathered them about him and delivered to them an exhortation that
created a wonderful commotion among them, causing many to shed tears,
and all to show signs of deep emotion. It was said by those who witnessed
it to have been one of the most affecting sights ever beheld in the town.
Here was a savage, a heathen, incarcerated in a Christian prison, without
the slightest evidence of his or any of his people's guilt, and there confined
till the pleasure of his captors let him free, and he, the injured savage, goes
before his people, but not with a word of malice, not a word of upbraiding
and discontent, but with words of good and holy counsel, with advice to
do right, and exhortation to flee from the paths of crime. •' In such a sav-
age's breast there must be just a little of that Christ spirit inborn which
said, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
At the present time there is quite a move among them to secure landed
possessions of their own, and should they receive the encouragement they
so justly merit at the hands of the white men, the time is not far distant
when they will become pi'oducers instead of consumers, and the country will
be benefited thereby. Some worthy gentlemen at the head of the lake have
already lent a helping hand in this direction, and their exertions are being
amply rewarded.
There never has been a reservation in this county, which may be con-
sidered a most fortunate circumstance for the Indians, although they have
had their share of trouble at the hands of the while settlers, full particulars
of which will be found in another chapter. But while there was no reser-
vation in this county there was one in Mendocino County, and it is quite
probable that portions of the tribes of Lake got "reserved" from time to time.
Many strange stories come down to the present time about those old
reservation days. It is said that the soldiers and employe's of the reserva-
tions would make incursions into the interior valleys and corral and drive
the Indians into the reservation just as they would so many wild hogs or
cattle. It was immaterial whether a tribe were hostile or not, all Indians
were considered legitimate game for these paid man-hunters who had the
mighty authority of our great free Republic at their backs to sustain any
and all of their depredations into the peaceful homes of the native denizens
of the realm. Is it any wonder that forbearance ceased to be a virtue some-
times, and that the Indians occasionally "kicked against the pricks ?" Their
camps were raided and despoiled, and their people kidnapped by the whites.
There is to-day an Indian in the Cahto rancheria who was kidnapped when
Indians of Lake County. 39
a boy by some white marauder, and as a slave taken to a foreign country.
He was taken to Missouri and grew up in the chains of this forced and
illegal bondage, and when he got to that age that he could shift for himself,
true to his Indian instinct, he started out on the long and almost hopeless
journey of returning to the home of his childhood. Days and months were
consumed in the trip, but at last, after overcoming almost insurmountable
obstacles, made doubly difficult because of his dusky skin, he arrived at his
old home, to find only a remnant of his tribe left — the rest had been " re-
served," which, being literally translated, means worn out in toiling and
moiling on a tract of land kept by the Government from bona fide white
settlers, that a few political friends of the administration might be fed and
sustained and enriched by their labor. These Indians were vassals, very
slaves to those in charge of the reservation, and yet they have never gotten
enough work out of all the hundreds of Indians upon it to sustain the in-
habitants. Whose fault is it ? Certainly work enough has been expended
by the Indian slaves to have sustained them, but it has been misdirected.
We are aware that these strictures are, in a measure, severe ; but when
the matter is thoroughly examined into, it will be found that the facts in
the case will bear out all that has been said, and that the half has not, nor
can it ever be told. From the day that Columbus landed upon American
soil, in the evening of the fifteenth century, to this present time, the declin-
ing days of the nineteenth century, it has always been the same old story —
aggression on the part of the whites — not to use any of the stronger terms
applicable to the special cases of wrong usage, and resentment on the part
of the Indians, which was no more than natural, and just what any human
being would have done. There was no Joshua to lead our ancestors in
their furious onslaught upon the owners of the soil, and to declare that their
and their children's prosperity would never be full until the last vestige of
the hated red man should disappear from the face of the country, and to de-
clare it to be the will of the God of gods that this should be done, and in His
name. Still, they have acted on that principle, and the only justification that
can be given is, that the whites wanted the land for their own use. No re-
gard whatever has been paid to the laws of meum et tuum; but what was
theirs by inheritance and God-given right has been made ours by force of
might. From the eastern shores of the Mongolian sea of humanity the first
rippling waves of the on-coming flood-tide of immigration is beginning to
lap gently on our strand ; but, far away down toward the middle of the next
century we can hear the full roar of the breakers of that grand wave of
humanity beating and dashing against all the shore-line of the Pacific, and
the country is deluged and fiooded with a race not so unlike the red man in
many respects, yea, so nearly like him that they are evidently first-cousins.
Then will our children and our children's children know and feel what we
40 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
have caused the aboriginal inhabitants of this fair land to feel. It has taken
four centuries to usurp all this vast domain, and four centuries more may see
only a trace of our vaunted Saxon race, while our boasted institutions of
freedom will be things long in the past, and held in such hated remembrance
that a mention of them will never be made.
But the Indian is vanishing from the face of the earth surely and not so
very slowly. It was estimated in 1877, that there were less than ten thou-
sand left in the entire State of California, distributed as follows : On the
reservation at Hoopa Valley, five hundred and eighty ; Round Valley reser-
vation, nine hundred and fifty-two ; Tule River reservation, twelve hundred ;
and not on any reservation, six thousand five hundred, making a total of
nine thousand two hundred and thirty-two. And yet, it is in the memory
of every old pioneer when there were at least that many living on the terri-
tory covered now by any one county in the State. It is very strange, and
yet it seems a matter of destiny, and just as much so as it was that the
nations of the land of Canaan should disappear before the advance of the
Israelites into their country. Many people are inclined to put on a senti-
mental air and charge that the white man has been the cause of all this
decimation among their ranks. Such, however, does not seem to be the case.
The truth is, that they had served their purpose in the great economy of
God and the fulness of time for their disappearance from the earth has
come, and they are going to go. Of course, looking at it from this stand-
point does not give the white man leave or license to help rid the country
of them. Far from it ; but on the other hand, the great law of Christian
(by which word is meant Christ-like) charity comes in, and demands that
they should receive just and honorable usage at the hands of those who
come into contact with them.
How beautifully and truthfully is the result of the invasion of the white
people portrayed in the following lines from Longfellow's " Hiawatha :"
I beheld, too, in that vision I beheld our nation scattered,
All the secrets of the future, All forgetful of my counsels ;
Of the distant days that shall be ; Weakened, warring with each other ;
I beheld the westward marches Saw the remnants of our people
Of the unknown, crowded nations ; Sweeping westward, wild and woeful,
All the land was full of people, Like the cloud-rack of a tempest,
Restless, struggling, toiling, striving, Like the withered leaves of autumn !
Speaking many tongues, yet feeling * * * * *
But one heart-beat in their bosoms. Thus departed Hiawatha
In the woodland rang their axes, In the glory of the sunset,
Smoked their towns in all the valleys, In the purple mists of evening.
Over all the lakes and rivers To the regions of the home wind,
Rushed their great canoe of thunder. To the Islands of the Blessed,
Then a darker, drearier vision To the kingdom of Ponemah,
Passed before me, vague and cloud-like : To the land of the hereafter !
Mexican Grants. 41
MEXICAN GRANTS.
The territory now embraced in the boundaries of Lake County was so
remote and so out of the usual line of travel, and above all, so full of wild
Indians, that but little of it was ever located upon by the early Spanish-
Mexican settlers of California. It was claimed that three grants had been
made by the Mexican Government, but only two of them, however, were ever
approved by the United States Courts, the third being rejected for causes
set forth below. We will take them up in the order of the dates of their
cession.
Lup-Yomi Grant. — We cannot do better in this connection than to give
the opinion of Judge Ogden Hoffman, of the United States District Court,
in the case of The United States vs. Teschmaker, et al. :
"On the 4th of January, 1853, the claimants petitioned the Board of
Land Commissioners for a confirmation of their claim to the place known
as " Lup-Yomi," containing fourteen square leagues, more or less. In support
of their claim, a grant was produced, dated September, 5, 1844, purporting
to be signed by Manuel Micheltoreno, and conveying to Salvador and Juan
Antonio Vallejo, the land known as the Lagwna cle Lup-Yomi, to the ex-
tent of sixteen square leagues, as shown by the respective map.
" On the map which accompanies this grant a large district of country,
embracing the whole of the sheet of water now known as Clear Lake, to-
gether with a considerable tract around it, was rudely delineated. No
evidence whatever from the archives was offered, and the mem. at the end
of the grant, to the effect that note of it had been taken in the proper book,
was found, on consulting the book, to be false. The profession of possession
and occupation was also unsatisfactory. The decision of the District Court
was, therefore, reversed, and the cause remanded for further testimony. It
is now submitted on the testimony that has since been taken in this Court.
It is contended that the archive evidence, the absence of which was one of
the chief reasons assigned by the Supreme Court for refusing to confirm the
claim, has since been supplied.
" It appears that in 1855 one Jose" Santos Berryessa deposited in the
Surveyor-General's Office an expediente, purporting to contain a concession
and the proceedings preliminary thereto of the place called Lup-Yomi.
This document is stated by Vincente P. Gomez to have been in the office of
the Secretary at Monterey from its date up to July, 1846, when it was
42 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
taken to the Custom House with other papers. It then passed into the
possession of the witness, but how or by what right is not explained, and so
remained until 1854 or 1855, when Mr. Domingo Marks, at the instance, as
he said, of Jose" Santos Berryessa, procured the loan of it. Before giving it
to Marks, Dias, as he stated, tore off the signature of M. Micheltoreno to the
decree of concession. The only reason he assigns for so doing is that he
very much feared he would not see it again. The document thus mutilated
was, no doubt, then deposited in the archives by Berryessa. The expediente
thus presented to our notice contains :
" First. A petition signed, Salvador Vallejo, and dated May 23, 1844, so-
liciting for himself, and for one Antonio Vallejo, Rosalia Olivera and Marcos
Juarez, who joined with him in the petition, for the tract of land situated
to the south of the lake, which lies at the distance of forty leagues, a little
more or less, to the north of this place — Sonoma ; and he asks that as these
interested are in company with him, there be granted eight square leagues
to each, omitting for the present to furnish a map, it being impossible to
have it correctly made, for want of the necessary knowledge of the land.
" Second. On the 31st of May, 1844, this petition was sent to the Sec-
retary, who directed to obtain the necessary informes.
" Third. It was accordingly passed by Jimeno on the 20th of June,
1844, to the Justice of Sonoma for his report.
" Fourth. On the 24th of July, 1844, the Justice, Cayetano Juarez, re-
ported in favor of the petition of the citizens, Salvador Vallejo, one Antonio
Vallejo, Rosalia Olivera, and Marcos Jaurez.
" Fifth. On the 21st of August, Francisco Arce, Chief Clerk, Jimeno
being ill, as the report states, transmitted these informes to the Governor,
with the recommendation that the grant be made.
" Sixth. Then follows in the expediente a decree of concession dated Au-
gust 30, LS44, purporting to grant as property to the petitioners the land
they ask for according to the map. This decree is in the hand-writing of
Vincente P. Gomez, and the signature of the Governor, if ever attached to
it, has been torn off. Such are the contents of the expediente now for the
first time offered in evidence.
" Two questions are thus presented :
" First. Is the expediente admissable in evidence ?
" Second. What is its effect as proof in this case ?
" The claim first presented to the Board, and afterwards submitted to the
Supreme Court, was for fourteen leagues of land alleged to have been granted
to Salvador and Juan Antonio Vallejo on the 5th of September, 1844. The
land thus granted was stated by Salvador Vallejo himself to be a well-
known tract, embraced with great natural boundaries, which he had pointed
out to a surveyor, and which were found to contain twelve leagues. This
Mexican Grants. 43
claim was the only one presented to the Supreme Court. That tribunal,
finding the evidence unsatisfactory, remanded the case for further proofs.
" The expediente now produced shows, if it shows anything, a concession
made, not on September 5th, but on August 30th. The grantees are not
the Vallejo's alone, but two other persons beside, and the land granted is not
sixteen square leagues, but thirty-two. So far from this evidence being
further evidence in support of the claim and titulo presented to the Supreme
Court, it seems almost incompatible with the genuineness of the title. If,
on the 30th of August, the Governor made a concession of thirty-two leagues
to the Vallejos, Rosalia Olivera, and Marcos Jaurez, it seems highly improb-
able that a few days afterwards he would have granted one-half of the same
land to the Vallejos alone. No explanation of this is offered by Vallejo,
though in a deposition taken in support of the titulo of September 5th,
speaks of a petition by himself and brother, and a grant to them of sixteen
leagues, but omits all mention of his application for thirty-two leagues for
himself, his brother, Olivera, and Juarez, of the proceedings thereon, and of
the alleged concession found in the expediente. These facts serve to corrob-
orate the testimony of Mr. Hopkins, who swears that in his opinion — and
it is entitled to great consideration — the signature of Micheltoreno to the
grant of September 5th is spurious.
" It appears to be thought by the counsel for the claimants that the
expediente can be treated as the record of the proceedings preliminary to the
grant of September 5th. I am unable to perceive how it can be so regarded.
Vallejo distinctly asserts that he petitioned for himself and his brother, and
obtained the grant of September 5th for sixteen leagues. No such petition
is found in the archives. The petition in the expediente is on behalf of four
persons, and for thirty- two leagues of land, and that petition, if the expe-
diente be genuine, was granted. I can not see how these proceedings can
be considered preliminary to a grant of sixteen leagues to the two Vallejos.
The title, therefore, to which alone the expediente can give any support,
would seem inconsistent with that heretofore presented. It differs from it
in every particular. It bears a different date, is in favor of different per-
sons, and is for a different tract of land. It may well be doubted whether,
under the bare reading, the cause for further proofs as to the genuineness of
the title submitted to the Supreme Court, evidence can not be received of
a new, independent, and apparently inconsistent title.
" But it is not necessary to rest on this point, for it is clear that the ex-
pediente now utterly fails to meet the requirement of the vigorous, but just
and salutary rule of the Supreme Court, which exacts archive testimony as
indispensible to a confirmation. The expediente, in no sense, can be claimed
as archive testimony. It was not placed among- the records until 1855. It
comes, therefore, from private custody — as much so as if now produced by
44 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Gomez himself. That it ever was in the Secretary of State's office we have
no evidence except the unsupported testimony of Gomez, and no other wit-
ness pretends to have seen it there ; and Salvador Vallejo, when testifying
in support of the titulo of September 5th, suppresses all mention of it or of
the proceedings it purports to record.
" It is, however, necessary to observe that the character of Gomez is too
notorious to permit the Court to place any reliance upon his uncorroborated
testimony. But even if this expediente had been found in the archives, it
would fail to afford the requisite evidence in support of the claim. That a
petition for thirty-two leagues was presented and some orders of reference
and infamies made, truly may be admitted ; but that these proceedings ter-
minated in a decree of concession, the expediente furnishes but slight evi-
dence.
" The signature of Micheltorenoto the pretended decree of concession has
been torn off. We can not, therefore, ascertain its genuineness by inspection.
The only evidence that it was ever attached to the concession is the state-
ment of Gomez. But the whole decree is in Gomez's handwriting. The
expediente, in all probability, was clandestinely abstracted by him from the
archives, if it was ever there, remained in his possession during eight years.
If, as is quite probable, it contained originally the petition and reports, he
could at any time have written the decree of concession and signed Michel-
toreno's name. That he did not do so we have only his own word ; but the
hypothesis may account for his tearing of the signature when he gave the
document to Marks. The reason assigned by him, viz., that he was afraid
he might never see it again, is absurd.
" We thus see not only that this expediente does not come from the
archives, but the genuineness of the document, without which the expe-
diente is valueless, as proof, rests on the testimony of Gomez alone. If, in
addition to this, we consider the total silence of Vallejo and other wit-
nesses, to every fact supposed to be disclosed by this expediente, and that
the claim, and a confirmation was founded upon another grant which must
not be abandoned, together with the fact that no note of either exists in
the toma de Rason, Jimeno's index, or other document found among the
archives, we are led to the conclusion that the proofs of the genuineness of
the thirty-two-league grant are as different and unsatisfactory as those here-
tofore offered in support of the sixteen-league titulo, and which the
Supreme Court declared to be insufficient. Other objections to the confirma-
tion of this claim might be urged. The evidence wholly fails to identify
the thirty-two leagues now alleged to have been conceded or to show in
what part of the immense tract embraced within the limits of the diseho it
is situated. These objections are, however, of minor importance, for on the
grounds already stated the claim must be rejected."
■ Mexican Grants. 45
Salvador Vallejo laid claim to this grant ever since the dates given above,
and that he had undisputed possession for years is not to be denied. It is
not known now how early he took cattle up there, possibly long before 1844,
for Augustine, the chief of the Hoolanapo Indians, has given us a list of the
names of the major-domos who had charge of the place, which will be found
in the chapter on early settlement, and which would lead us to infer that
he put his stock in there quite early. It is a well established fact that he
tried to sell this grant to several Americans before 1850, and negotiations
were at one time pending between him and Governor Boggs.
It is not known whether Stone and Kelsey ever purchased any right to
the land or not, or indeed any right of any kind, as the place was very
far removed from civilization then, and they were not likely to be molested.
Teschmaker and others eventually came into possession of a supposed title
to it, and they started it to grinding through the mill of bad claims. If
everything were all right the grist run through the mill expeditiously, often
no appeal being taken at all from the decision of the Boai-d of Land Com-
missioners by the United States Attorney. On the other hand where there
was crookedness, or the appearance of the same, it took years to settle the
claim, and some are yet either in the Courts or before Congress.
In 1854 settlers began to arrive in Big Valley ; and by 1861, the year of
the formation of the County of Lake, the valley had nearly as many set-
tlers in it as at present, outside of the towns. Still the claim was unsettled,
and the citizens did not know of whom they would have to purchase their
places, nor how much they would have to pay. Year after year the prop-
erty advanced in valuation, and they themselves were adding to the load
they would have to carry if the claimants were successful. Finally, they
grew tired of this fruitless suspense, and employed Hon. S. K. Welch to
prosecute the case to as speedy a termination as possible. After many and
vexatious delays, the matter came up for final hearing before Judge Ogden
Hoflman, in September, 1866, who rendered the decision quoted above.
This gave eminent satisfaction to the settlers, who met at Lakeport October
6, 1866, for the purpose of having a good jollification over the triumph of
their cause. The land was surveyed, and entered up in the regular way,
and each man secured his home ; and the work of the former years had not
gone for naught, nor been charged up against them as so much added value
to their places, for which they must pay or leave.
Collayomi Grant. — This grant was located in what is now known as
Loconoma Valley, and was ceded to Robert T Ridley June 17, 1845, by
M. Micheltoreno, Governor-General of California. This grant was approved
by the Department Assembly September 26, 1845. This grant included
three leagues, and the survey made by the United States showed that there
46 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
were eight thousand two hundred and forty-one and seventy-four-hun-
dredths acres in it. February 12, 1852, Colonel A. A. Ritchie and P. S.
Forbes, as claimants, filed their petition with the Board of Land Commis-
sioners. Their claim was confirmed by the Board December 22, 1852. No
appeal was taken by the United States ; hence, this confirmation stood and
became valid grounds for a patent, which was duly issued. The owners of
this grant were never in conflict with settlers to any extent. In 1871 the
grant was divided into small tracts, and disposed of to actual settlers, the
consequence being that the valley is filled with happy homes and industri-
ous citizens.
Guenoc Grant. — This grant was ceded by the Mexican Government to
George Roch, August 8, 1845, by Pio Pico, Governor of California, and it
was approved by the Departmental Assembly September 26, 1845. Colonel
A. A. Ritchie and Paul S. Forbes filed their claim to the grant with the
Board of Land Commissioners January 27, 1852, to which they filed a sup-
plementary petition October 9th of the same year. This Board confirmed
their claim December 18, 1852, and no appeal was taken by the United
States, and their action became final, and a patent was duly issued. The
grant contained six leagues, and in the survey of the United States there
were twenty-one thousand two hundred and twenty and three hundredths
acres. There were at one time quite a number of settlers on this grant, and
the valley was full of cabins, but they were all evicted, and the little houses
have all disappeared. The grant was ultimately divided into small tracts,
and sold to actual settlers, who have filled the beautiful valley with the
sunshine of happy homes.
General History and Settlement. 47
GENERAL HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT.
It is not now known definitely when the first white man set foot upon
the territory now embraced within the limits of Lake County, nor is it
known who that hardy and venturesome hero was. But be he who he may,
Daniel Boone, whose name is in every school-boy's mouth in the land, and is
almost worshipped as the summa summarum of pioneers, did not do a
wilder, braver deed in all his career, nor did he spy out a wilder, more roman-
tic, or lovelier place than did the heroic discoverer of Lake. Boone came into
contact perhaps with fiercer tribes of Indians, but certainly with no more
numerous ones. Would that we knew his name that we might emblazon it
on the living pages of history, and hand it down to generations yet unborn,
wreathed in a proper and fitting tribute to his memory ! Let the deed not
be forgotten if the name has passed into oblivion. Let us not forget the
song though the singer be passed away. Let the heroism of the man be
ever bright in our memories, though the hero be forever lost. In the hearts
of the people of Lake County let a shrine be erected to this brave old
pioneer. And here on history's page let us erect, as it were, a monument
dedicated to this unknown hero !
It is authentically stated that in a very early day there was a party of
hunters who spent the winter in the valley near Lower Lake. They were
on their way from Oregon, and instead of keeping down the Sacramento
River, the usually traveled route, they had started across the mountains,
heading for the old Russian settlements at Bodega and Fort Ross. The Rus-
sians had left in 1841, and the lower valleys had several settlers in them,
both Spanish and American, but it must be borne in mind that this was be-
fore the days of telegraphs, railroads, or indeed, stage coaches, and items of
news traveled very slowly, and those old trappers often did not hear from
the outside world once in several years. They did not know that the Rus-
sians had gone, and they did know that if still there they could dispose of
their peltry to a good advantage. They did not know of the settlements
in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, else they would have crossed the mountains
and spent the winter among them. They built a log hut, which was of
course the first habitation for white men ever constructed in Lake County.
What a place was that to spend a winter ! and yet it only comported with
what they encountered every day of their wild, venturesome lives. Indians
48 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
were all of the human species they ever encountered, while the grizzly bear
was the only animal that they were forced to take notice of. It is said that
they improved their time while in this section, and as game of every species
was abundant, their " catch " was good.
In 1811 the Russo- American Fur Company established a post at Bodega,
and a few years later at Fort Ross, in Sonoma County. They extended
their fur hunting operations all along the coast and up the streams leading
therefrom, " hunting out " the entire section very closely indeed. As the
game became scarce near the coast they extended their incursions inland,
and in all probability they found their way into the Clear Lake Valley.
Following up Russian River they would come to the rancheria of the Sanel
Indians, who, it will be remembered, are a sort of second cousin to the
Hoolanapos on the west side of the lake. It would naturally follow that
they would hear of the lake and pay it a visit, and, when once there, would
prosecute their hunting operations in it. No direct evidences are left of
their visits to these parts, except that in an early day occasionally an
Indian was encountered whose skin was whiter than a full-blood's, and
it is more than probable that these were half-breeds with Russian
parentage.
We now come down to an absolute occupation of the country, not
exactly as a resident, but as a possessor of land, a holder or claimant, at
least, of a title, that would warrant the claim of a settler. In 1835 General
Mariana Guadalupe Vallejo was placed in command of the Mexican forces
north of the bay of San Francisco, and proceeded at once to subject all the
Indians in his realms. His headquarters were at the Presidio Sonoma, and
from thence he made incursions upon any hostile tribes that he might hear
of. In 1836 an expedition was organized to make a foray into the Clear
Lake country, then a land to the Spaniards unknown except by reports
from the Indians. Captains Salvador Vallejo and Ramon Corrillo were put
in charge of the expedition, and it is to be presumed that they made a suc-
cess of it, as the Indians of that section were ever afterwards very tract-
able, and especially so towards the Spaniards. In consideration of these
services Salvador Vallejo applied to the Mexican Government for a grant of
sixteen leagues of land for himself and his brother, Antonio, embracing Big,
Scotts, Upper Lake and Bachelor Valleys. Whether in reality this was
ever ceded to him or not is not now known, but it is certain that the proof
was very inadequate, as a reference to the chapter on grants will prove to
the reader. But be that as it may, his brother, the General, was Comman-
dante of the Government forces in this section, and what he said was law ;
hence he took possession, either because he thought he had a right to do so
by conquest, by the virtue of a grant or the right of pre-emption, sustained
by the strong arm of his brother's military authority.
General History and Settlement. 49
Just when Salvador Vallejo took formal possession of the valley is not
now known, but Augustine, chief of the Hoolanapo Indians, informs us that
it was about ten years before the killing of Stone and Kelsey, which would,
at least take us back to 1840. It is, we think, taking all things into con-
sideration, safe to consider this as about the time. He took a lot of cattle
into the valley, putting them under the charge of a major-domo and ten
vaqueros. They had a rude log house, and a corral near where Mr. Ricka-
baugh now lives, in Big Valley, near Kelseyville. Mr. Woods Crawford
states that when he came into the valley in 1854 the remains of this corral
still existed, and as far back as 1857 portions of it were dug up and found
in a good state of preservation. It will be remembered that these primitive
corrals consisted of poles driven into the ground, forming really more of a
stockade than a corral. Augustine states that the name of the first major-
domo was Juarez, who remained for several years. He was followed by
one Guadalupe, who married an Indian woman. His spouse of the forest
did not stay with him very long, however, as he abused her, and she became
afraid of him and ran away, prefering love in a wickeup to contention in a
log house. A man by the name of Moretta came next, and he was followed
by a Mr. Hubbard, and last upon the list comes one Piiiola. The Indians
did all the work about the place. They constructed the corral, built the
house, and did the vaqueroing. The vaqueros rode barebacked, and with
only a " hackamore." By this time the stock had multiplied until the val-
ley was full to overflowing with cattle, which had long since become as
wild as deer, and about as hard to handle. Vallejo ultimately drove out
all the cattle he could, and disposed of about eight hundred head of them
to Stone and Kelsey when they went to Lake County.
THE STONE AND KELSEY MASSACRE.— We now come to the
most interesting part of the early settlement of Lake County, the chief in-
terest growing out of the tragical ending of the attempt to live among
savages, and be even more brutal than the natives themselves. We are
sorry indeed that the truth compels us to place upon record the fact that the
death of these two brave frontiersmen was the result of their own folly and
indifference to the simplest laws of justice and mercy. They violated those
grand fundamental principles which underlie all our relations with each
other, and especially the relations existing between superior and inferior
races. Of course, these men lived in the rudest stage of the country's de-
velopment, and were themselves imbued most thoroughly with the natural
lessons which were taught by the times. Vallejo's major-domos had lived
among them for the preceding several years and no trouble had arisen, but
Kelsey 's high spirit set all of them in opposition to him, and at a conse-
quence it became a warfare, and he paid the penalty of his turpitude with
4
50 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
his life. We will present both sides of the story giving the fullest details
we could glean from white settlers concerning the matter, and also the state-
ment made by Augustine, chief of the Hoolanapos, who is said by all to have
been the originator of the massacre, and then let the reader judge for him-
self as to the absolute justness of the deed on the part of the Indians.
In the fall of 1847, Stone, Shirland, and Andy and Ben. Kelsey — the lat-
ter two brothers — purchased from Salvador Vallejo the remainder of his
stock at Clear Lake, with the right to use the land which he claimed, as a
pasture. Stone and Andy Kelsey went to the place and took possession of
the stock, and remained there till the day of their death. It is generally
understood that they both went out with a band of Indians to dig gold, but
such is not the case. Neither of them ever went away from Lake County
with a band of Indians, but Ben. Kelsey did take the Indians away as will
be seen further on. They began operations in Lake County (we will speak
of it as Lake County for convenience) by the construction of an adobe house,
which was about forty feet long and fifteen feet wide. The building was
one story high, and had two rooms, and a loft above, the partitions being
of adobe and extending to the roof. The house stood, " the long way," from
north-west to south-east, and was situated just west, and across the creek,
from the present town of Kelseyville. There was a fireplace in the north-
west room. The work was all done by Indians, and as slave labor of the
worst kind. Pay, outside of very short rations and a few bandana hand-
kerchiefs, did not enter into the consideration at all. Of course the Indians
did not expect much in that day and age ; still, they had always had good
food and in abundance when working for the Spaniards, and had a right to
expect as much from the Americanos.
When they realized the situation, which they were not long in doing,
they began to demur and complain, and they got only harder tasks and
lashes for their dissatisfaction. At last the Indians became resentful, j ust
as anybody would under the circumstances, and trouble began to brew.
The Indians began to help themselves to what there was in sight, so as to
get even on what was their due, and several head of cattle were killed by
them ; and had not a wholesome check been put upon them, there is no tell-
ing to what extreme they would have carried their depredations upon the
stock. Stone and Kelsey were surrounded with Indians, and all attempts
at trying to bring the offenders to justice had so far proved futile. They
feared to make any out and out attack upon the Indians, lest they should
become overpowered. They were smart enough to inveigle the Indians into
storing all their weapons in the loft of the house, when they were on good
terms with them ; hence, until new weapons could be made, or others secured
from other tribes, they had the advantage of them.
At length, in the spring of 1848, the trouble had so increased that the
General History and Settlement. 51
Indians had become the aggressors, and had not only threatened them, but
had congregated in large numbers around the house in which the two men
were virtual prisoners. A friendly Indian managed to escape, and make his
way to the settlements of Sonoma, and finally arrived at Ben. Kelsey's, who
lived at the Buena Vista ranch, and brought word that a massacre was
imminent, and that Stone and Kelsey desired assistance very much. A
party consisting of Ben. and Sam. Kelsey, William M. Boggs, Richard A.
Maupin, a young lawyer from Louisville, Kentucky, and Elias and John
Graham, went from Sonoma for the purpose of succoring the beleagured
settlers. The party went by way of Santa Rosa, the Rincon, across the
mountains to Elliott's place, which was west of the present site of Oalistoga,
across the head of Napa Valley, over St. Helena Mountain, through Loconoma
Valley, over Cobb Mountain, and down Kelsey Creek to the ranch. They
left Sonoma in the evening and went as far as Harlan's place at the Hot
Springs, now Calistoga, and arrived at their destination after dark the next
night, traveling continuously. At Elliott's the party was joined by Ems.
Elliott, a son of Wm. Elliott. When it is remembered that there was only
an Indian trail along the route they pursued, some realization of their trip
may be had. Dense chapparal grew along the entire road, which it was
next to impossible to penetrate. Such a fatiguing journey required nerve
and endurance, as well as a great degree of bravery.
As stated above, the party arrived at the end of their journey after
dark. They halted in the bed of the creek some distance above the house,
and Mr. Boggs made a reconnoisance of the situation by proceeding down
the creek to just about where the road leading south from Kelsey ville now
crosses the creek, thence making a detour to the left till he came upon high
enough ground to give him a commanding view of the place. A wild sight
met his gaze, made doubly weird by the dim light which the stars shed
upon the scene. Looming up in bold relief stood the black walls of the
adobe house, with its doors barricaded, proving indeed a veritable fortress.
Around it on all sides swarmed a host of naked savages, yelling and howling
like so many ravenous beasts of the woods. Near by the dying embers of
the evening's camp fires could be seen, the fitful gleams of which revealed the
forms of hovering squaws, who were adding to the general pandemonium
by uttering dismal wailings. Such a sight needs but to be seen once in a
lifetime to so thoroughly impress it upon the tablets of memory that time
itself can not deface, and until life itself is lost will it never be less vivid
than when first seen.
The scout returned and reported what he had seen, and a council of war
was held in which was discussed the best mode of making a successful sally
upon the besieging host of Indians. It was finally determined that they
would mount their horses and make a fierce charge upon them, and if they
52 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
showed fight to shoot, otherwise not to wound or kill any of them, which,
by the way, was a wise and humane plan, and the wisdom of their course
was fully vindicated. They passed down the creek, over the same route
that Mr. Boggs had taken, and when they came to where he had halted,
they put spurs to their horses and with a wild whoop rushed pell-mell among
the savages. They fled in all directions in a most precipitous manner, and
were soon all hid among the bushes or in the rancheria. It was soon found
out by them that the other Kelseys were among the number, and as several
of them were acquainted with them, and as there had been no shots fired,
several of the Indians ventured forth and began talking with the Kelseys.
The Indians were told that a large force of soldiers with their " boom-
booms " were coming just behind and might be expected any minute. This
had a very quieting effect on the Indians, and nothing more was heard of
them that night.
Stone and Kelsey were indeed being besieged, and when they heard the
clang of the horses' hoofs and the voices of white men they gladly enough
opened the doors of their quasi fortress. It was found that the immediate
cause of the warlike demonstrations was the fact that they had all the
weapons of the Indians in their house and refused to give them up, and the
Indians had about made up their minds to force a concession, even if they
had to kill Stone and Kelsey to secure their bows and ai-rows. It was found
that they had been under surveillance for several days, and that they had
nothing at all to eat in the house, and as the men who had just arrived were
out of rations, and had been all day, something had to be done at once for
food. Andy Kelsey set about it and captured a wild tule-root and mast-fed
hog which they proceeded to cook for supper, partaking of their repast about
midnight. A royal feast that, with neither bread nor seasoning.
One would naturally suppose that after this display of the disposition
and power also of the Indians, that Stone and Kelsey would have made
reasonable concessions to the Indians, and have pursued a course of pacifi-
cation in the future; but nothing was further from the plans of the Kelseys
than this. The next morning the entire body of Indians was called up and
a list made of them, and they were enrolled into a company, as it were, the
best of all the body being selected. One chief, whose name was Preetta,
had a fine lot of Indians in his tribe and he furnished the most of the com-
pany. This company consisted of one hundred and forty-four picked men,
and the object of enrolling them was to organize an expedition against a
small band of Indians living in Scotts Valley, and who, it was believed,
had been the ones who had been marauding the cattle.
When the party was made up Ben. Kelsey gave them their bows and
arrows, though some were only armed with a shai'pened stick, the pointed
end of which had been hardened in the fire. The party consisted of the one
General History and Settlement. 53
hundred and forty-four Indians, the eight white men who had come up
from Sonoma, Stone and Ben. Kelsey. They left the ranch in the forenoon
and proceeded on their journey by where Lakeport now stands. Late in
the evening they were joined by Walter Anderson and a young man named
Beson, who lived near where Lower Lake now stands, and who had just
come into the county. From the site of Lakeport they went directly west
till they entered the head of Scotts Valley and passed along down it, scour-
ing the country for the band of offending Indians, but they had been warned
and the bird had flown. They arrived late that night at the junction of
Scotts Valley with the Blue Lakes Canon, where they camped. The next
morning they proceeded up the Blue Lakes Canon, and about nine o'clock a
commotion was noticed among the Indians that were deployed upon the
right wing of the lines. Soon they came down to the center, where the
white men were, dragging a bleeding and trembling captive. He was found
to belong to the tribe that was being sought for, and was at once questioned
as to the whereabouts of the main body of the band. He indicated by
nodding his head — for his hands were already tied behind him — that they
were farther up the canon. The order to advance was given and on they
went, he still indicating that the Indians were up the canon. At noon the
party halted at the top of the ridge at the head of the canon. It was then
decided that the captured Indian had deceived them, and Ben. Kelsey tied
the Indian up to the limb of a tree and made every Indian he had with him
cut a switch, or rod, and march by this poor fellow and give him a stroke
with it on his bare back. It will thus be seen that he gave the Indian the
equivalent of one hundred and forty-four lashes, and an eye-witness states
that many of them were dealt in a most heartless and cruel manner, while
a few of his friends, or rather who sympathized with him, and in whose
breast there still beat a heart with a grain of humanity left in it, lightened
their stroke so that it was pro for)vma only. Kelsey was remonstrated with
by those present, but to no purpose, and he went so far as to tell his brother
that he " guessed he knew his own business." The prophetic remark was
made at the time that somebody's blood, if not his life, would pay the
penalty of that fearfully brutal scourging. The Indian was glad enough to
tell the truth when he was untied, but one straw more had been laid upon
the camel's back which was bearing all the grudges which the Indians had
against Stone and Kelsey.
As stated above, the captive and lashed Indian relented, and led them
directly to the hiding place of his brethren. They were on the peak of
the mountain just west of the mouth of Blue Lakes Canon, in a dense
jungle of chemisal. The Kelsey Indians dashed up the rugged sides of
that mountain and captured the whole band, and dragged and drove them
down to the valley below. It was about dark now, and a lot of deer were
54 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
killed, and the Indians, friends and foes alike, given a good feast of
raw venison, entrails and all. To say that that was a pleasant night for
the whites, numbering only a dozen all told, surrounded as they were by a
horde of savages who were almost all enraged by the transaction of the
day, and having a large portion of the mistreated man's own tribe among
them, is to state something very far foreign to the truth. One of the
party states that it was about as restless a night as any he ever spent, and
his experiences in the pioneer days of California would fill a book with real
occurrences alongside of which J. Fennimore Cooper's romances would
pale. The next day the entire body of Indians were marched by way of
Tule Lake and the Clear Lake shore to Kelsey's ranch, a body of whites
making a detour into Scotts Valley and destroying by fire the rancheria of
the captured tribe, thus rendering them not only slaves but homeless.
Their homes were nothing but thatched lodges it is true, but then it was
horne to them, and to them as to us " the dearest spot on earth."
The next scene in the drama is one that is generally misunderstood and
misstated, and we have taken great pains to get at the correct facts in the
matter. Reference is made to the gold-hunting expedition, which is gene-
rally, and quite properly too, stated to be the grand inciting cause that led
to the massacre of Stone and Kelsey. In passing, however, we will state
that just subsequent to the events narrated above it was proposed to take a
lot of the Indians then at the ranch and bring them to Sonoma, and use
them in making adobe houses. This idea was taken up with, and one
hundred and seventy-two Indians are said to have been taken out for that
purpose. We know nothing of their treatment or their compensation, but
suppose that it was all legitimate. Augustine states that he was taken to
the Kelsey ranch in Sonoma, and that, having a strong desire to see his
home and friends once more, he ran away, and returned to the Kelsey place
in Lake County. He further states that he was shut up in a sweat-house
for a whole week, and fed on nothing but bread and water. He says that
Stone and Kelsey whipped lots of Indians, but never whipped him. These
Indians who were taken to Sonoma in 1848 were allowed to return to Lake
that fall.
In the spring of 1849, a year after the gold excitement broke out, Ben.
Kelsey proposed to ex-Governor L. W. Boggs that a party be made up to
go to the head-waters of the Sacramento to prospect for gold. This was
acted upon, and the party as organized consisted of Sam. and Ben. Kelsey
L. W. Boggs (who did not go with the party, however), William M. Boggs
Salvador Vallejo, Alf. Musgrove, A. J. Cox (later of the Napa Reporter)
and John Ballard. Juan Castinado was with the party, but not interested
Ben. Kelsey then went to Clear Lake, and got fifty picked men of the In
dians of that country, and brought them to Sonoma to join the party there
0
.
^'j^/MUty
General History and Settlement. 55
It is not our intention to give a detailed account of this venture, though
fraught with many incidents of great interest ; but none of the actors in it
were in any way identified with Lake County except the Indians; and one
word will cover all that is to be said of them, and that word is — Died !
The party arrived at their destination in good shape, and with an abundance
of supplies. After a few days prospecting, Kelsey turned his attention in
another direction. It so happened that there were a lot of camp-followers
who came up from the south, and a lot of people from Oregon were just
coming in from the north on their way to the California mines, and they all
met and centered at the camping place of this party. Ben. Kelsey found it
less trouble and fully as profitable to him to remain in camp and sell sup-
plies, as it was to tramp around on prospecting tours. Prospect he would
not, but sell goods he did, much to the disgust of all interested, especially
Governor Boggs, who sunk about twelve thousand dollars by the specula-
tion. The result was, that Kelsey sold them all out of house and home,
and had no supplies for himself, let alone the Indians. They were not put
at very hard work, but they were fed just as sparingly in proportion. In a
short time malarial fever broke out among whites as well as Indians, and
Ben. Kelsey had to be brought home on a bed. But there was no one to
bring the poor Indians home on a bed, in a wagon, on a horse, nor to even
guide them to their far away mountain home. They were in a hostile land,
with neither strength nor arms. The Corusias were their deadly enemies, as
was evinced by the fact that on the way up a camp was struck in close
proximity to a Corusia rancheria, and the Indians of the party would not
sleep off by themselves that night at all, being sore afraid of an attack
before morning. The estimates of the whites as to the number who re-
turned range from one to twenty-five. It is possible, and we shall not say
at all improbable, that but only one or two of them ever returned.
But, be that as it may, the Indians who did return had certainly a most
heartrending and pitiful story to tell. Sons and brothers who had gone
away in the full pride of their manhood, had fallen victims to hunger, disease
and the enemy's bow and arrow. The flower of the nation had been mowed
down as it were with a scythe, and that too at the instigation of the hated
white man, and more, at the instance and under the control of an abhorred
Kelsey, and they said to the settlers, "Kelsey blood shall pay the penalty."
When Andy Kelsey was asked about where the Indians were, and when
they would come home, he told them a plausible story which pacified them
and filled their bosoms with hope for yet a little longer, hoping always
against hope that the wanderers might yet reach the wigwam of their
youth. But such was never to be, and as the solemn and sad truth dawned
upon their souls, a feeling of revenge, dire vengeance, began to spring up in
all their bosoms, just as it would in any other man's, and if in our own blood
56 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
we would call it rightous and praiseworthy. If so in us, why not in the
poor untutored savage of the far away western wilds ?
But Stone and Andy Kelsey, who remained at the Lake ranch all the
time when they found out the truth, instead of going rightly about it to
pacify the Indians, only continued to add insult to injury. It is stated by
white men that it was no uncommon thing for them to shoot an Indian just
for the fun of seeing him jump, and that they lashed them as a sort of a
recreation when friends from the outside world chanced to pay them a visit.
For the sake of the Indians, it was fortunate that these visits were few and
far between. By all it is stated that they took Augustine's wife and forced
her to live with one of them as his concubine, and compelled her to cease all
relations with her legal spouse. And so we might go on adding to the lists
of aggressions, all of which, be it distinctly understood and remembered, is
the testimony of the white people who knew them in their day, or who
have it from first hands.
The following is the statement made by the early settlers, concerning the
massacre : As stated above, Stone and Kelsey had taken Augustine's squaw
away from him and had her in the house with them, and this naturally made
him more vengeful than the other Indians. He was now a sort of boss
vaquero, being a chief, and hence had a double leverage as it were, having
the confidence of the white men and an extra degree of influence over the
Indians. It is stated that while Stone and Kelsey were away with the
vaqueros one day, attending to their cattle, the squaw filled the guns full of
water, thus wetting the charges thoroughly. The next morning, while Stone
and Kelsey were at breakfast, the Indians made a charge upon them, and
Kelsey was killed outright with an arrow. Stone escaped up stairs, and
the Indians rushed in after him, and he jumped out of the upper window
and ran down to the creek and hid in a clump of willows. By this time
the whole rancheria was aroused, and when they smelled blood as it were,
or sniffed the battle from afar, they all became ravenous. They all turned
out to search for Stone, and finally an old Indian found him and struck
him on the head with a rock, killing him. The two men were buried in the
sand of the creek bank. This was in the fall of 1849.
The Indians were foolish enough to think that because they had killed
these men they would be thenceforward free from further trouble, and in
this idea they became doubly reassured, as weeks and months went by and
there was manifested by the whites no intention of revenge, and in fact
none were seen in the country during the winter. In the spring of 1850,
however, the scene changed, and their dream of uninterrupted security was
demolished by the roar of artillery and the sharp rattle of musketry. A
detachment of soldiers under Lieutenant Lyons (afterwards the brave Gen-
eral who fell at Wilsons Creek, near Springfield, Missouri, during the War
General History and Settlement. 57
of the Rebellion) was sent up there to punish them ; and, if -we are to judge
by the work they are reported to have done, they did their work with a
vengeance.
When the soldiers arrived at the lower end of the lake, coming over
Howell Mountain, through Pope and Coyote Valleys, they found that the
Indians had all taken to an island in the lake and it was impossible to get
at them. They then sent back to San Francisco or Benicia and got two
whale-boats and two small brass field-pieces. These boats were brought
up on wagons, and those wagons were the first ever seen in Lake County,
and what that trip must have been is easily imagined by any one familiar
with California mountains. By this time quite a party of volunteers from
among the settlers had arrived, and the expedition was organized about as
follows : Part of the soldiers with the cannon embarked in the whale-
boats, and the main body of the soldiers and the volunteers, being mounted,
proceeded around the lake on the west side, this party being in command
of Lieutenant George Stoneman (afterwards General Stoneman, who made
his name famous during the War of the Rebellion). The Indians were
located on an island which was situated near the head of the lake, being-
surrounded by deep water in the winter season, but shallow in the summer
when the water is low, having gone there in the interim between the arrival
of the first and last detachment of troops.
The point of rendezvous of the soldiers and volunteers was at what is
now known as Robinsons Point, a short distance south of the island. Dur-
ing the night the volunteers and artillery went around the head of the lake,
and got as near to them as possible. In the morning a few shots were fired
with rifles to attract their attention ; but as the balls fell far short of the
range, the Indians only laughed at them. The entire body of Indians con-
gregated on that side of the island, to watch the men and to jeer at them.
In the meantime, the soldiers in the boats had come up on the opposite side
of the island, and, at a signal, the artillery was turned loose upon them.
Had a thunderbolt from heaven fallen out of a clear sky among them, it
would not have created greater consternation than did those canister shots
which went plowing madly through their numbers, strewing the ground
with dead and dying.
To say that a panic seized them but mildly expresses the state of affairs
among them at that supreme moment of their dismay and discomfiture.
Pell-mell they rushed over the island to shelter themselves from the terrible
ravages of the " boom-booms," as they called them. To their utter surprise
as they descended the opposite side of the island, a line of soldiers rose up
from the tule and received them with a deadly volley of musketry. Words
fail to describe the wonderful state of confusion that followed. They
rushed madly into the water, and swam oft' to the main land and escaped to
58 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
the mountains, but many of them were left upon the field and in the water,
as it is said that the soldiers killed women and children indiscriminately,
following them in the water and shooting them and clubbing them with
their guns and oars. It is said that the settlers took no part in this general
slaughter, and a story is told of one who happened to run across a comely
squaw hidden in the brush, and taking a fancy to her thought to capture
her. She did not intend to have it that way, and when he approached her
to compel her to arise, she arose in the might of her insulted and outraged
sympathy for her people, and the man stated that he would never be more
glad to escape with his life from the clutch of a she bear, than he was to
get away from her. He had to use very severe measures to save his own
life, though nothing was farther from his intentions than to wantonly injure
the woman.
The soldiers proceeded from the scene of this one-sided combat over the
mountains to Potter and Ukiah Valleys. In the former they found no
Indians, though the rancherias were numerous. The Indians had been
warned and had taken to the brush. In the latter place the Indians,
although warned, had never seen a soldier, and did not know how hard
they could shoot, and hence remained at home to receive them in a hos-
pitable manner. The result was that the soldiers made an onslaught upon
their rancheria and killed about thirty of them. They then proceeded down
the Russian River Valley to Santa Rosa and Sonoma, and thence to Benicia,
being gone something over a month. Their wagons and boats, and the
cannon, were left at the lake, and parts of them were found here and there
years afterwards. One of the cannon was found near the foot of Uncle
Sam Mountain by a lot of hunters, among whom was Dr. Downes, now of
Lakeport, and as it was the Fourth of July, they started in to celebrate the
day with it. They put too much powder in one of the charges and the
cannon was wrecked. The other is supposed to be lying at the bottom of
the lake somewhere. One of the boats was found in the sand on the south
bank of the lake several years ago, and what became of the other is un-
known. These were the first wagons, boats and cannons ever in Lake
County. The wagons and the wheels of the cannon came into good play
with the earlier settlers, who used them as long as they lasted.
Chief Augustine's Version of the Massacre. — We will now give the
story as related by Augustine verbatim, taken down stenographically at the
time of its recital. There were two interpreters present, and the story
was told in a straightforward manner, and with but few questions being
asked. The people of Lakeport have great confidence in his veracity as
far as he thinks that he is right. In the main his story agrees with that
already recited and which was gleaned from the white settlers. Wherein it
General History and Settlement. 59
does not we cannot, and presume no one else can reconcile the two. Here
is the narration :
"Salvador Vallejo had a claim on sixteen leagues of land, around the
west side of Clear Lake. Stone and Kelsey came and built an adobe house
at where Kelseyville now stands. They had nothing but one horse apiece
when they came into the valley. They got all the Indians from Sanel,
Yokia, Potter Valley and the head of the lake to come to the ranch, and of
all those there he chose twenty-six young Indians, all stout and strong
young men, and took them to the mines on Feather River, and among them
was Augustine. This was in the summer time. In one month the Indians
had got for them a bag of gold as large as a man's arm. They gave the
Indians each a pair of overalls, a hickory shirt and a red handkerchief for
their summer's work. They all got home safely.
" They then made up another party of one hundred young men, picked
from the tribes as the others had been, and went again to the mines. This
was late in the fall of the year or early winter. They did not feed the In-
dians, and the water was so bad that they could not drink it, and they got
sick, and two of them died there. The Indians got dissatisfied and wanted
to go home. Finally, they told the Indians to go home. On the road they
all died from exposure and starvation, except three men, who eventually
got home. Two of these men are still living, and their names are Miguel
and Jim. Stone and Kelsey got back before the three Indians did, but
could give no satisfactory answer to the inquiries concerning the whereabouts
of the Indians who had gone off with them. They were afraid of the
Indians and did not go among them very much. At length the three arrived
and told their story, but the Indians kept hoping that some more of them
would come in the next spring, having spent the winter in the rancherias of
some of the Sacramento Valley Indians, but in this they were doomed to
disappointment.
" Stone and Kelsey took the gold they had got on their first trip and went
to Sonoma Valley and bought one thousand head of cattle with it. It took
six trips to get them all into Big Valley. There were twelve Indian va-
queros, of whom Augustine was the chief, on each trip. They did not give
these vaqueros very much to eat, and nothing for their wages. Stone and
Kelsey also bought all the cattle that Vallejo had in the valley at this time.
The whole valley was full of them, and they would number about two
thousand head, any way, if not more.
" Stone and Kelsey used to tie up the Indians and whip them if they
found them out hunting on the ranch anywhere, and made a habit of abus-
ing them generally. They got a lot of strong withes, which came from the
mountain sides and were very tough, and kept them about the house for the
purpose of whipping the Indians with all the time. When a friend of any
60 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
of the vaqueros came on a visit to the ranch, if they caught them, they
would whip them (the visitors). The Indians all the time worked well, and
did not complain. If the Indians questioned them about the Indians who
had died in the mountains, they would whip them.
" Stone and Kelsey then tried to get the Indians to go to the Sacramento
River, near Sutters Fort, and make there a big rancheria. They would thus
get rid of all except the young men, used about the ranch as vaqueros, etc.
The Indians worked for two weeks, making ropes with which to bind the
young men and the refractory ones, so as to be able to make the move into
the Sacramento Valley. The old and feeble ones they could drive, but thejr
were afraid the young men would fight them and kill them. They told the
Indians that, if they killed them, they would come back again in four days,
and the Indians believed this, and thus they were held in subjection. The
Indian women made flour for the ranch, with mortars, and it took them all
day to pound up a sufficient quantitity for the use of the place. The In-
dians were mad on account of the fact that the others had died in the
mountains, and then, when they wanted to move them off to the Sacramento
Valley, they became still more enraged, and the plan was then set on foot
to kill them.
" The Indians did all the work in building the adobe house, there being
some four or five hundred of them engaged at it all the time for two months.
They had to carry the water with which the adobes were mixed a distance
of about five hundred yards, in their own grass buckets. Men and women
all worked together. For all this number of people they only killed one
beef a day, and they had no bread, nor anything else to eat except the meat.
The more work the Indians did, the more they wanted them to do, and they
got crosser and Grosser with them every day.
" Augustine was sent to work for Ben. Kelsey in Sonoma Valley, and
after about a month he came home to visit his friends, and as soon as Andy
Kelsey saw him there he tied him up in a sweat-house on his feet and kept
him standing there for a week. At the same time he tied up six others for
the same period. When he had punished them he sent all but Augustine
to Napa County, taking a lot of the other Indians with them, and just be-
fore starting off with them whipped four of the number. They were sent
down there to build an adobe house for Salvador Vallejo, and they were
gone for a long time. He also took Indians down to the lower valleys and
sold them like cattle or other stock.
" Finally the Indians made up their minds to kill Stone and Kelsey, for,
from day to day they got worse and worse in their treatment of them, and
the Indians thought that they might as well die one way as another, so
they decided to take the final and fatal step. The night before the attack
the Indians stole the guns of Stone and Kelsey and hid them. Early in
General History and Settlement. 61
the morning the Indians made the attack on them. Kelsey was shot in the
back with an arrow, which was shot at him through a window. He then
ran out of the house, across the creek to where there was a rancheria, and
an old Indian caught him there and struck him on the head with a stone
and killed him dead. Stone, when Kelsey was shot, ran into a small house
near the adobe and shut the door. The Indians then cut the fastenings of
the door and he then tried to make his way through the crowd to the big
house, having in his hand a large knife. He did not attack the Indians
with it, but used it as a protection for himself. He had on a long-tailed
coat, and as he passed along the crowd was crushed in upon him by the
outer circles, and he was caught by the tail of the coat and jerked down, and
trampled upon, and his throat cut with his own knife, and left for dead.
He jumped up and ran into the house, and the Indians supposed up stairs
where the bows and arrows, which they had taken from the Indians, were
stored. The Indians heard a rattling noise and thought he was up stairs,
but he was not. It was only his death struggles which they heard. They
feared to follow and see where he was, for if he had access to the bows and
arrows he could use them as well as an Indian, and would thus probably
kill some of them. The Indians buried both men, Kelsey near the ranch-
eria where he fell, and Stone near the house. When the soldiers came up
these bodies were taken up and they were both buried together.
" The Indians then all went to Scotts Valley and Upper Lake, or wherever
else they pleased, as they all now felt that they had their liberty once more
and were free men. The killing of Stone and Kelsey occurred in the win-
ter. In the spring following the soldiers came to Kelsey 's ranch and found
that the Indians were on an island in a rancheria. They then sent and got
their boats and cannon and went to Lower Lake, where they got some
Indian guides to show them the way to the rancheria, at Upper Lake.
When the soldiers came up they went over into Scotts Valley, and on the
road found one Indian, whom they killed. The rest ran into the brush, and
afterwards went to the rancheria at Upper Lake. They killed two Indians
in Scotts Valley. A part of the soldiers went from Lower Lake to Upper
Lake in four boats., and the balance of them went on horseback around the
Lake. They took the cannon by land, and passed through Scotts Valley
on the road. They found a rancheria there and the Indians ran into the
brush. They fired the cannon twice into the brush, but did not kill any
Indians.
" The two parties met at the point near Robinson's place, below Upper
Lake. In Scotts Valley the Indians had a rifle, the one taken from Kelsey
at the time of the killing. This they discharged at the soldiers, which was
the cause of their shooting the cannon at them. The entire party camped
where the boats landed that night. In the morning early the party with
62 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
the cannon went around the head of the lake and got on the north side of
the island, and those in the boats went into the slough on the south side of
the island. Before leaving, however, they killed their two Indian guides,
one being shot and the other hung. They then began firing at the Indians
with their small arms. Five Indians went out to give them battle ; one
with a sling and the other four with bows and arrows. The caftmon were
not jived at all. The Indians took to the tule and water and swam around
and kept out of the way of the soldiers as much as possible, and there were
only sixteen of them killed there that day. The soldiers then went over to
Potter and Yokia Valleys. They did not find the Potter Valley Indians,
but they had a fight with the Yokias. The Indians fought well considering
their arms, and many of them were killed — over one hundred, at least. The
soldiers returned to San Francisco by way of Sonoma. Afterwards about
twenty men came up and sent word to the Indians in Scotts Valley to come
to Kelsey's ranch and make a treaty. The Indians went down and the
treaty was made. Ben. Moore drove the cattle of the Kelsey estate out of
the valley. He had ten men with him."
Treaty of Peace. — Sometime during 1850 H. F. Teschmaker and a party
came up to Lake County to make a treaty with the Indians. He sent out
emissaries in all directions, and killed a lot of cattle and venison, and had a
grand powwow. We do not know whether or not there are any papers on
recoi'd in relation to this treaty ; still, the Indians seemed to understand it,
as will appear from Augustine's statement above, and were probably glad
enough so adhere to its provisions. For this service and in payment for
provisions said by Teschmaker to have been furnished by him to the Indians
at this time, a bill was passed by the Legislature of the State allowing him
several thousand dollars. The settlers generally, and all who know of the
particulars of the affair assert that he was more than well paid for his time
and trouble.
GAME AND HUNTERS. — In an early day game was very abundant in
this section of the country, and as a consequence, many hunters came in and
spent a short season. This game consisted of bear, elk and deer as quadru-
peds, and quail, pigeons, geese and ducks were the chief representatives of
the feathered tribes, while the fish consisted of trout, bass, white fish, suckers
and salmon trout. Truly, it was a sportsman's paradise. To. Dr. J. S. Downes
certainly belongs the honor of being the chief hunter of that section in those
early days. He relates that on one occasion he succeeded in killing eleven
elk in one drove, on the banks and near the head of Cache Slough. It was
the day the steamer " New World " made her first trip to Sacramento, and
the pilot got so exuberant on the occasion, that when he came to the Brazos
del Rio, at the mouth of Cache Slough, he took the wrong course, finding
General History and Settlement. 63
himself at the end of an hour almost aground on the shoals of the slough,
instead of the channel of the Sacramento (old) River. Seeing the Doctor,
the steamer was stopped and he was called and their whereabouts inquired
of. The slain elks were taken on board, the doctor acting as guide ; they
backed down to the river and steamed for Sacramento.
SETTLEMENT PROPER.— We will now proceed to the regular settle-
ment of the county, following along with the general history up to the
present time. It is no easy matter to get the names and location of the
early settlers, but in the main they will be found to be correct. To Walter
Anderson belongs the honor of being the next settler after Stone and Kelsey,
being there certainly as early as 1848. He seemed to be one of those sturdy
old pioneers, who believed thoroughly in pushing away from the environ-
ments of civilization, into the depths of the densest forests and over the
ruggedest mountains, pitching his tent where the foot of man had never
yet pressed the virgin soil. He had his wife with him, who was doubtless
the first white woman to ever reside in that county. There was a young
man by the name of Beson with him here also, but nothing further is known
of him. In 1851 Anderson moved on and finally located in a valley in
Mendocino County, south-west of Ukiah some twenty miles, which still
bears his name.
Walter Anderson was at one time a very wealthy man, owning broad
acres of land, large herds of cattle, and having ready cash to a considerable
amount. He was the pioneer of Anderson Valley and entered it " from the
plains across," with a large number of cattle. But before he died, and while
in the sere and yellow leaf of life, and bowed down with the weight of four-
score years he became landless and moneyless. Such was too often the case
in the early days of California. Those into whose hands a fortune seemed
to be dropped could not grasp the gift.
We will give the statements made to us by three pioneers, Messrs. Woods
Crawford, Benjamin Dewell and W. C. Goldsmith, in relation to the settle-
ment of the county up to 1854. Mr. Crawford's statement is as follows :
" The first house in the county (outside of that built by Stone and
Kelsey), was built by Robert Gaddy, now living near the mouth of Kelsey
Creek, by Charles Ferguson, and C. N. Copsey, in 1853, and was a log cabin.
It was located about one and one-half miles west of the present site of
Lower Lake, and the land is now owned by the Clear Lake Water Com-
pany. These men had no families. During the same year, the second house
was erected by J. Broome Smith and William Graves, one of the famous
Donner party, being then a boy, and was taken out on a man's back. This
house was made of split lumber, and was located near the foot of Uncle
Sam Mountain, near where Konockti Landing now is. The water company
64 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
now owns the land. They had no family. The next house was built in
Scotts Valley by Jefferson Warden, in the fall of 1853, on what is known
as the Theo. Deming place. He had no family.
" In the spring of 1854, a party consisting of Martin Hammack, his wife,
a grown son, two daughters, and two younger sons ; Brice Hammack, a son
of Martin Hammack's, and wife ; Woods Crawford and wife, who was a
daughter of Martin Hammack ; John T. Shin, J. J. Hendricks, J. W. Butte,
J. B. Cook and W. S. Cook, the later being father and son, in company
with several others — making a party of about twenty-five all told — came into
Lake County and settled in Big Valley. Three days later they were
followed by Elijah Reeves and family. Those named above wei-e all, how-
ever, who became permanent settlers, as the others drifted back to the older
settlements or pushed on into the mountains. This party came up by way
of Napa City, Yountville, over Howell Mountain into Pope Valley, over
Pope Mountain into Coyote Valley, thence to Lower Lake, and thence over
Siegler Mountain to Big Valley. The Hammack party were under the lead-
ership of a guide. They had ox-teams, four yoke to a wagon, and their
wagons were the first that were brought into the county with families, or
by any one except soldiers. In coming down Howell Mountain they had to
tie trees to the hind end of the wagon, to keep them from upsetting on the
teams, and to act as a break.
" In Coyote Valley there was a band of stock owned by Jacob P. Leese,
in the charge of two vaqueros, and when this party stopped at noon near
their corral these men came and tried to drive them off, thinking that they
were probably land jumpers. The party arrived at where Kelsey ville now
stands on the 16th day of A.pril, 1854, and pitched their tents in a circle
around a large oak tree. One night, shortly after they had got fairly set-
tled down to camp life, a commotion was heard among the pots and kettles,
which were stacked a la arms about the butt of the tree, and at the same
time the dogs and the people of the camp were aroused to the realization of
the presence of some predacious animal in their midst. A hasty inspection
of the situation revealed a massive bruin devouring the contents of the
cooking vessels. This was not a very pleasant predicament for the campers
to be in, and it is quite possible that the tension of the nerves of the men
as well as the ladies was tried on this occasion. To fire at the bear was
doubly dangerous, for if the charge missed the mark altogether, the tents
being erected around in a circle, it was liable to go tearing through one
and damage some of the inmates. Again, if the bear were wounded and not
killed outright, he would doubtless make a fearful onslaught upon his
aggressors, who were protected only by the thin cloth of the tent from his
ferocious attacks. But these old timers were inured to danger, and had
cool heads on them in the most trying hours. The dogs were encouraged
General History and Settlement. 65
to attack the bear, and he was finally driven outside of the circle of tents,
when a few well directed shots brought him to the ground. Such narra-
tions read like romances now, but they were of common occurrence in those
early days, and we imagine that actual experience served to take away
much of the romance that now seems to attach to them.
" This party began at once the getting out of material for their houses.
They went up into the Siegler Mountains and split out cedar boards and
shaved them. These boards were about six feet long. The studding were
hewn out. When they had got out sufficient material for their houses they
began erecting them. The one occupied by Mr. Crawford was built first
and was located on what is now known as the Phelan ranch, about the
center of Big Valley. The two Hammack houses were located about a mile
east of Crawford's, and about quarter of a mile apart.
"This party brought in about two hundred head of stock, horses and cat-
tle, and engaged in stock raising. They understood that the land was a
grant of sixteen leagues, which originated from a lease from the Mexican
Government to Salvador Vallejo. Teschmaker & Co. claimed the land at
that time. Game was very plentiful in this vicinity at this time, consisting
of bear, deer, and elk. The bears were more dangerous than the Indians.
" In the fall of 1854 what was known as the Elliott party came in and
located at Upper Lake. This party consisted of William B. Elliott, his wife,
two single sons, and a daughter twelve or fourteen years of age ; two mar-
ried sons, Alburn and Commodore, and their wives, and Benjamin Dewell
and his wife — who was a daughter of Elliott. They settled on the banks of
Clover Creek, about one-fourth of a mile above the present site of the town
of Upper Lake, the Elliotts locating on the east side of the stream and
Dewell on the west side of it, where he still resides. This party brought some
four or five hundred head of stock, and followed stock raising for a business.
" In the spring of 1855 Lansing T. Musick and Joseph Willard came in and
settled, the former on the east side of Clover Creek, and the latter on the
west side. C. C. Rice now owns the Musick place, and D. V. Thompson the
Willard place. Musick engaged in farming, hunting, trapping, and had a
little stock. Willard was engaged in hog raising. They both had families.
Musick's family consisted of his wife, and four sons, ranging from nine to
eighteen years of age, and one daughter, and Willard had a wife and one or
two children.
" Mr. Barber settled about one-fourth of a mile above the town of Lower
Lake in the fall of 1854 or 1855. J. R. Hale settled about a mile further
up Siegler Creek. Dr. W. R. Mathews (subsequently the first County Clerk)
and the Copseys came in and located in what is known as the Copsey set-
tlement, about three miles south of Lower Lake, about 1855. These were
all men of families.
5
66 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
" The first settlers in Scotts Valley were G. C. Cord, a gunsmith, and a
man named Ogden. They both had wives, and were brothers-in-law. They
remained there for two or three years, and then moved away.
" The first settlers in Long Valley were the Hanson brothers — D. M., J.
F. and Daniel.
" In Coyote there was a log house, where the stone house is now standing,
as early as 1854, and two men were there in charge of stock belonging to
A. A. Ritchie.
" In Loconoma Valley, the first settlers were the Bradfords.
" Dr. E. D. Boynton, late of Napa, but now deceased, built a store and
put in a stock of goods, in 1856. This was located at what is known as
Stony Point, a short distance south of Lakeport, and was the first place of
business in Lake County."
We will now take up the settlement as given by Mr. Benjamin Dewell :
"Salvador Vallejo had a claim on some land in Lake as early as 1846,
and he tried to dispose of two leagues of it to Elliott and Dewell during
that year. These two leagues of land lay in Big Valley, and a man by the
name of Alvarada had one league lying to the north of him, in the head of
Scotts Valley, and adjoining Vallejo's property. This man Alvarada was
major-domo for Vallejo, and also had some stock of his own on his claim
in Scotts Valley. He had an Alcalde's title to his league of land. Mr,
Dewell does not know, but thinks that Vallejo afterwards bought him out.
both land and cattle. It was in 1846 that he saw Alvarada's cattle in
Scotts Valley, and that Vallejo tried to sell the land to him and Elliott.
Alvarada and Vallejo both used one corral — the old one at or near Kelsey's
place. Jacob P. Leese had stock in both the Coyote and Loconoma Valleys
in 1846.
" Sam., Ben. and Andy Kelsey, and Stone, were partners in all their
transactions. They came into Big Valley in 1847, and Ben. and Sam. took
the Indians off to the mines, but Andy and Stone remained in the valley to
care for the stock.
" Walter Anderson was living at Lower Lake when Stone and Kelsey
were killed. He had his family with him, which consisted of three men
and two women.
" The first permanent settlers in Lake County was the Hammack party,
who located in Big Valley. The second party of settlers comprised William
B. Elliott, wife and three children, Benjamin Dewell and wife, Alburn
Elliott and wife, and Commodore Elliott and wife. Of this party, Mr.
Dewell came in advance some months, arriving in May, 1854, and William
B. and Alburn came that fall, while Commodore did not arrive until the
spring of 1855. Mr. Dewell settled on the west side of Clover Creek, and
William B. and Commodore Elliott on the east side of that stream. Alburn
General History and Settlement. 67
Elliott settled on the west side of the creek, about three miles above Dew-
ell's place. Colonel Lansing Musick arrived in the fall of 1854, and located
on the west side of Clover Creek, just below the town of Upper Lake. At
this time there were lots of wild hogs in the tules, and the bears did not
seem to bother them at all. Mr. Dewell brought the first tame hogs into
the county, and the bears did not trouble them for about a year, but finally
they got a taste, and all the hogs disappeared with great suddenness.
" In Bachelor Valley, Richard Lawrence, Green Catran, Daniel Giles and
Benjamin Moore, settled quite early, and as they were all single men, the
settlers gave it the name it still bears — Bachelor Valley.
" In 1848 William Scott settled in Scotts Valley, from whom it took its
name. Jefferson Worden was the next settler in that valley, and he had
stock there, consisting of horses and cattle. He was there in 1854, and was
really the first settler in that valley."
The list of old settlers furnished us by Mr. W. C Goldsmith has reference
more to the vicinity of Lower Lake, but we will insert it here. It is as
follows :
" Walter Anderson settled on the place now owned by J. B. Shreaves in
1850. C. N. Copsey and L. W. Parkerson settled on the Grigsby place in
1851. These two men exchanged claims in 1852. A man by the name of
Barber came in next, and he had a family. Anderson sold his place to Mr.
Parker in 1856. W. W. Hall came in 1854, and located on the ranch now
owned by Charles Coram, about two and a half miles south of Lower Lake.
Terrell Grigsby located the Charles Copsey place and the Siegler Springs in
1854. In 1856 there came in and settled C C. Copsey, Allen Copsey, 0. J.
Copsey, John C. Copsey, Thomas Copsey, William R. Mathew's and family,
consisting of wife, five boys and two girls ; N. Herndon and family, consisting
of wife and six sons and six daughters ; Wm. Slater and family, consisting
of two boys and four girls, and Jarvis Cable.
" In 1857 W. C. Goldsmith. In 1858 Charles Kiphart and family, Calvin
Reams and family, A. Hill and family, A. S. McWilliams and family, E. M.
Day and family, 0. N. Cadwell and family, Ed. Mitchell and family.
" A man by the name of Burns settled, or rather located in Burns Valley
in 1850 and built a log cabin, which he afterwards abandoned. In 1852
William E. Willis settled in Burns Valley, and he sold to Jacob Bowers in
1856."
From numerous other sources we have collected data concerning the
early settlement of Lake County of more or less importance, which we will
collate and insert in this connection.
George Rock came into Coyote Valley as agent for Jacob 0. Leese, as
early as 1850, and built a log house where the stone house of the Guenoc
ranch now stands. J. Broome Smith followed Rock, and came in 1852.
68 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
He was followed by Robert Watterman, now of Fairfield, Solano County,
and he by Captain R. Steele and Robert Sterling, who began building the
stone house mentioned above, in 1853, and finished it in 1854. Mr. Sterling
had his wife up there with him, and she was the first white woman in
Coyote Valley. J. M. Hamilton came in in 1853.
In 1853 W. L. Anderson and a man by the name of Vann brought a
drove of cattle into Loconoma Valley. They built a house at the head of
the valley, near where George E. McKinley now lives.
In Long Valley Benjamin Knight and William E. Willis settled in 1854,
on the place now owned by H. Kennedy. Richard and Perry Drury settled
in the lower end of the valley in 1855, and the Hanson brothers followed
very shortly.
Mr. W. C. S. Smith, an old pioneer of Napa County, states that Thomp-
son and Teschmaker bought the remainder of Kelsey and Stone's cattle,
after all that could be corraled had been driven out, and that J. Broome
Smith was their agent up there. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Smith and a small
party went up to Lake on a little excursion, and went as far as Siegler
Springs. While they were camped there Terrell Grigsby came over from
Anderson Springs and paid them a visit, he having a claim at that place.
Smith's party stuck up a stake and attached a notice to it to the effect that
they had taken up the claim. In 1855, at Mr. Smith's suggestion, William
Brown moved up to the springs and built a log house and barn just west
of them.
A writer in the Napa Register in 1874 states as follows: "The first set-
tlement in Lake County was made in 1847 by Kelsey and Stone, who were
killed by the Indians in 1849, a little south-west of where Kelseyville now
stands. Noble Copsey, then a member of the Santa Rosa Lodge of Masons,
and a man named Parkerson, built the first house in 1853 near the present
town of Lower Lake. The first farming was engaged in in 1854. In 1857
the township of Lake was set off, and at the first election held Woods,
Crawford and J. T. Shin were elected as township officers. By an Act of
the Legislature of 1861 the county was established."
A writer in the Napa Reporter of I860 gives the following historical
sketch of Lake County, which will be found full of interest :
" Clear Lake, the Indian name of which is Hok-has-ha, is a splendid
sheet of water, about thirty-five miles in length by from five to fifteen miles
in width. Its altitude is one thousand five hundred feet above the level of
the sea, and its running direction is from north-west to south-east. On the
northern side the country is exceedingly mountainous, but interspersed with
several small valleys, occupied by settlers. The lake abounds in all descrip-
tions of fish that tenant our inland waters. The Indians have great sport
in capturing them in the spring of the year, when they run up the little
General History and Settlement. 69
streams to spawn. In these they swarm so multitudinously that thousands
are killed with cluhs. In this way the savages slaughter sufficient quanti-
ties to last them throughout the year.
" There is as yet, I860, but one sailing craft on the lake, which is owned
by Dr. Downes, an old resident of Sacramento, but there are two sloops in
course of construction, which will be employed in the transportation of
freight. At the foot of the lake lies Mount Uncle Sam, whose altitude is
one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five feet above the sea (lake).
This eminence was christened by the troops sent out at an early day to
chastise the Indians for the murder of Stone and Kelsey. The Indian
name of the mountain is Dun-oh-bo-ten, meaning the great stone.
" The countiy about the lake is divided into three sections, called Lower
Lake, Big Valley, and Upper Lake. At its foot is a saw mill, owned by
Daniel Copsey (1860). The facilities for sawing lumber here are unsur-
passed, and the water power is great and unfailing. About five miles from
this point in an easterly direction is a borax lake, discovered by Dr. Veatch,
of San Francisco, in 1856, when on a tour of scientific exploration. The
ingredients aro borax mixed with iodine. The lake lies at the foot of a high
mountain, in a valley containing about three hundred acres. Its surface is
one-half of a mile in length and one-fourth in breadth. In winter the
average depth of the water is three feet. The company owning it con-
sists of Messrs. Baldwin, Heydenfeldt, Halleck, Peachy, Billings, and Dr.
Veatch. Their property, as the country becomes more prosperous and fully
settled, must prove very valuable. There are on the premises three build-
ings measuring in the aggregate forty feet square ; also two boats and a
general outfit for mining, but the latter is quite rude in construction. Some
two tons of borax have been already taken out for the purpose of testing
its quality.
" One mile above this lake is an inexhaustible mountain of yellow sul-
phur, said to be quite as free from impurities as is that dispensed in the
shops of druggists. Big Valley — the Indian name of which is Luss-elo-mi,
signifying the valley of the great stone, is six miles long by four broad.
The soil is fine for either cultivation or stock raising. In this valley are
two Indian rancherias, located on the borders of the lake. The principal
one, Habinassa (Habenapo) is commanded by a chief named Prieto, from his
surprising blackness. In 1851 this settlement numbered five hundred red
men, happy, healthy and contented. They have about fifty acres of land in
cultivation, raising chiefly corn and melons. They are very ingenious in
the construction of boats, nets and baskets. Since that time they have dimin-
ished in number fully one hundred per cent., and are generally now afflicted
with pulmonary complaints. They are a sober, peaceable tribe, willing to
work for such as pay for their services.
70 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
" At the foot of Cobb Mountain, or Kan-na-mo-ta, is a steam grist and
saw mill, built some two years ago by Thomas Boyd, at a cost of about five
thousand dollars, with a capacity of four thousand feet of lumber per day.
In Siegler Valley resides Mr. Robert Miller, on whose ranch there are about
fifty springs, the waters of which are of different degrees of temperature
from the coldest mountain waters to those hot enough to cook an egg.
The waters are impregnated with various mineral qualities, said to be
efficacious in the healing of diseases. There is a natural shower bath with
ten feet fall of water. The bath-tubs are such as nature has provided by the
wear of the water in the solid rock. Coal of an excellent quality has been
discovered in this valley.
"It appears from the representations of W. F. Wallace, H. F. Teschmaker,
J. P. Thompson, G. H. Howard, S. M. Mezes, A. Sawyer, H. Demarest, L.
Moller and J. Benehley, the present claimants under the grant, that this place
was visited in 1836 by Salvador Vallejo and Ramon Carrillo, on an Indian
expedition, and for the service thus rendered, the Government in 1842
granted to Antonio and Salvador Vallejo sixteen leagues of land, including
the whole of Big and Bachelor Valleys, and a part of Upper Lake Valley.
The present holders claimed to have purchased of the grantees in 1852,
paying therefor $16,000. This claim was rejected by the Board of Land
Commissioners, confirmed by the District Court, and the papers were in
Washington in 1860 for the final decision of the Supreme Court.
CLEAR LAKE TOWNSHIP.— Clear Lake Township was organized as
appears in the records of the Board of Supervisors of Napa County, on the
6th day of November, 1855, with the following boundaries : Commencing
at Mount St. Helena and running on the divide between Napa, Lup-Yomi
(Locollayomai) and Coyote Valleys ; thence across to the eastern line of
Napa County, in a direction so as to include Lup-Yomi, Coyote, Clear Lake,
Cobbs and Scotts Valleys, and to include all the Clear Lake Valleys. The
first appointments of the Board of Supervisors of Napa County to office
of any one living in the territory now embraced by Lake County, was
made April 14, 1855. This section was then a portion of Hot Springs
Township, Napa County, and on that day S. Grigsby was appointed a Justice
of the Peace, and C. N. Copsey was appointed a Constable. There were two
voting precincts in the county at that time, known as Upper and Lower
Lake, and they were embraced in the Third Supervisors' District of Napa
County. At the general election of 1855, R. H. Lawrence was elected Jus-
tice of Hot Springs Township, and L. Musick, Constable, both residing in
Lake.
Two school districts were organized in Lake on the 7th of April, 1856.
At the general election in 1856 H. B. Houghton and A. Brown were elected
General History and Settlement. 71
Justices for Clear Lake Township, and W. Crawford and P. Rickabaugh,
Constables ; at the general election of 1857 Justices J. Bowers and Woods
Crawford, and Constables G. Kieth and Thomas Boyd ; at the general elec-
tion of 1858, Justices J. F. Houx and W. W. Merridith, and Constables J.
C. W. Ingram and James Gray. At this election L. T. Musick was elected
Supervisor from Clear Lake Township. At the general election of 1859,
Justices J. F. Houx and G. A. Lyon, and Constables J. T. Shinn and C.
Elliott were elected; at the general election of 1861, Justices H. Winchester
and W. C. Ferrell, and Constables L. T. Musick and J. Dotey. January 3,
1861, William C. Ferrell and James German were appointed Justices, and
C. N. Copsey Constable for Clear Lake Township. February 4, 1861, 0. A.
Munn was appointed Justice for that township. This completes the list of
township officers who served previous to the organization of Lake County
in 1861.
SHOWER OF CANDY. — A very uncommon and curious phenomenon
is recorded as having occurred in some sections of Lake County on the nights
of September 2d and 11, 1857. It is said that on both of these nights there
fell a shower of candy or sugar. The crystals were from one-eighth to one-
fourth of an inch in length, and the size of a goose quill. Syrup was made
of it by some of the lady residents of the section. If this is a canard, it is
surely a sweet one.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.— May 20, 1861, the Act organ-
izing Lake County was approved by the Governor of California, and on the
first Monday in June the first election was held, and the machinery of a
county government was put in operation. Upon the organization of the
county Lakeport was chosen as the county seat, and shortly afterwards a
Court-house was erected on the site of the present building. It was con-
structed of wood, was two-stories high, and about 30x50 feet in size. Its
longest way was from north to south, and the main entrance was at the
center of the east side. There was nothing pretentious or showy about the
building, but it answered the purposes for which it was designed very well
indeed.
THE TREASURER'S TROUBLES, SAFE ROBBING, ETC.—
Apropos, a good story is told by Mr. Woods Crawford of how the Treasurer,
Mr. J. B. Cook, used to manage his money. There was no safe, and
the Board of Supervisors refused to procure one for the office. Mr.
Cook kept the money for a long time in an iron chest in Mr. Levy's
store, but as that was only a small wooden structure, it was an easy
matter for thieves to enter, which they did on the night of October
72 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
24, I860, and taking the little iron chest into a field south of town,
relieved the county of $1,838. After this there was neither safe nor iron
box to put the money in, and Mr. Cook had to become personal guardian of
the county funds as well as custodian. He used to keep the coin in an old
shot-bag, and carry it home with him at night, and take it to the office in
the morning. He resided in a small, rudely finished house some distance
south of town, and when he arrived at home in the evening he would de-
posit the bag of coin in some chink or crevice of the building, or would
sometimes bury it, or hide it in some other out-of-the-way place. As a
matter of course, the care of this money proved a great source of anxiety
to him, and also having so many caches for it, it was almost impossible for
him to remember where he had hid it every time. One afternoon he rushed
into Mr. Crawford's office in an excited manner, and almost distraught with
apprehension, and said, " They have stolen the money again." " Do you
know where you put it last night ?" said Mr. Crawford. " No," was the
reply ; " but I have searched in every nook and corner, high and low, and
I cannot find it anywhere." He asked Mr. Crawford to go down to the
house with him and help hunt for the missing treasure, and he consented.
Arriving at the house, diligent search was begun in and about the premises,
and finally he looked in a little trough-shaped place just over the door, and
between the studding, and there, under a lot of rubbish which Mr. Cook had
piled upon it in his eager search for it without detecting its presence, lay
the innocent cause of all of the old gentleman's solicitude. Mr. Crawford
says that the beam of the smile that enwreathed Mr. Cook's face when his
eyes rested upon the glittering double eagles once more, was like unto the*
radiance of an angel's.
THE COURT-HOUSE BURNED.— On the night of the 15th of Feb-
ruary, 1867, the Court-house was destroyed by fire, and it has always been
considered the work of an incendiary, and with it was reduced to ashes
every vestage of the records of Lake County, except one of the Treasurer's
books, which that official chanced to have at his home on that night. That
was an eventful night as all old residents of Lakeport will remember. Dr.
Downes had been shot, accidentally, that day, and it was thought at that
time that the wound would prove fatal, and his watchers were the first to
discover the fire. The Treasurer, J. B. Cook, was very ill, and not expected
to live, and altogether when the flames burst from the roof of the Court-
house it was a moment of supreme apprehension. Fortunately Dr. Downes
survived the effects of the wound, though it was a long time before he fully
recovered, but Mr. Cook had ended his work below, and in a few days was
called to come up higher, " where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves do not break through nor steal."
General History and Settlement. 73
PEREGRINATIONS OF THE COUNTY SEAT.— Soon after the
destruction of the county building, the county seat became a peripatetic as
it were, having no fixed abode, and tossed hither and thither by the caprices
of the ballot and the decisions of a jury, two of the things that our Professor
of Theology used to say that the Almighty himself never was certain about.
It had its virtual locale at Lower Lake, however, despite all contentions in
the matter, till 1870, when it was finally located at Lakeport. A full account
of this will be found in the chapter on the Political History, to which the
reader is referred.
NEW COURT-HOUSE.— When the matter of the location of the
county seat was finally settled, the Board of Supervisors set about it at
once to have the necessary county buildings erected. To their credit be it
said, they had taken no hasty steps while the matter of county seat was
being agitated, hence no unnecessary burden was imposed upon the county.
It may be said by the disputing parties that if buildings had been erected
at either place that would have settled the matter. This is doubtful.
The first step looking towards the erection of county buildings was to
get an Act passed by the Legislature authorizing the issuing of sufficient
bonds for that purpose. In this connection quite a good story is told, which
is as follows : In the fall of 1868, while the county seat was at Lower
Lake, and the matter was being contested in the Courts, the people of that
place conceived the idea that if there were county buildings erected it
would quiet the whole matter ; not that they doubted for a moment but
that they would ultimately come out victorious in the matter. The people
of Lakeport had got some clue which led them to think that there was yet
hope for them ; so when the people of Lower Lake proposed a public meet-
ing for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature to pass the enabling Act,
of course the Lakeport people joined heartily in the movement, for if the
county seat was to remain at Lower Lake they would want county build-
ings, and if victory should perch upon their banners they wanted to have
the traps all set ready to spring when the question was finally decided.
This was probably the most amicable meeting ever had by the two factions.
Everything worked to a charm. The officers of the meeting were about
evenly distributed between the two localities. The petition was duly drawn
up and forwarded to Sacramento, and affirmative action taken on it there.
Then was the agony of suspense fairly begun ! The Board of Supervisors
would take no steps in the matter till the question was settled, and if it
went in favor of Lakeport the Act would enable them to proceed at once
with the erection of the buildings. Thus were the good people of Lower
Lake caught on the horns of a dilemma. Finally, the election came and
Lakeport was victorious.
74 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
The provisions of the bill mentioned above were that the Board of Su-
pervisors could issue bonds to the amount of $20,000, in denominations of
$250 each, to bear interest at the rate of twelve per cent, per annum, and
to be payable in two, four and six years from the date of their issuance.
The date of the approval of the Act was March 24, 1868. February 18,
1870, an amendment was passed extending the time of the payment of the
bonds to ten, twelve and fourteen years.
The plans and specifications for the building set forth that it should be
sixty-six feet long and forty-four feet wide, two stories high, be built of
brick, and have a tin roof. It fronts the lake (east), and is located in center
of a handsome plaza comprising a whole block. While the building is not
at all showy, it is plain and tasty, and contains rooms for the county officers,
and a commodious court-room. At its rear, and really a part of the build-
ing, is a secure, substantial, comfortable and well-ventilated jail. Walks
have been laid and the grounds tastefully designed, and if a good fence
were put around it the place would compare favorably with any in the
State.
The contract for erecting the buildings was let to A. P. Pettit, May 27,
1870, for the sum of $17,000, which would have left a small balance in the
fund had the bonds sold for par. The bids for the bonds, which were sold
in September, 1870, were as follows : J. H. Goodman & Co. 82 cents, and
A. Levy 90 cents on the dollar.
THE CACHE CREEK DAM.— The subject of subjects that has inter-
ested the people of Lake County has been the dam which was constructed
some years ago across Cache Creek near the outlet of Clear Lake. This
was a contest of might against right, of the people against monopoly, a
recognizance of that higher law which justifies rebellion against tyranny,
be it in the government under which a people live, or in the centralization
of money power. The people were right, and they maintained their right.
The demolition of the dam, which was a curse to the community, was not
■ considered by the Courts at any time to be a violation of law — it was only
the illegal appropriation of a few pounds of barley for horse feed, which
was done thoughtlessly, not willfully, that put the burden on the shoulders
of the people.
We will now proceed to give the full particulars of the affair, and we
have spared no pains in trying to arrive at true and correct statements in
regard to it. We will give the statements which appeared in the public
prints at the time, and a version of the affair given to us by one of the
principal actors in the coup d'etat which ended its existence. Beginning
at the first, then : A man by the name of Orrin Simmons, as the agent for
what was known as the Clear Lake Water Company, purchased the old
General History and Settlement. 75
Fowler mill, near Lower Lake, in the fall of 1865. During that winter
this company got the following bill through the Legislature, it bearing date
of approval of March 31, 1866 :
" Section 1. L. M. Curtis, W. G. Hunt, E. R. Lowe, J. D. Longhenour,
S. N. Mewing, J. A. Hutton, G. W. Woodward, H. C. Yerby, Charles Traver,
N. Wyckoff, R. Day, N. Coombs, J. D. Stephens, William Gordon and F. S.
Freeman, and their associates, are hereby authorized to build and keep in
repair a lock in Cache Creek, at or near the outlet of Clear Lake, in Lake
County.
" Sec. 2. Said company, after they have incorporated under the provi-
sions of the Act to provide for the formation of corporations and the con-
struction of canals, approved May 14, 1862, shall have power, and they are
hereby authorized to build and maintain said lock at any point in said
Cache Creek, between Clear Lake and Fowler's mill on said stream ; and
they, and their heirs and assigns, shall have and enjoy all the rights, privi-
liges and purchases thereof, together with the right of way, which is hereby
ceded, for the period of thirty years.
" Sec. 3. Said company is hereby authorized to remove any and all ob-
structions in said stream, and to excavate for the purpose of constructing
said lock.
" Sec. 4. After the completion of said lock, said company shall have the
right to open the same, so as to pass the water of the said lake down said
stream, at such time and in such quantities as they may deem necessary, so
as to furnish a supply of water in said stream below during the dry season ;
provided, that said company shall not reduce the water in said lake by
means of the lock during the months of July and August of each year more
than one foot perpendicular measurement below a point where it usually
stands in ordinary seasons in said months ; and, provided, further, that said
company shall not be allowed to raise the water in said lake, by means of
said lock, above a point where it usually stands.
" Sec. 5. Said company shall have the right to control all the water
which may be supplied in said stream below by means of said lock, for irri-
gating and other useful purposes ; provided, that any person may have the
free use of the water where it flows in the stream, for stock -water, or any
other domestic purpose."
With this to back them, they began operations, and the people soon saw
that they had an elephant on their hands. The Act specified that the com-
pany should not lower the water more than one foot. The people were not
very much afraid of their lowering it any ; but it was from the other side
of the line that they anticipated trouble, and from which their ills all did
finally come. Although the bill specified that the water should not be
raised above its usual height, yet they put their dam in, and raised the
76 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
water several feet above the highest water ever known there. Some say
there were two extremely hard winters in succession, hence the flood.
When the extra rainfall came, the less desirable it was to have any obstruc-
tions in the only outlet to the lake. When the stranger is told that the
water reached the level of Main street in Lakeport in the winter season,
and that it only fell about two feet during the entire summer, he can have
some adequate idea of the extreme height of the water. It was higher at
extreme low water than it has since been at extreme high water. The re-
sult of all this was, that farms were overflowed, orchards destroyed, houses
vacated, and a general scene of desolation which beggars description pre-
sented itself all around the mai-gin of the lake.
Sickness prevailed to an alarming extent both of a malarial and mem-
braneous character, one family losing seven children in less than that many
weeks, from diphtheria. People were driven from their houses into their
barns to live, and oftentimes away from their places altogether. The com-
pany were entreated to stay their designs, as the damage to the people
was far more than they could hope to reap from the enterprise. They
were sued and several times declared by the Courts a nuisance, and yet in
the face of all this, they still persisted in refusing to give heed to the
demands made upon them. At last the people began to rise in their might
and to threaten violence, but this they defied, as they had the letter of the
law to protect them. They had the people in a box legally, from which
there was no escape within the scope of the statutes, and the only way out
of it was to take advantage of that higher law which always protects the
right. This legal quandary was this : the people had sued for an injunction
to stop the work, and to have it all abated as a nuisance. The technicalities
of the law were such that they could not sue, except in their own Court, and
no jury could be found in the county in which there were not men that the
company could find sufficient cause for dismissal. The company would not
ask for a change of venue, as they were content to let it rest where it was
and the people were debarred and could not. So the matter stood, and the
language of the Judge in stating these facts to the attorneys for the people,
fairly implied just what he thought was the only true solution of the pro-
blem, to loose the gordian knot it must be cut, and the people cut it this
time, surely.
We will now proceed to tell how this was done, giving first a statement
which was published in the San Francisco Bulletin at the time, entitled,
" Mob in Lake County," and which is as follows :
" On Sunday the 15th of November, 1868, an armed mob of three hun-
dred men from the upper portion of Clear Lake surprised the parties in
charge of the extensive grist and lumber mill located two miles below the
outlet of the lake, and took into custody the Sheriff and his deputies, Judge
General History and Settlement. 11
Holloway, the County Judge of Lake, the superintendent of the mill works,
with other prominent citizens who might be thought friendly to law and
order, and then deliberately fired the flour, planing and saw-mills, and
destroyed the dam.
" The pretext for these high-handed proceedings is found in the follow-
ing circumstances : In consequence of the excessive rainfall of the past two
winters, the water in Clear Lake — a sheet some twenty miles long by from
two to ten miles wide — has been very high, and the low land about the
upper and wider part of the lake, which is occupied and more or less culti-
vated by settlers, has been overflowed. The overflow has been attributed
by the Upper Lake people to the dam of the mill company, which is located
some two miles below the outlet of the lake on Cache Creek. The mill
folks contend that they have really increased the discharging capacity of
the outlet by clearing it of logs and other obstacles, and that the overflow
is wholly due to the excessive discharges from a watershed four hundred
and fifty miles square, which must all find vent through the narrow outlet
of the creek.
" The question at issue has been in Court, and the facts brought out
showed that the dam was not the cause of the high water ; thereupon the
indictments brought were dismissed. This result seems to have exasperated
the Upper Lake people who took the law into their own hands. The dam
has been built fifteen years, and many of the persons who engaged in the
outrage have settled in the county long since it was constructed. The flour
mill was a very complete one, and one of the best in the State, having a
capacity of twenty -four tons of wheat daily. The saw and planing mill was
very complete, and capable of turning out twenty-four thousand feet of
lumber daily. There was burned with the mill over one hundred tons of
wheat, and a large quantity of flour.
" On the 16th, the day following the demolition of the dam, a requisition
came to the Governor for two hundred troops to assist the authorities in
maintaining the law and protecting the property. Unfortunately, before
the troops could get there the work of destruction was done. The mills
were owned in part by citizens of San Francisco. They were an important
factor of the industry, business and taxable resources of Lake County, and
their destruction at the hands of a mob is a serious blow to its reputation
and development. The property was of great value, and under the law
passed by the last Legislature, the county will be obliged to make good every
dollar of the loss."
The above statement evidently emanated from the owners of the prop-
erty, and the closing sentences are so maliciously false that we would not
insult the people of Lake County by inserting them in the history of their
county, and only give place to the above that both sides may be stated, and
78 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
we give it first as we always like to have the best argument come last — it
is apt to be longer remembered and to be more convincing. A few days
after the above appeared in the Bulletin, the following version of the affair
was published in that paper, which, it is stated, was written by an eye wit-
ness to the whole transaction :
" Having occasion to cross the bridge over the outlet of Clear Lake, near
Lower Lake, on Sunday last (November loth) I was startled by an un-
common commotion on the other side, and soon found out that the long
threatened assault on the mill-dam was about to be carried into execution.
A very inferior dam had been put up about eleven years ago, with, as was
reported, the intention of eventually taking the Clear Lake waters down to
San Francisco to supply the city with good water. The first eight years
the dam, on account of its inferiority, did but little harm to the surrounding
country, making the waters to raise but slightty.
" Then the property near the outlet and the right of the water was sold
to a rich company, and now things had assumed a more energetic form. A
high, strong stone dam was put up instead of the old one, and raised several
feet higher than the first. Some people looked dubiously at it, but the
generality did not fear anything. When the winter rains commenced the
lake was raised to such a height that it overflowed and ruined all the rich
land around it, and even fences and dwelling-houses ; and orchards of sev-
eral years growth became nothing but a swamp. Farmers who had, by
several years' labor, succeeded in fixing for themselves a comfortable place,
now all of a sudden found themselves reduced to destitution. The wealth-
ier ones whose homes were thus broken up, moved away and started life
anew, but the poorer class had not the means to do so. They consequently
went to the rich company and asked for compensation, but found no willing
ear. Then all the principal inhabitants of Lake County leagued together,
employed a lawyer, and gave the matter over into the hands of justice, but
justice moves with a slow pace.
" Another rainy season set in and made matters worse than the first.
Still the people suffered patiently. Many had now been reduced to utter
privation ; but certainly justice would give them redress for their wrongs.
Another summer passed away ; fall set in, bringing in its train sickness,
which had formerly been a stranger in the healthy and salubrious air of
Lake County. But how could it be otherwise ? The stagnant waters must
court disease. The Court was nearing its session, and excitement ran high
about its decisions. The case occupied several days, and then the suit was
put under the Act of outlawry, and all Lake County told to go home and
submit to be drowned or killed by fever. The former they did, but not the
latter.
" A number of prominent men traveled over the community, rousing the
General History and Settlement. 79
people to immediate action, and the consequence was that a crowd of three
hundred men met on Sunday morning, November 15th, by daylight, at
Lower Lake, secured all the officers of the place, and set at work systemati-
cally, not wantonly to destroy property, but to redress their wrongs, which
justice had refused to do. All the flour and machinery were removed from
the mill to a safe place, and toward evening a red flame showed that the
building itself had been sacrificed to the god of fire.
:' The next day the number of men seemed to be double, all working as
hard as possible in lowering the dam. If it had not been for the outposts
not allowing anybody to pass without particular permission, and the martial
appearance of the men — for every one was armed with a pistol, and many with
a gun besides — you would have thought them some peaceable citizens very
intent on some Government work, so quietly was everything conducted.
All that day and the following night the destruction went on systematically,
and by Tuesday noon the dam was lowered, a larger outlet provided for the
lake, and the people, mounting their horses and wagons, quietly returned
home, there to await the result of their labor."
We will now give a detailed statement made by one of the principal
actors in the affair, which we took stenographically at the time of its re-
cital, adding thereto such other facts as we were able to gather from the
other participants. It is as follows :
" In the fall of 1865 Orrin Simmons, as the agent of the Clear Lake
Water Company, bought the old Fowler mill, about one and a quarter miles
below Lower Lake. In 1866 they placed some sand bags in the water to
hold it so that they could construct the dam. This was placed within a
few feet of where the road from Lower Lake to Burns Valley crossed
the creek, and there was a bridge at that point before the dam was begun.
The dam was constructed of stone, and on top of it cribs were built for
the foundation of the mill, so that it was impossible to tear out the dam
without destroying at least a portion of the mill. They had a flood-
gate so arranged that the water could be raised thirteen feet above high
water mark, and the top of the dam was just at high water mark in the lake.
After the people found that their appeals were unheeded by the Water
Company, a suit was begun by one of the citizens, Mr. Grigsby, for the pur-
pose of testing the matter of redress for damages. The expense of this
suit was borne by the citizens jointly, as its decision affected them all alike.
He sued for $15,000 damages, and the trial was had in Mendocino County,
and taken thence to the Supreme Court.
" While this suit was lying in that condition the dam was decided by
the grand jury, thi-ee several times, to be a nuisance, and so indicted by
them. When the matter would come up in Court it would be set aside from
the fact that some member of the grand jury had been a land owner, hence
80 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
was an interested party to the action. On the last indictment as a nuisance
it was tried before Judge J. B. Southard at Lower Lake, and upon that oc-
casion the Judge said : ' I see no redress for the injured parties around the
margin of the Lake, in civil law ; but there is such a thing as a higher law.'
(Brave and noble words to be uttered by a man hampered as he was by
being one of the chief executors of the civil law !)
"This was said on Wednesday morning, November 11, 1868. The people
comprehended fully the import of the Judge's words, and that their last
hope for relief from the arm of the law had vanished, leaving them to rely
on nothing but that ' higher law ' spoken of by the Judge. Immediately
their plans were concocted, and heralds were sent all over the upper end of
the county, and the citizens were all notified that a move on the dam would
be made on the following Saturday, the 14th. Accordingly, on that day
the people began to assemble at Lakeport at an early hour, and by noon
there were probably two hundred and fifty there. They came provided
with arms, blankets, and provisions sufficient for at least a week's campaign.
The rendezvous was at the Lost Spring Ranch, now known as the J. H.
Jamison place, and when the main body arrived they found quite a number
already present, and more continued to come, so that there were finally
about three hundred and twenty-five in the crowd. Scouts were kept out
all the time to see that no one went to Lower Lake to give the alarm.
" That night they elected officers to take charge of the expedition, which
by this time had assumed quite pretentious proportions. Jacob Bowers and
J. B. Robinson were selected to take charge of the removal of the dam, and
J. W. Mackall was chosen military commander. From this time forward
everything was done with perfect order and discipline.
" On the morning of Sunday, the loth, Commander Mackall and ten
picked men started very early for the town of Lower Lake, in advance of
the main body of men, arriving there at exactly eight A. M. Lower Lake
was the county seat at that time, and this vanguard proceeded to take charge
of the following county officers : W. H. Manlove, Sheriff; F. Herrenden,
Deputy Sheriff; J. B. Holloway, County Judge, and Sarshel Bynum, County
Clerk. They also took possession of L. P. Nichols, superintendent of the
Water Company. The main body arrived very shortly afterwards, and when
in the center of the town a halt was called. Here at this time some amus-
ing scenes occurred. The entire population of the town gathered around
the imposing cavalcade with a look of surprise, wonderment, and curiosity.
The county officers were in a great state of excitement, especially when they
found out just what was the intention of the crowd. The Sheriff, to use a
Californian phrase comprehending more force than elegance, ' bucked furi-
ously.' He insisted on easing his conscience and sense of duty by reading
the Riot Act. This privilege was accorded him, and he mounted a wagon
" ^Jfe^
&^rx~
General History and Settlement. 81
seat and proceeded, the 'mob,' as he designated them, standing demurely by
and listening in an orderly manner. When he was through he was told to
occupy the seat he was standing on, and not to vacate it either. He obeyed
implicitly. The Judge was inclined to be obstreperous also, but his nerves
were finally calmed down when he saw that he was powerless. The Clerk
was very nervous, and declared he would not stand any such an imposition.
He had been placed in the charge of an old hunter by the name of Jacob
Welty, a resident of Scotts Valley, and an early settler of the county. Mr.
Welty was upwards of eighty at that time, and as gray as a badger. He
was very diminutive in stature, and had a very long-barrelled gun— one of
the old-fashioned muzzle-loading flint-locks that were common a century or
more ago. Mr. Bynum proceeded to make good his words, that he ' would
not stand it any longer,' and started to move off. Old Mountaineer was not
to be trifled with in that manner ; so, backing off till he could get the entire
length of his gun barrel in a horizontal between him and Mr. Bynum, he
leveled his old piece on him, and shouted out in stentorian tones: ' Stand,
Sarshel, I say, STAND ! ' And Sarshel stood. For many years that was
a ' catch phrase ' all over the county, but it was always very repulsive to
Mr. Bynum's ears, although he was forced to hear it very often in after years.
" All this only occupied half an hour, and at 8:30 the line of march was
again taken up ; and Mackall and the ten men preceded the main body as
before, and upon arriving at the mill, took charge of the four men they
found upon the premises. As soon as the crowd arrived, a regular patrol
around the premises was established by Commander Mackall. The line of
patrol was double, the inner one being about three hundred yards in diam-
eter, and the outer one about fifty yards outside of that ; and there were
forty men on duty in the two lines, twenty in each one. These guards
were relieved eveiy two hours, in regular military style, 'and were main-
tained till the last. The men who had been in charge of the mill were
taken off to one side about two hundred yards, and put under guard, but
were finally given the liberty of the inside of the inner line of patrol.
They were treated just as well as the men themselves, sharing their meals
and beds.
" When all the preliminaries were arranged, the actual business in hand
was begun. Rev. B. Ogle, a Baptist minister from the upper end of
the county, was along, thus sanctioning the action of the people as a
righteous deed, by his presence. But, like Elder Peter Cartwright at the
ball, he did not believe in entering into anything he could not ask the bless-
ing of God upon ; and so, when all was ready for action, he came to the
front and offered up a fervent appeal to Heaven for a blessing upon their
proposed undertaking. This man of God, and upon the holy Sabbath day
82 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
as it was, then doffed his coat, and engaged upon the work with as good a
grace and as ready and willing a hand as any one present.
" The first thing done was to begin the removal to a safe distance of all
the contents of the mill, including the machinery. This was kept up busily
all day until the hour for supper. Just as the men were eating that meal
fire was discerned in the building, and all efforts to extinguish it proved
futile ; but a small dwelling-house belonging to the company near by and
the bridge were saved.
" On Monday morning the work of tearing down the dam was begun with
block and tackle, and by night all was removed except a light sill and one
crib, and these were removed early the next morning. When the dam was
taken away the water ran out with such force that it turned logs end over
end, and the tules below were filled with water as far down as Cacheville.
The work in hand having been completed, the men returned to their homes
in as orderly a manner as they had come to the scene of action."
To the credit of all interested be it said that there was no liquor allowed
within the lines at all, and there was no drunkenness or disorderly conduct
as a consequence. One old fellow by the name of " Pap " Way tried to
smuggle in a bottle of whisky, by concealing it under the lining of his
pants, but was detected, and the liquor was poured upon the ground in his
very thirsty presence. The following is about as shrewd a thing as occurred
during the whole affair : Uncle George Tucker, as all who know him delight
to call him, was sent to Guenoc, a small village in Coyote Valley, on the
road to Calistoga from Lower Lake, for the purpose of intercepting all mes-
sengers that might be sent for aid from the outside. Now, Uncle George
very wisely thought that " to be forewarned was to be forearmed," and that
it was more politic for him to intercept the messages and report them than
to undertake to restrain the messengers themselves. So he set himself about
it to accomplish his design. It happened that Mr. Getz, the merchant at the
place, was in sympathy with the citizens, ami he entered into Uncle George's
plans very readily. This plan was as follows : Uncle George secreted him-
self under the counter of the store, and when a messenger would come rid-
ing up, Mr. Getz would rush out and ask the news. The man would tell
him some of the most exti-avagant stories ever heard. Mr. Getz would then
ask him if he had a message, and also ask to see it. The man, thinking of
course, that he was friendly, would comply with his request. He would
then read it very slowly, as if he could hardly make it out, and Uncle George
would copy it down word for word. Inside of an hour that message would
be in the hands of Mr. Mackall, delivered by the hands of a courier, who
was at hand for that purpose.
January 29, 1869, the Clear Lake Water Company commenced a suit in
General History and Settlement. 83
the Twelfth District Court.against Jacob Bowers and one hundred and eighty-
three other citizens of Lake County, the list comprising all the names of those
who had engaged in the destruction of the dam, that could be obtained.
The company gave a list of the property destroyed on that occasion, of
which the following are the principal items : the grist mill, saw mill,
machinery and fixtures to the amount of $60,000 ; twenty tons of wheat,
seven tons of cattle feed, three tons of barley, three tons of flour, and a large
quantity of groceries and provisions, for all of which the company claims
damages in the sum of $250,000. Messrs. McM. Shafter, Seawell and
Hubbard were the counsel for the company.
A change of venue was secured, and the case transferred to the Seventh
District Court, and the trial was had in Fairfield, Solano County, in May,
1870. Before this Court it was fully established that the dam was a
nuisance, and the juiy rendered a verdict which sustained the action of
the people in abating it. While this suit was in progress against the citizens,
the Water Company began another suit against the Board of Supervisors of
Lake County for $50,000 actual damages, and $100,000 accumulated dam-
ages. When the suit at Fairfield was decided in favor of the people, the
Company appealed it. It will be remembered that a test suit was began by
Mr. Grigsby and tried in Mendocino County, and that an appeal was taken
in the matter, hence there were now two suits pending in the Supreme
Courts growing out of this affair. While things were just in this situation
the suit against the Board of Supervisors came up, on change of venue, in
Yolo County. This trial was had in May, 1871, and the jury failed to agree,
there being eleven for the County and one for the Water Company.
A second trial was had in Yolo County, in September, 1871, and while
it was in progress a compromise was effected. The cause of this apparent
weakening on the part of the County was that it had been ascertained that
during the time of the demolition of the dam some one had used three sacks
of barley. This would, of course, carry the judgment for the value of the
barley so used, hence the compromise. The terms of this compromise
were as follows : Each party was to pay its own costs, and the County to
allow judgment against it in the sum of $20,000, which the plaintiff was
to take in bonds running twenty years, and bearing interest at the rate of
seven ' per cent, per annum, and payable at the election of the county.
These bonds were funded in 1880, at six per cent. And so ended a long,
fierce and bitter struggle of right against might, and but for a single mis-
step right for once would have gained a complete victory. As it was, the
people did well, for they lost many times the amount of the bonds every
year the dam remained in position, and moreover the burden was equally
distributed among all the people of the county instead of upon the few
84 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
who had their homes around the margin of the lake. We include here,
for the sake of ready reference, the following summary of dates :
Act of Legislature granting franchise, March 31, 1866 ;
Dam begun in August, 1866 ;
Dam completed in December, 1867.
Act of Legislature of March 31, 1866, repealed February 14, 1868;
Dam removed November 15, 1868 ;
Suit commenced against the people January 29, 1869 ;
Compromise effected in September, 1871.
The Water Company claimed to be acting in good faith all the time.
They said that it was their purpose to establish a large manufactory at the
dam site embracing grist, saw and planing mills, and also a woolen factory,
thus taking the produce of the farmers and giving in exchange lumber as
far as they desired and cash for the remainder, and thus providing a ready
market right at home for the productions of the county. Having this
object in view, it was a pity that the circumstances were such that the
people were forced to dislodge them. The company still owns large tracts
of valuable land in Lake County, and are not behind the most enterprising
citizens in improving and cultivating it. A large lot of grapevines are
being planted, and the wine industry will be entered into vigorously and
no doubt successfully.
CHAPMAN'S FIASCO.— In 1868 one I. N. Chapman was sent by the
United States authorities to survey the Lup-Yomi grant which had just
before been declared to be Government land, and also such other land
around the lake as was not then surveyed and which would be liable to
early entry. This he did very thoroughly, but did not encourage the
people who had settled on the land in making their entries, rather
putting them off with excuses. When the election came on that fall
he ran for the office of County Surveyor and was elected, being a
practical surveyor and quite well liked generally. Shortly after his
election he took all his notes and went to the city, stating that he
was going there for the purpose of doing his platting. Judge A. P.
McCarty conceived the idea that everything was not straight, and set about
to get ahead of him in his little game. His first move was to get the influ-
ence of one of Chapman's friends, and thus secure the appointment as
deputy. Chapman then wrote him that he had a new set of books, which
he was arranging there, and for him to make no entries in accordance with
the plats in the books in the office till he had heard from him again. This
opened the Judge's eyes very wide, and in it he saw the key to the situa-
tion. He at once communicated with every settler in the county, and had
General History and Settlement. 85
them come in at once and file the proper papers, all of which required his
constant labor for several days and nights in succession. These papers were
forwarded at once to the State Land Office in Sacramento by messenger.
It was afterwards learned that within a very few days applications came
from San Francisco speculators for locations on all that land, the papers
having been made up from the new plat books which Chapman had made
in San Francisco. It was also revealed that Chapman had all the time been
in collusion with San Francisco parties, and that there was a vast scheme
on foot to get possession of the whole country around the lake. Chapman
wrote Judge McCarty a very angry letter when he found out that his plans
had all been frustrated, and the Judge returned as good as he sent, with
added interest in the shape of an intimation that it would be well for him
to always keep a safe distance outside the boundary lines of Lake County.
This advice Chapman heeded strictly, and the people of Lake County have
never since beheld him. Certainly, too much credit can not be given Judge
McCarty for the active and very efficient part he took in the matter, which
saved the homes of the settlers to them.
SOUTHERN RELIEF FUND.— In 1867 there was great interest taken
in the matter of the Southern Relief Fund. Judge J. B. Holloway for-
warded the sum of twenty dollars at one time, and an extensive barbecue
and picnic was held near Kelseyville for the benefit of the fund, but we
could find no statement of the proceeds.
COTTON CULTURE.— In 1867 W. C. Gully, of Pleasant Valley, raised
some very fine cotton. The bolls were perfect and well matured. Gen-
erally it is too cold in most sections of Lake County for cotton or tobacco
to thrive, though there are many favored spots where they would do well.
SARSHEL BYNUM.— In 1876 Mr. Sarshel Bynum died. He had
been a resident of the county of Lake for a number of years, and was
County Clerk for a long time. No man ever lived in the county who was
more loved and respected by all who knew him than was " Uncle Sash," as
all delighted to call him, and all speak of him by that term to this day.
At the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors held after his death, on
November 25, 1876, the following resolution of respect was passed, and
ordered spread upon the minutes : —
" Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst
Sarshel Bynum, a tried and faithful county officer, a respected and honored
citizen, a valued and true friend, therefore, while deeply feeling the public
loss in his decease, and entertaining heartfelt sympathy with the family in
their affliction, we humbly yield to the decree of the Supreme Ruler, be-
lieving that he doeth all things well."
86
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
COUNTY CREDIT.— To show how the credit of the county has
advanced in the past ten years, we reproduce the following figures : The
bonds for the building of the Court-house were sold in 1871 for ninety cents
on the dollar, or a discount of ten per cent. In 1 880 $50,800 worth of bonds
were sold at a premium of a trifle under three per cent., thus netting to the
county $52,313.08, the premium being $1,513.08.
STATISTICS OF LAKE COUNTY.— We are well aware that statis-
tics are considered dry reading by the general public. Stlil, we are per-
suaded that such as we will present below will not be without interest to
the people of Lake County. They are not full, nor were they intended to
be, but only to show, in a general way, the figures concerning the different
subjects treated.
Rate of Taxation. — We will give below the rate of taxation for the
several years named, as follows :
1868. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1878. 1879. 1880,
General County
School
General Road
Eakeport and Napa Road.
Hospital
County Building
State
Squirrel Bounty
Salary
I lam Bonds
Total .
.09}
.10
.10
.146
.66
Agricultural Statistics. — That the material growth and prosperity
of the county may be fully realized and easily compared, we append here-
with a summarized statement, taken from the Assessor's books, for the years
1868, 1873 and 1880:
Items. 1868. 1873. 1880.
Land inclosed, acres 12,009 41,487 40,513
Land cultivated, acres 9,026 10,419 14,676
Wheat, acres 5,002 4,518 5,520
Wheat, bushels 70,420 82,230 121,663
Barley, acres 2,050 2,093 3,547
Barley, bushels 25,475 44,121 13,305
Oats, acres 250 1 10 386
Oats, bushels 3,938 4,500 9,699
Rye, acres 40 .... ....
General History and Settlement.
87
Items. li
Rye, bushels
Corn, acres
Corn, bushels 7,
Buckwheat, acres
Buckwheat, bushels
Pease, acres
Pease, bushels
Beans, acres
Beans, bushels
Potatoes, acres
Potatoes, bushels
Potatoes, tons
Onions, acres
Onions, bushels
Hay, acres 2.
Hay, tons '. 4,'
Tobacco, acres
Tobacco, pounds
Beets, tons
Turnips, tons
Hops, acres
Hops, pounds
Sugar beets, acres
Sugar beets, tons
Butter, pounds 28,
Cheese, pounds 23,
Wool, pounds 2,
Honey, pounds 5,
Apple trees 10:
Peach trees 6,
Pear trees 1,
Plum trees 1 ,
Cherry trees
Nectarine trees
Quince trees
Apricot trees
Fig trees
Orange trees
Prune trees
Mulberry trees
Almond trees
320
400
323
472
,897
7,565
13,423
1*
16
3
30
28
318
16
25
210
600
57
10,993
40
,240
4,957
5,644
,000
6,294
7,578
1
300
20
80
20
20
5,000
19,000
8
22
,500
14,500
28,997
,056
18,000
7,200
,423
89,575
202,179
,600
1,710
300
,400
11,223
5,726
,542
4,758
2,225
,200
2,079
836
,640
1,953
864
176
250
102
125
109
55
578
160
156
62
66
3
2
16
24
8
5,015
152
191
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Items. 1868.
Walnut trees 40
Gooseberry bushes 600
Strawberry vines .... 25,000
Raspberry bushes 350
Grape vines 16,400
Wine made, gallons ....
Value of fruit crop ....
Breweries
Beer made, gallons ....
Horses 1,863
Colts
Mules 133
Jacks and jennies 7
Cows 1,209
Calves 1,090
Beef cattle 502
Oxen 94
Neat Cattle 2,895
Sheep 12,440
Hogs 26,000
Goats ....
Goats, Angora ....
Chickens 22,250
Turkeys 800
Geese 350
Ducks 1,500
Poultry, doz ....
Bees, hives 850
Grist mill, water power 1
Run of stone 2
Grist mill, steam power ....
Run of stone ....
Barrels of flour made 6,400
Bushels of corn ground 2,000
Saw mills, steam power 3
Saw mills, water power 2
Feet of lumber sawed 1,717,000
Shingles made 800,000
Irrigating ditches 1
Acres irrigated 500
Assessed value of property $92,500
1873.
153
46,917
1
3,000
1,831
181
5
2,234
2,281
694
57
5,336
19,429
5,046
313
(acres) 35
80
$5,206
3
10,500
2,030
380
182
5
1,530
1,882
40
58
1,425
45,708
4,539
3,849
9
1,437
453
239
1
2
2
4
2
3
3
5
7,000
12,200
550
2,000
7
3
2
3,500,000
1,020,693
400,000
General History and Settlement.
89
Items.
1868.
1873
1880.
Assessed value of improvements
. $40,000
Assessed value of personal property . .
. $415,916
41*
$2,760
Toll roads, total value
Broom corn, pounds
4,000
Wagons and buggies
667
Watches
605
School Census. — The school census for the years 1869 and 1881 is
follows :
Cinnabar
Lower Lake
Excelsior
Rincon
Morgan Valley. . .
Burns Valley. . . .
Loconoma
Uncle Sam
Kelsey Creek
Lakeport
Blue Lake
Big Valley
Pleasant Grove. .
Upper Lake
Ashland
Bachelor Valley .
Bartlett Springs.
Cobb Valley
26
89
49
61
25
28
76
36
41
70
24
63
72
100
129
38
28
40
19
55
99
33
219
23
34
46
119
45
27
20
13
Calayomi
Clover Creek . . .
Cache Creek . . .
Eureka
East Lake
Fair View
Great Western. .
Gravelly Valley .
Highland
Lakeshore
Liberty
Mountain
Middletown
Spruce Grove. . .
Sulphur Bank . . .
Scotts Valley....
Total .
760
34
23
13
24
14
21
41
22
46
11
26
39
135
38
33
62
Increase in twelve years, 809, or over fifty per cent.
Legal Distances. — The following are the distances from Lakeport, as
established by the Board of Supervisors :
Morgan Valley 37 miles. Lower Lake 25 miles.
Excelsior 28
Guenoc 35
Cobb Valley 19
Scotts Valley 4
Bachelor Valley 14
Bartlett Springs 28
Long Valley 30
Middletown 35
Kelseyville 8
Upper Lake 10
Gravelly Valley 40
90 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
LAKE COUNTY. — The following very interesting sketch appeared in
the San Francisco Post, in July, 1877, and to peruse it is all that is required
to cause one to see how fully and beautifully it describes familiar scenes in
Lake County :
" Lake County, so called from its numerous lakes, was organized in 1861.
It covers an area of twelve hundred square miles, and is sixty miles long
and twenty miles wide. It is situated between two ranges of mountains —
the Bear on the east and the Mayacamas on the west. The first white
settlers were two stock men, named Kelsey and Stone They located in
1847, and were killed by the Indians in 1849, in the vicinity of the present
town of Kelseyville. The population of this county is about seven thou-
sand, and the assessed valuation of property $2,750,000. The county is
very mountainous, the only available farming and grazing lands being con-
tained in the numerous small valleys. The cereal productions are a little in
excess of the amount required for home consumption. Considerable atten-
tion is given to stock raising and mining. The principal minerals are quick-
silver, sulphur and borax. Fruit growing and viniculture are yet in their
infancy. A number of dairies produce large quantities of butter and cheese.
A large yield of hops is expected this season. Nature has done much for
the county ; has bestowed with liberal hand towering mountains, grand
lakes, and thousands of phenomenal and mineral springs. It is the sanita-
rium of the Pacific. The climate is mild and even ; the heat in the summer
never oppressive, with cool evenings and mornings. In the winter snow
falls on the mountains, but rarely in the valleys.
" We reached Lake County by the way of the Geysers. Climbing up
and sliding down several lesser mountains, we ultimately stood upon the
boundary line, the summit of Mount Cobb, four thousand feet above the
level of the sea. We commenced the descent breathless and tired. We had
become very thirsty clambering over the sandy hills and rocky girdled
mountains, where no verdure grew, save chemisal, and loudly bewailed the
dearth of water. In the midst of our complaining we came to a patch of
luxuriant vegetation and shady fir trees. At our feet bubbled a spring of
wrater so sweet and cold that it was fit to serve as nectar to the gods ; then
another one equally pure. Further on we crossed a purling stream that
sparkled along its pebbly bed like a thread of crystal. It was the most de-
lightful camping ground we ever found. A few yards from the spring stood
a deserted woodman's cabin, fitted for occupancy with fire-place, pallets, table
and cupboard. Below, a deep and thickly wooded ravine, the home of the
deer and quail. The bottom of the ravine is the lurking place for trout.
There an impetuous mountain stream floweth on forever, its clear waters
constantly dashing into commingled masses of silver and white. At one
point the torrent leaped into a beautiful cascade, falling -several feet, solid
General History and Settlement. 91
and unbroken as a pillar of snow. Massive rocks on either side rose like
sentinels. In a glen near by we came upon the home of the June bugs —
those pretty little mottled fellows that hunt the roses and vex the ladies.
At one place there were millions of them ; the ground and every twig, leaf
and flower was a moving mass of orange and black. It was a novel sight,
and we have since been wondering where they all came from. From this
point the hills became more diversified in appearance and were well tim-
bered. The descent of Mount Cobb, occupying about two hours, brought us to
the small valley of the same name, distant by trail ten miles from the Geysers.
" Cobb Valley lies at an altitude of two thousand five hundred feet.
Nestling in its bosom is Glenbrook, a fashionable and commodious summer
resort. Two and a half miles beyond it, Mills' farm, another well patron-
ized resort. Making a detour of a dozen miles, we reach the well-known
Harbin Springs. They are situated in a nook, one thousand seven hundred
feet above the sea level, and are surrounded by high mountains. The water
is similar to that of the famous La Malon Springs of France ; it holds in
solution sulphur, iron, magnesia and arsenic, and has a wonderful curative
effect in cases of rheumatism and diseases of the liver and kidneys. The
hotel is large, and there are pleasant cottages for families. The grounds
are tastefully laid out and a convenient plat set apart for those who
prefer camping out. Six miles from Harbin, and two and one-half miles
from Glenbrook, are the Adams Springs. The waters contain lime, mag-
nesia, soda, iron, sodium, silica, salt of potash, nitric acid, and are freely
charged with carbonic acid gas. They are particularly beneficial in those
diseases arising from impurity of the blood. The accommodations for patrons
are excellent. Some three miles from Adams are the Seigler Warm Sulphur
Springs. These remarkable springs are not yet thrown open to the public.
Continuing our journey a dozen miles we reached Kelseyville, the oldest
settlement in the county. It has about two hundred inhabitants, and is
pleasantly situated on either side of a broad avenue, and in the center of
Big Valley. It is supported by the farming trade of the valley.
" In a barren field on the edge of the town is the Devil's Gasometer. At
one point there is a small aperture in the ground from whence sulphuretted-
hydrogen gas constantly escapes. Upon lighting it, it burns with a clear
bluish flame for minutes. The entire soil seems to be impregnated with
gas, and by making a small hole anywhere and applying a match thereto, a
jet of fire is immediately kindled. Five miles from Kelseyville in a westerly
direction are the celebrated Highland Springs. The water contains sulphur,
magnesia and iron. The adjacent scene is exceedingly romantic. Big Valley,
the center of this interesting country, is the largest valley in the county,
and covers an area of about thirty-five square miles. The soil is composed
of rich bottom land, and produces all kinds of cereals and hay.
92 History of Xaf>a and Lake Counties — Lake.
" From Kelseyville, a journey of six miles around the base of Uncle Sam
Mountain brought us to Soda Bay, the most delightful spot in Lake County.
As far as the eye can reach sweeps a grandly beautiful landscape. The
climate is pronounced by travelers to be the most salubrious in the known
world. Clear Lake, with its placid waters, ripples in and out among the
oak-browed peninsulas and pine-clad mountains miles away, and returning,
forms the lovely bay of which we speak. It was named Soda Bay because
of its numerous thermo-mineral springs. Httndreds of them bubble up
through the fresh water of the lake like boiling water. The most boisterous
of these wondrous springs is also the most extensive one of the kind in the
State. The impetus throws its seething, foaming waters some feet above
the level of the lake. It discharges over 500,000 gallons of nearly pure
soda-water a day. Its Indian name is Omarocharbe. Bathing in its tepid
waters is productive of most beneficial results in cases of general debility
and to persons with weakened and overtaxed systems. Medicinally, the
waters are recommended as containing iron and sulphur. The hotel at this
place was opened in the latter part of 1876, and is therefore new, as well
as neat and commodious. There are several retired cottages for families,
and elegant camping places for those who desire. The hostess, Mrs. Dunlap,
makes her guests feel at home in her presence; and the manager, E. R.
Perrin, is well-known to old travelers as the former proprietor of the
renowned Ten-mile House near Sacramento.
" Clear Lake, so called from the remarkable purity of its surrounding
atmosphere, is one thousand five hundred feet above the level of the sea.
It is an irregular sheet of water, thirty-five miles long, and varying in
width from two to twelve miles, and covers an area of eighty-two square
miles. It is divided by "the narrows" into upper and lower lake. Its
depth is from twenty to a hundred and fifteen feet. The lake is surrounded
by mountains except at its outlet, Cache Creek, a stream which empties into
the Sacramento River. A number of picturesque islands dot the lake. The
sunsets in this region are very tine, the reflection in the lake adding to the
beauty of the display. At the narrows, Uncle Sam Mountain projects into
the lake and rises almost perpendicularly to the height of two thousand
seven hundred feet. Uncle Sam is an ugly name, and we will henceforth
call it with the Indians. Konoctikanu (the big mountain). This curious
mountain is a towering pile of immense bowlders, heaped upon each other
in reckless profusion, and evidently the result of a volcanic eruption. It is
entirely destitute of water, there being neither stream nor spring. Under
the guidance of Mrs. Dunlap we followed the trail along the lake on horse-
back. At a distance of two miles we reached the summer residence of T.
H. Buckingham, of the well-known firm of Buckingham & Hecht, San Fran-
cisco. His grounds are superbly laid out and the view to points is most
General History and Settlemeiit. 93
beautiful. At our feet, deep, green and motionless, was a boras lake, named
by the Indians Hatchen (Bitter Water). This remarkable lake is a mile in
circumference and many feet deep. It holds in solution large quantities of
borax, and its bed is supposed to be the crater of an extinct volcano. Be-
side it stands the giant Konoctikanu, and directly across Clear Lake, Floyd
or Red Mountain and adjacent spurs. It was a scene of indescribable splen-
dor. While reposing beneath the shade of the oak and pine trees, there
came a venerable Indian and we beguiled him into repeating the traditions
of the mountains and the lakes.
" Our tawny bard first told of the mortal combat between two great
Indian divinities, powerful Boronbega, keeper of the waters, and the mighty
hunter, Boswellia, keeper of the forests. Ololocmake, the blushing doe,
daughter of Boronbega, loved in secret the enemy of her father. In the
retirement of her wigwam she buries her face amid the panther robes and
awaits the result of the combat in anxious terror. Boswellia prepares for
battle :
' AU night long he piled the mighty bowlders,
Heaped the rocks in wild, fantastic fashion ;
Black obsidian and the gray, tough granite —
Piled them high with angry force and clamor. '
He had placed them there to hurl at his foe. Boronbega was not idle, and
during the night time —
' Stretched himself along the broken ridges,
Oft heard the sound of Boswellia's labor ;
Smiled in quiet, grim derision —
Fixed an arrow to his wondrous yew bow.'
Thus were the champions prepared for battle on either side of the Lup-
Yomi (Clear Lake). When daylight came Boswellia hurled a huge bowlder,
which, cleaving Boronbega's head, lodged on the mountain top and now
forms the present crest. The life blood of the god dyed the sides of the
mountain crimson, and it has since been called Nogometa (Red Mountain).
But the fatal arrow of Boronbega had sped on its way and pierced the
heart of Boswellia, and he fell dead beneath the shadow of his prowess,
Konoctikanu. In the dreadful stillness that followed, Ololocmake crept
from her lodge, kissed her dead father and hurried across the lake to her
lover —
' Beside the corse of loved Boswellia,
Knelt grim Boronbega's wailing daughter ;
Wept until her maiden tears down raining
Formed deep the lake of Bitter Water.
After mourning many days and nights,
Into still Lup-Yomi's bosom wide,
Sprang the desolate Ololocmake ;
And where she weeping sank, still restless flows
The sobbing spring of Omarocharbe.'
94 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
" At the foot of Floyd Mountain, on a triangular peninsula extending
into the lake, is the handsome residence and farm of Captain Floyd. Fur-
ther on is Paradise Valley, containing some of the oldest farms in the
county. After being courteously entertained and dined by Mr. Buckingham
and his accomplished wife, we returned to Soda Bay. Rowing out to Echo
Cove, we tested its effects. The resonance is very powerful, and our saluta-
tions came ringing back in tones clear as a bell. About the hotel, among
the numerous oaks, nature has played many freaks. Limbs and trunks
have grown and are twisted into really perfect resemblances as named.
There is the big and the little harp, the Siamese twins, the lovers, the
wrestlers, and the double cipher. The miniature steamship ' City of Lake-
port,' modeled after the ' City of Peking,' puts in at the hotel wharf daily.
She is capable of making nineteen miles an hour, and is the property of
Captain Floyd. Boarding her we bid adieu to Soda Bay, and in due course
of time made the pretty little town of Lakeport."
If the past of Lake County may be considered successful, how much
more so must the future be ! Just now she is in the transition stage, and
before her lies grand possibilities of wealth and prosperity. It is no longer
an unsolved problem that wool growing and the cultivation of the wine
grape, and its manufacture into wine will be two great and growing indus-
tries of the beautiful county of Lake. Those two sources of wealth, in
connection with the mining interests, and the invigorating waters and heal-
ing properties of the medicinal springs, will invite capitalists in many ways
to invest their surplus funds in the county. Harmony of interests and
unity in action are vitally important to success, and we really can see no
reason why, with all the elements of wealth which the county possesses, to
stimulate enterprise and active industries, the citizens should fail to avail
themselves of the opportunities constantly presenting themselves for their
consideration and acceptance. Every foot of what are now termed waste
lands may, by industry, be made available in contributing to the happiness
and prosperity of many a landless family, by their proper cultivation in
fruits and grain. Having a good and healthful climate, a rich and pro-
ductive soil may be made by labor, which is, in fact, the source and fountain
of wealth, to yield an untold harvest. We would invite the attention of
capitalists as well as the landless to Lake County, with its undeveloped
resources. Unrivalled in beauty of scenery, in the richness of its valley
lands, in the adaptability of its mountain ranges for pasturage and vine-
yards, and indeed the production of fruits equal to the best in this or any
other State.
THE NEED OF THE HOUR.— A railroad is the greatest immediate
want of Lake County ; but we are sorry to record the fact that the pros-
pect of getting an outlet of this kind in the near future is anything but
General History and Settlement. 95
flattering. Ever and anon excitements about railroads rise to fever heat,
and the people can almost imagine that they hear the shrill whistle of the
engine re-echoing through the valleys and mountains ; but the interest sub-
sides, and all is as quiet as the grave on the subject. There are three plans:
one up Cache Creek from Madison, one by way of Pope Valley from Napa,
and one from the Xlkiah Valley. Certainly, the one up Cache Creek is the
most feasible, and the one most probable to be built. With reference to the
Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railroad, whose charter calls for the extension
of the road to Clear Lake, the Superintendent, Mr. G. B. Stevenson, has
gone over the plan in detail with the writer hereof, and we know that the
extension of the road to the lake is one of his dearest projects. May cir-
cumstances soon be such that from some source or other the good people of
Lake County may be placed within easy and quick communication with
the outside world. Such facilities of travel would not only give the resi-
dents easy ingress and egress for themselves and their produce, but would
relieve the trip to Lake County of much of its tediousness, and cause thous-
ands of people to visit the many springs and other places- of attraction,
where now hundreds only come; and with travel of this kind always comes
money.
TELEGRAPH LINE.— The Colusa, Lake and Mendocino Telegraph
Company constructed their line in 1874. It extends from Colusa to Calis-
toga via Williams, Bartlett Springs, Upper Lake, Lakeport, Kelseyville,
Glenbrook, Middletown, Great Western Mines to Calistoga. From Glen-
brook a branch line goes to Seigler Springs, Lower Lake and Sulphur Bank.
The name of the company was changed in 1881 to the Northern Telegraph
Company.
We will now close this part of our work, referring the reader to other
chapters for information on special subjects. In this the outline of the
county has been given ; in them the shading up and filling out has been
done, having preferred not to make this too full to the detriment of the others.
In closing this chapter, which in its historical matter embraces the entire
county, we would ask the reader to go in imagination with us to the top of
Uncle Sam, and let us take one farewell look at the beautiful panorama of
the whole county which spreads itself out before us. From our lofty height
what a grand prospect opens to our view ! Farms, herds, golden fields of
grain, neat, tasty residences, abodes of wealth — comfort, contentment and
happiness sit enthroned wherever the eye reaches. The beauty and grandeur
of this scene cannot truthfully be touched by a poet's pen or a limner's pen-
cil; but as best we can let us paint it in words. Far away to the eastward
the mountains of the Sierra Nevada lift their snow-capped summits as if
to meet the clouds and catch the drippings of heaven's dew ere it has been
96 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
tainted by contact with lower and viler stratas of the atmosphere, or to kiss
the rosy-mantled cheek of the golden charioted Aurora as she unbars the
gate of light to let in the glorious mid-summer's day. In whatever direc-
tion the eye is turned, the vista reaches far out and takes in range upon
range of mountains and hills and valleys and timber and streams which,
mantled with the mellow halo of an autumn day, presents a scene that
would have coquetted with the fancies of the old masters, whose paintings
have enlisted the enthusiastic admiration of art connoisseurs everywhere.
Beneath us the valleys teem with life, with homes of happiness, culture
and refinement, handsome houses and well-kept gardens blooming with
flowers that fill the air with perfume and richest incense ; golden fields of
ripening grain, the wealth and support of the people ; busy husbandmen ;
smiling, contented matrons; gleeful, hopeful maidens, and laughing, joyous
children tripping along their way to school — America's sentinel-posts that
dot the vallejr and hill-sides all over the county. Rivulets, creeks and rivers
shimmer in the sunshine like ribbons of silver, and chassa along through
the gorges of the mountain-pass, or the wider and peaceful valley, one ripple
chasing another over the smoothly-worn gravel of their beds, or leaping
time-worn rocks, rushing on to kiss the hem of Lup-Yomi. Anon, a church
steeple points to the sky, the home of God and the city of golden-paved
streets. Here and there nestles a village with its stores and shops and mills,
and its busy sons and daughters of toil, whose strong arms and deft fingers
fashion the useful and beautiful, and add to the wealth of the nation in
which they live.
In the center of all this grand prospect stands the beautiful village of
Lakeport, with a population of busy people, whose intelligence and wealth
will bear favorable comparison with any place of its size in the State, and
far outstrip many of greater pretensions. Her public and private schools,
with their accomplished and experienced teachers, her numerous church edi-
fices, large congregations and learned and devout ministers, bespeak a re-
fined and desirable condition of society.
Turning to the westward the panorama is just as beautiful. Mountain
range and beautiful valley follow each other in succession down to the very
ocean. Streams innumerable have their sources in the mountains, and
thread their silvery way down their course to the sea. Great redwood
forests line their banks and spread out in one solid array of ever-vernal
beauty, mantling all the hill and mountain sides in a robe of living green.
And far beyond it all, extending to the horizon's limit, may be seen, upon a
clear day, the grand blue of the old Pacific, on whose bosom is borne the
argosies of the world. Skirting the horizon, vessels are passing to and from
all the ports of earth, bearing in their holds the freight of nations. As they
pass out of the Golden Gate, and " trim their sails " and " shape their
General History and Settlement. 97
courses," what a varied destiny and destination i.s theirs ! Some seek the
far-away north-west whaling grounds, where the snows and ice of centuries
are to be encountered ; others sail away to the tropics, where the spice-
laden breezes of the Indus and Cathay will waft them over seas of silver ;
while others bear the great burdens of California's cereals to European
ports, where they supply the wants of the moiling millions on the other side
of the Atlantic.
To the north and east at our feet lies the beautiful Clear Lake, looking
a very sheen of silver, on whose bosom a myriad of gentle ripples dance in
a merry glee, from whose crests the silver shafts of light glance in a glorious
profusion. Farther on abrupt mountains rear their heads, and chain after
chain overlap each other, till the frosty polls of the exalted peaks of Snow
range meets the vision. To the south mountains and valleys extend away
to the horizon, with Cobb and St. Helena standing like mile-posts along the
line of vision, and Diablo and Tamalpais standing like giant sentinels on
some Titan fortress on the very outskirts of creation.
What a grand picture ! And yet the subject is scarcely touched. The
pen is powerless and words are vain. It was the hand of the divine Archi-
tect that unfolded this garden of beauty, that spread out these picturesque
valleys, that fashioned the courses of the brooklets and streams and rivers,
that hollowed the basin of the mighty Pacific, and supplies the never-failing
fountains from which its depths of water are replenished. All this is the
fruit of his superlative greatness and incomprehensible wisdom. " Oh, that
men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to
the children of men ! "
We cannot close this chapter more appropriately than to reproduce the
following beautiful lines, dedicated to Lake County by their author, and
published in the Bee, March 30, 1876 :
Dear land of mountain, vale and stream,
Of rocky glen and rushing torrent;
Thy charms surpass the poet's dream,
And painters' raptures warrant.
Since modern song does thee forsake,
And Uncle Sam's old charm refuses,
I ask the Naiads of thy lake
To be my gracious muses.
If from its mirror I may catch
Some photographs of thy rare beauty,
I'll challenge all the world to match
Alike my themes and duty.
Less than a score of lovely leagues
From north to south thy fair realm reaches,
And wiles the eye with rare intrigues
Of shades and sunlit reaches.
98 Histo7-y of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Here, dusky glens that hide the skies,
And stop the paths in gloom uncertain ;
There, knolls, whence glowing prospects rise
As through a lifted curtain.
I cannot boast thy vales are wide —
Though wide I'd gladly sing their praises —
For jealous Nature on each side
A serried bulwark raises.
0, thou art girt about with might,
Like fair Jerusalem the olden!
From thy hills fall floods of light
In roseate tints, and golden.
Sunrise and sunset both have been
To me, in turn, Heaven's dazzling portal,
Till with sweet sorrow I have seen
Their hues were only mortal.
Deep gorges scar thy crested hills
With many a foaming torrent ringing,
Whose white wrath spent, the valley fills
With the glad streamlet's singing.
A hundred hill-crests in my song
(If detail were my song's intention),
Upon me fast would throng,
With fitting meed of mention.
But Uncle Sam only of the host
My lays with their best sheen shall blazon ;
Thy glory, Lake, and thy boast,
And fit to lavish praise on !
The gray old monarch to the skies
Lifts up the pilgrim's land the nearest ;
Supremest in our loyal eyes,
And in our hearts the dearest.
In subtile splendor thy lakes lie,
Fringed by the oak and pine tree's shadows-
Now nestling in the hill-clefts high,
And now along the meadows.
How oft at sunset's witching hour
I've scanned Clear Lake's blue expanses,
Resigned my thought to Fancy's power,
And woven old romances —
Of painted braves and dusky maidens,
The red men's sons and daughters,
Whose love-song woke the drowsy glade
And thrilled the limpid waters —
Till on those dreams of bygone times
Broke rippling peals of laughter,
And wooed me back with their sweet chimes
To like romances after.
General History and Settlement.
For now, as then, from drifting boat,
Clear Lake hears the old, old story,
As Lakeport's lovely maidens float
In love's young dream and glory.
For many years the Clear Lake shore
Has missed the trail of swarthy savage ;
His wild song stirs the air no more
With din of rout or ravage ;
His hunting grounds, beneath the plow,
Smile with the golden bloom of gardens,
Where, bear and panther banished now,
The lowing herds roam, wardens.
The song of labor greets the sun,
And higher swells the noontide splendor,
Till twilight brings the shadows dun,
And home joys sweet and tender.
Sweet rural homes by vale and hill,
The arching oak and pine trees' shadow,
Where sire and sou in bounty till
The upland and the meadow.
Nor rustic manners only rule,
'Mid simple and sequestered beauties —
Where hardy folks from fashion's school
Soon catch the social duties.
Ah ! Lake homes to Lake give
Its strongest charm and spells most tender :
He who would gauge their depths must live
Among their summer splendor.
To him the drear, alternate waste
Of winter frosts o'er vale and mountains,
Would touch to sharper edge his taste
For draughts from June's sweet fountains.
And should the wine of summer spare
His still unsated senses sober,
Thy hills will spread a feast more fair
With vintage of October.
Great Master of all nation's songs,
Forgive my trespass at thy fountains ;
Only to Thee my theme belongs,
Laureate of vales and mountains ;
So little of my rhymes I boast,
Thy heart of grace will grant them pardon,
For I have blindly culled, at most,
A few weeds from thy garden.
100 History of Napa attd Lake Counties — Lake.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
Upon the organization of the State of California into counties in 1850,
the following boundaries were established for Napa County :
Commencing in the Napa River at the mouth of Soscol Creek, and
running up said creek to the point of said creek nearest to the range of
mountains dividing Napa Valley from Suisun Valley ; thence in a direct
line to the nearest point of said range ; thence along the summit of said
range northwardly to its northern extremity ; thence due north to the
fortieth parallel of north latitude ; thence west twenty miles ; thence south-
wardly to the nearest point of the range of mountains dividing Napa Val-
ley from Sonoma Valley ; thence southwardly along said range of mountains
to its termination in Carnero Mountain ; thence in a direct line to the near-
est point of Carnero Creek ; thence down said creek to its junction with
Napa River ; thence to the place of beginning.
It will thus be seen that the territory now embraced in the limits of
Lake County, was at that time included in Napa County, or the greater
portion of it at least. And so it remained until 1861, when, by an Act of
the Legislature the county of Lake was established. May 20, 1861, an Act
to define the boundaries and provide for the organization of Lake County,
was approved by the Governor. This Act was as follows :
Section 1. Lake County is bounded as follows : Commencing at the
south-eastern corner of Mendocino County ; thence running in an easterly
direction along the dividing ridge between Russian River and Knights Val-
leys on the west, and Clear Lake and Coyote Valleys on the east, to the
highest peak of Mount St. Helena ; thence easterly in a direct line to the
point where the second standard line north, (United States survey) crosses
the line dividing Yolo and Napa Counties ; thence along the line of Yolo
County to the Mendocino County line ; thence along the Mendocino County
line to the place of beginning.
Sec. 2. There shall be an election held for county officers and for the
location of the county seat of Lake County, on the first Monday of June,
1861, at which election shall be chosen, by the qualified electors of the
county, one County Judge, one District Attorney, one County Clerk, who
shall be ex-officio the Auditor, Recorder and Superintendent of Public In-
struction in and for said county, one Sheriff, one County Surveyor, a
Legislative History of Lake County. 101
County Treasurer, a County Assessor, a Coroner, three Supervisors, two
Justices of the Peace, and two Constables for each township in the county.
Sec. 3. William Manlove, Alexander McLean, and Woods Crawford
of Lake County, are hereby appointed commissioners to designate additional
precincts to those already established, within the bounds of Lake County,
at such places as may be deemed necessary for the convenience of the voters,
with such powers as a Board of Supervisors are now clothed by law. Said
commissioners shall appoint inspectors and judges of election for the various
precincts of said county ; they shall also divide the various townships of
said county into three distriots, to be known as districts number one, two
and three, and one of the supervisors, whose election is herein provided for,
shall be chosen from each of the said districts, by the qualified electors
thereof. Said commissioners shall be a board of canvassers, who shall
receive the returns of electors from the various precincts, and it shall be
their duty, in this Act specified, to canvass or count the votes given for the
different officers, with power to issue certificates of election to each person
receiving the highest number of votes for each separate office ; they shall
also canvass the votes cast for county seat of said county.
Sec. 4; Said commissioners shall meet at Major Cook's store in Big
Valley, Clear Lake Township, on the second Monday in April, 1861, and,
after being duly sworn by an officer qualified to administer oaths, to truly
perform their duties, by this Act imposed upon them, shall designate pre-
cincts, if, in their opinion, others than those already established are neces-
sary to accommodate the voters of said county; and shall appoint one
inspector and two judges of election for each precinct in the county. The
commissioners shall choose one of their number as chairman and one as
clerk, who shall keep a record of all their proceedings, which record shall be
deposited in the County Clei-k's office, as soon as a Clerk shall have entered
upon the discharge of his duties. A majority of said commissioners shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Sec. 5. The commissioners, after having designated places of voting,
appointed inspectors and judges of election as required in section four of
this Act, shall give public notice of said precincts established in said county,
specifying in said notice the township in which each of them is located, also
the time of holding the election, the number and name of each officer to be
elected in the county, and in each district and township of the same, by
notices posted at each precinct appointed, at least ten days previous to the
day of election.
Sec. 6. The inspectors and judges of election of the several precincts
shall conduct said election in the manner as required by the general election
law of this State, and shall return the list and poll-book kept by each of
them to the commissioners at Major Cook's store in Big Valley, Clear Lake
102 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Township, on or before the Monday following the day of election, and the
said commissioners are hereby required to be at said place on said day for
the purpose of receiving the same, and shall then and there open said re-
turns, and canvass the votes as required by the third section of this Act ;
they shall make a statement, in writing, showing the votes given at each
precinct for each person voted for, and the office for which each person was
voted to fill, and the person receiving the highest number of votes for each
office shall be declared elected to the same, and the said commissioners shall
issue to each person so elected a certificate of election, which shall be signed
by the chairman and secretary.
Sec. 7. Each person elected shall, within ten days after receiving his
certificate of election, file with the president of the Board of Commissioners
the bond required by law, and shall qualify in the same manner as required
by the general law of this State, before entering upon the duties of his
office ; provided, that the County Judge elected may qualify before the
president of the Board of Commissioners immediately after his election is
known, and all other county and township officers may qualify before the
County Judge in the same manner as required by general law in the coun-
ties of this State.
Sec. 8. The president of the Board of Commissioners, without delay,
shall transmit to the Secretary of State an abstract of said election returns,
and shall file the original returns in the Clerk's office as soon as he shall
have entered upon the duties of his office. Said commissioners shall be
allowed a just and reasonable compensation for their services by the Super-
visors of Lake County, to be audited and allowed as other county charges.
Sec. 9. The County Judge elected under this Act shall hold office four
years from the first day of December, 1861, and until his successor is elected
and qualified, and shall reside in the township where the county seat is
located. All other county officers, elected under the provisions of this Act,
shall hold office for two years from the first day of December, 1861, and
until their successors are elected and qualified.
Sec. 10. The County Judge shall receive a salary of $1,000 per annum,
which shall be paid quarterly, as other county charges ; he shall hold the
courts required by law to be held by County Judges, at the same time, com-
mencing the first Monday of February, May, August and November, pro-
vided, however, the County Judge may call and hold special sessions of the
Probate Court and the Court of Sessions whenever the public necessity
may require.
Sec. 11. The District Attorney shall receive a salary of $400 per annum,
to be paid quarterly, and such fees as are allowed by general law. All other
county and township officers shall receive, as compensation, the fees allowed
by law in this State.
Legislative History of Lake County. 103
Sec. 12. The Board of Supervisors shall hold regular meetings, in the
county seat, the first Monday of February, May, August and November, of
each year. Special terms may be held at the call of the president of the Board
of Supervisors, provided, not more than two special terms shall be held in
one year. One of the three Supervisors shall be chosen for each of
the districts. The one elected from district number one shall be president
of the Board, and shall hold office from the first day of December, 1861.
The Supervisior elected from district number two shall hold office for two
years from said day. The Supervisor elected from district number three
shall hold office for three years, and the one holding the oldest commission
shall be president of the Board. Their compensation shall be twenty cents
for each mile necessarily traveled in going and returning to the county seat,
to attend the regular meetings of the Board, and $4 for each day's attendance
upon the same.
Sec. 13. Lake County shall continue to be a portion of the Seventh
Judicial District, and the District Judge shall hold one term of court in said
county, commencing the second Monday of April, 1861, and every year
thereafter two terms, commencing on the second Monday of April and the
first Monday of December.
Sec. 14. For representative purposes Lake County shall continue and
be a part of Napa County.
Sec. 15. J. N. Pendergast of Yolo County, Charles Ramsey of Solano
County, and Anthony P. Buckner of Colusa County, are hereby appointed
to select two sites which they shall deem most suitable for the county seat
of Lake County. After having made such selections as herein directed,
they shall report the same to the Commissioners of Election for Lake
County, on or before the second Monday in June, 1 861.
Sec. 16. Said Commissioners of Election shall cause to be posted, at
each precinct in Lake County, notice of the selections made for a county
seat at least ten days before the day of election. The notices shall plainly
designate, by name, each place selected to be voted for as a county seat, and
the place receiving the highest number of votes shall be the county seat of
Lake County ; provided, however, that said commissioners hereby named
for making such selection shall, previous to performing the duties imposed
upon them, first make oath before some officer authorized to administer the
same, each for himself, that they nor either of them, are in any manner in-
terested in the location of the county seat of said county, and that they
will faithfully and impartially make the selection by this Act imposed.
Two of said commissioners shall be a quorum.
Sec. 17. The said commissioners shall receive $4 per day for the
time necessarily employed in making the selection, and traveling ex-
penses to and from their places of residence, not to exceed twenty-five
104 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
cents for each mile necessarily traveled, which shall be paid out of the first
money received into the treasury of Lake County. In case of failure on
the part of said commissioners to make selections, as in this Act required,
in this case the place which shall receive the highest number of votes shall
be by the Election Commissioners declared the county seat.
Sec. 18. All assessments for the current legal year shall be made by
the Assessor of Lake County, and all taxes shall be collected by the Sheriff,
who shall be ex-ojfficio Tax Collector ; and the Board of Supervisors are
hereby authorized to levy and cause to be collected, in the manner pre-
scribed by the general law of this State, and the provisions of this Act, an
annual tax for State and county purposes, not to exceed the sum of $2.25
on each $100 worth of taxable property in the county.
Sec. 19. All Acts and parts of Acts in this statute are hereby repealed
so far as they conflict with the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 20. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
County Boundaries. — The boundary lines of Lake County have been
changed somewhat since its organization. February 29, 1864, the following
boundaries were established by an Act of the Legislature :
Commencing at the south-eastern corner of Mendocino County ; thence
running in an easterly direction, along the dividing ridge between Russian
River and Knights Valley on the west, and Clear Lake and Loconoma Val-
leys on the east, to the highest point on Mount St. Helena ; thence eastwardly
to the most northern part of Las Putas ranch, commonly known as the
" Berryessa ranch ;" thence in a direct line to a point where the second
standard line (United States survey) crosses the line dividing Yolo and
Napa Counties ; thence northerly along the highest ridge of mountains
dividing the waters of the Sacramento on the east, and the Berryessa on the
west, until it intersects the line dividing Yolo and Colusa Counties ; thence
along the main ridge of mountains dividing the waters of Long Valley on
the east and Clear Lake on the west ; thence up said ridge to the summit of
the Coast Range ; thence along the summit of Hulls Mountain ; thence in a
direct line to Mount St. Hedson ; thence southerly on the ridge dividing the
waters of Russian River on the west and Clear Lake on the east, to the
point of beginning.
March 24, 1868, another change was made which was as follows :
Beginning at the south-east corner of Mendocino County ; thence east-
erly along the summit of the ridge dividing the waters flowing into Russian
River and Knights Valleys on the west, and Clear Lake and Loconoma Val-
leys on the east, to the highest peak of Mount St. Helena ; thence easterly
along the line heretofore established, to the Butts Canon road ; thence east-
erly in a right line to the most northern point of the Las Putas ranch,
Legislative History of Lake County. 105
commonly known as the "Berryessa ranch;" thence easterly along the
northern line of said ranch to the north-east corner thereof ; thence east to the
line between Yolo and Napa Counties ; thence northerly along the summit of
the range of mountains dividing the waters of the Sacramento River from
those flowing into or through Berryessa and Morgan Valleys on the west, to
Cache Creek ; thence east to the summit of the spur of the Coast Range
which divides the waters flowing into Bear Creek and Stony Creek, and
those flowing west into the north fork of Cache Creek ; thence northerly
along said dividing ridge, following the divide of said waters to the summit
of the Coast Range of mountains ; thence northerly along said summit to
the highest point on Hulls Mountain ; thence westerly in a right line to the
highest point on Mount St. Hedson ; thence southerly, following the sum-
mit of the mountain which divides the waters flowing west into Russian
River and those flowing east into Clear Lake, to the beginning.
From time to time disputes arose as to the exact location of the line be-
tween Napa and Lake Counties, and finally, to settle the matter definitely,
the following Act of the Legislature was passed March 8, 1872 :
The northern boundary line of Napa and the southern boundary line of
Lake Counties shall commence at the highest point of Mount St. Helena ;
thence running in an easterly direction along the present boundary line
between said counties to the Butts Canon road ; thence north-easterly in a
direct line to the junction of Jericho and Putah Creeks ; thence up Jericho
Creek to the junction of Hunting Creek, to a large pile of rocks on the
south-easterly side of the county road at the lower and most easterly end of
Hunting Valley ; thence in a straight line in the direction of the intersec-
tion of Bear and Cache Creeks, to the county line of Yolo County ; thence
along the line of Yolo County, in a south-easterly direction, to the present
county line dividing Yolo and Napa Counties.
This Act, it will be seen, transferred nearly a whole township from Lake
to Napa County, including the mines at Knoxville. There was, previous to
this, a Knoxville Township in Lake County, and subsequently a township
of that name in Napa County. This Act provided further : The Board of
Supervisors of Napa County shall order paid the claim of Lake County for
the sum of $3,500, and the Auditor of said county of Napa shall draw a
warrant for the same on the Treasurer of the said county, payable from the
general fund, and the Treasurer of Napa County shall pay the same.
Sessions of Court. — March 18, 1863, the following Act relative to the
sessions of the District Court was passed by the Legislature : The terms of
the District Court, in and for the county of Lake, shall be commenced on
the first Monday in April and the third Monday in November of each year.
On the 25th day of April, 1863, the following was established as the
days of beginning the sessions of this Court : On the fourth Monday of
March and November of each year.
106 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
January 1, 1866, the following Act was passed: The time for holding
the District Court in Lake County shall be changed to the third Monday in
April and the second Monday in November.
March 3, 1866, the terms of the County and Probate Courts were fixed
as follows : The terms of the County Court shall commence on the first
Monday of January, April, July, and October of each year. The Probate
Court shall be held at the same time, but the County Court shall be held
first.
Salary of County Officers. — On the 29th day of February, 1864,
the following Act relative to the salaries of the officers of Lake County
became a law :
The District Attorney shall receive a salary of $600 per annum, to be
paid quarterly, and such fees as are allowed by law. The County Clerk,
who shall be ex-ojjicio Recorder and Auditor, shall receive a salary of $1000
per annum, to be paid quarterly, as other county charges, which salary shall
be in full compensation for all services as County Clerk, Auditor, and Re-
corder, and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors ; and he shall collect such
fees as are allowed by law for all services performed by him in his official
capacity, and pay the same into the county treasury. He shall keep a cor-
rect account of all fees received by him, or due for official services performed
by him, and shall settle quarterly with the Board of Supervisors. The
County Assessor shall be paid a sum not to exceed $4 per day for the num-
ber of days actually necessary in assessing said county, and for each day's
necessary attendance during the session of the Board of Supervisors as a
Board of Equalization. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall
receive a salary of $100 per annum, to be paid quarterly. All other county
and township officers shall receive, as compensation, the fees allowed by law ;
provided, that the Board of Supervisors shall receive a compensation of ten
cents for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning from the
county seat, to attend the regular meetings of said Board, and $3 for each
day's attendance on the same.
April 2, 1866, the following Act relative to the salaries of officers was
approved :
The District Attorney shall receive a salary of $600 per annum, to be
paid quarterly, and such fees as are allowed by law. The Sheriff shall re-
ceive a salary of $600 per annum, to be paid quarterly, as other county
charges are paid, and also such other fees as are allowed by law. The
County Assessor shall be paid a sum not to exceed $4 per day for the num-
ber of days actually necessary in assessing the county, and for each day's
necessary attendance during the sessions of the Board of Supervisors as a
Board of Equalization. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall re-
ceive a salary of $600 per annum, to be paid quarterly. All other county
and township officers shall receive, as compensation, the fees allowed by
Legislative History of Lake County. 107
law ; provided, that the Board of Supervisors shall receive a compensation
of ten cents each for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and return-
ing from the county seat, to attend the regular meetings of said Board, and
$3 for each day's attendance on the same.
March 12, 18G8, another change was made, but this only affected the
salary of Superintendent of Public Schools, which, from some inexplicable
cause, was reduced to the merely nominal sum of $100 per annum. Cer.
tainly, this is not to be taken as a criterion of the estimation in which
educational matters generally are held in the county, still it is apt to follow
that insufficient compensation will secure the services of only inefficient
servants of the people. This remark is applied to a general truth, and not
to any special case, as the standard of official efficiency has always been
high despite the inadequate salary paid.
March 24, 1868, the salary of the Treasurer was fixed as follows : In
addition to the compensation allowed by law he shall receive a salary of
$500 per annum, payable quarterly, out of the general funds of the county.
March 20, 1872, the salary of the District Attorney was fixed at $800
per annum, but eight days later, March 28, 1872, this was reduced $100,
leaving it $700 per annum.
March 31, 1876, the following Act relative to the salaries of the officers
of Lake County was approved, and it is still in full force and effect, the
" County Government Bill " passed by the Legislature of 1880 having been
declared unconstitutional. The provisions of this law are as follows :
Section 1. The County Clerk shall be ex-officio Clerk of the District,
County and Probate Courts, and of the Board of Supervisors, Equalization
and Canvassers, Auditor and Recorder. The Sheriff shall be ex-officio Tax
Collector.
Sec. 2. The salary of the County Judge shall be $1,000 per annum,
and he shall receive no other or further emoluments for any services ren-
dered as County Judge or ex-offtcio Judge of the Probate Court.
Sec. 3. The Sheriff shall receive as full compensation for services for
himself and deputies, jailors and assistants, the sum of $3,000 per annum,
and such fees and mileage as is now provided for by law for making arrests
and subpoenaing witnesses in criminal cases ; he shall also be allowed, for
the boarding of prisoners, a sum to be audited by the Board of Supervisors
not to exceed seventy-five cents per day for each prisoner ; he shall also be
allowed to retain for his own use and benefit all moneys received by him
as rewards for arrests or conviction of criminals, or for the recovery of
stolen property ; also the amount allowed by the State for the conveyance
of prisoners to the State Prison, and the conveyance of insane persons to
the Insane Asylum.
Sec. 4. The County Clerk shall receive the sum of $2,500 per annum,
in full compensation for services for himself and all deputies, as such County
108 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Clerk, or as ex-offtcio Clerk of the District, County and Probate Courts, of
the Board of Supervisors, Equalization, Canvassers, and as Auditor and
Recorder ; provided, however, that he may retain for his own use and ben-
efit, all the fees and compensation accruing to his office from conveyancing,
searching of records, making abstracts of title, and the acknowledging of
all instruments of writing which he is competent to make.
Sec. 5. The County Treasurer shall receive $1,200 per annum, in full
compensation for services for himself and his deputies as such County Treas-
urer, and shall, in addition to said salary, be allowed to retain for his own
use and benefit, all sums of money allowed by the State for mileage, in
making his settlements with the State Treasurer.
Sec. 6. The County Assessor shall receive $800 per annum, in full
compensation for all services for himself as such Assessor; provided, that
he shall retain ten per cent, of the amount collected as State and road poll
tax for his own use and benefit ; provided further, that the Board of Su-
pervisors may, if they deem it necessary, appoint one or more deputy assess-
ors at a per diem not to exceed $4 each, and not to exceed $500 in any one
year to any one deputy assessor.
Sec. 7. The District Attorney shall receive $700 per annum, and in
addition thereto, he shall receive fees as follows : For each conviction in a
charge of felony, when the penalty is death, $50 ; for each conviction on a
chai-ge of felony when the penalty is other than death, $25 ; for each con-
viction of a misdemeanor, $15, to be assessed against the party convicted,
and if the same cannot be collected from him, then it shall become a county
charge and shall be audited by the Board of Supervisors.
Sec. 8. The County School Superintendent shall receive $700 per an-
num, in full compensation for services for himself and his deputies as such
County School Superintendent, and he shall receive no other or further com-
pensation for any services as such County Scoool Superintendent.
Sec. 9. Each member of the Board of Supervisors shall receive the
■sum of $5 per day for each day necessarily employed about the business of
said Board, and shall, in addition thereto, be allowed a mileage of twenty
cents per mile traveling to and from their residences to the county seat ;
provided, that no charge shall be made for more than one trip going from
and returning to the residence of such supervisor during any one regular or
special term of said Board ; provided further, that no one member shall
receive as mileage and per diem in any one year a sum to exceed $350.
Miscellaneous Acts of the Legislature. — There are a number of
Acts referring 'to Lake County which can not be well classified, and they
are appended here. There are other Acts which will be found under other
chapters, as those referring to the roads, county seat, and the Cache Creek
dam, to which the reader is referred for further information on those
subjects.
J/jtZ^^^^^tA^^^yCy/
Legislative History of Lake County. 109
Treasurer made Tax Collector. — February 29, 1864 : The taxes shall
be hereafter payable directly to the County Treasurer.
Legal Distances. — The legal distances from the county seat of Lake
County shall be as follows: To Sacramento, one hundred and twenty
miles ; to Stockton, one hundred and sixty-five miles ; and. to San Quentin,
one hundred and thirty-five miles.
In Third Congressional District. — April 1, 1864, Lake County was put
in the Third Congressional District, where it has since remained.
Relief of J. B. Cook. — Mr. Cook was Treasurer of Lake County, and
on the 24th of October, 1865, the sum of $1,838 was stolen from him.
February 27, 1866, the Legislature passed an Act for the relief of himself
and his bondsmen.
Sheriff made Tax Collector.— March 5, 1868, the duties of Tax Col-
lector were transferred from the Treasurer to the Sheriff, where they still
remain.
Member of Assembly. — Lake County had always elected a member of
the Assembly conjointly with Napa County till 1876, when it was given a
member alone. The bill was approved March 16th of that year. Napa,
Lake and Sonoma Counties were at that time formed into the Twentieth
Senatorial District, and one Senator allotted to the district, and Napa and
Lake Counties were each allotted one member of the Assembly.
Clear Lake Navigable. — March 29, 1878. Clear Lake, in Lake County,
in the State of California, is hereby navigable. Nothing herein contained
shall be deemed to interfere with rights- of swamp and overflowed land-
owners and claimants around the margin of said lake to reclaim the same
as now authorized and provided by law.
Municipal Powers. — Municipal powers were granted the towns of
Lakeport and Lower Lake March 25, 1878, in regard to the running at
large upon the streets, of live stock, and the sheriff or any constable may
corral and impound the same.
110 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
POLITICAL HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
Owing to the fact that Lake County was until 1861 a portion of Napa
County, we will omit here what is necessarily included in the political his-
tory of that county so far as it relates to Lake, and refer the reader to that
portion of the work for the earlier points in this history.
Passim? at once to the organization of the county, it will be found that
the first election for the officers of the county was held on the first Monday
in June, and the result of this election was as follows : County Judge, 0. A.
Munn ; Sheriff, W. H. Manlove ; County Clerk, W. R. Mathews ; District
Attorney, G. W. Marshall ; Treasurer, N. Smith ; Surveyor, E. Musick ;
Coroner, J. W. Smith.
The commissioners for the organization of the county established three
Supervisor's Districts, from each of which a member of the Board was elected
at this time as follows : First District, S. Hunting ; Second District, J. H.
Jamison ; and Third District, J. W. Maxwell.
These commissioners also designated two suitable locations to be voted
for as county seat, and they fixed upon Lakeport, then known as Forbesville,
and Lower Lake. The choice was Lakeport, and while that place is the
present county seat, yet thei-e have been many devious windings in the his-
tory of the seat of government of Lake County, all of which will be duly
recorded further on.
On the night of the 15th of February, 1867, the Court-house of Lake
County was destroyed by fire, doubtless the work of an incendiary, and with
it all books and records of the county ; hence there is no data to guide us
in compiling the political history of the county previous to that date.
Township Boundaries. — At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors,
held very shortly after the burning of the Court-house, the following boun-
daries of townships were established. It is safe to presume that they
comport, as far as memory served the Board, with the former boundaries of
which all record is lost. The township and supervisorial district boundaries
were the same, and the people still speak of their location by the supervisor's
district rather than the township.
Lower Lake Township. — This is Supervisor's District No. 1, and is
bounded as follows : Beginning at the highest point of St. Helena Mountain,
to the line dividing Napa County from the county of Lake ; thence along
Political History of Lake County. Ill
the dividing line between Lake and Napa Counties easterly, to where the
second standard line of United States survey crosses the Yolo County line ;
thence northerly along the line dividing Yolo and Lake Counties, to the
south-west corner of Colusa County ; thence along the main ridge of mount-
ains dividing the waters of Long Valley on the east and Clear Lake on the
west ; thence westerly along said ridge to the point between Alters and
Stubbs' ranches ; thence southerly along said ridge dividing Alter's and
Stubbs' ranches to Clear Lake ; thence southerly across said lake to a point
one mile east of Uncle Sam Mountain ; thence in a southerly direction to
the thirty -five-mile post on the Sacramento road ; thence southerly to the
highest point of Siegler Mountain, so as to include Gravelly Valley in this
township ; thence in a southerly direction to the highest point of Cobb
Mountain, so as to leave Cobb Valley out of this township ; thence follow-
ing the county line south-easterly to the place of beginning.
Big Valley Township. — Supervisors District No. 2, and bounded as
follows : Beginning at the highest point on Cobb Mountain, at the south-
west corner of Lower Lake Township ; thence following the township line
of Lower Lake Township as heretofore defined, northerly to Clear Lake ;
thence across the lake, following the Lower Lake Township line to the
north-west corner of Lower Lake Township ; thence westerly along the
ridge between Alters and Woodwards to Clear Lake ; thence across said lake
in a direct line to a point known as Peaks Point ; thence in a north-west-
erly direction, in a direct line to the gap of the hills south of Ramsdale's
rancho ; thence following said ridge, south-westerly to the top of the dividing
ridge separating the waters of Clear Lake and Scotts Valley ; thence follow-
ing said ridge north-westerly, to a point one-half mile below the outlet of
Blue Lakes ; thence across said outlet to a ridge ; thence following said ridge
in a westerly direction to a point on the line dividing Lake and Mendocino
Counties, about one-half mile east of Dalton's cabin ; thence along said
county line south-easterly to the place of beginning.
Upper Lake Township. — Third Supervisor's District, and is bounded as
follows : Beginning at the north-east corner of Lower Lake Township on
the county line ; thence northerly to the summit of Hulls Mountain ; thence
west in a direct line to Mount Sanhedrim ; thence southerly, following the
summit of the ridge dividing the waters of the Russian River on the west
and Clear Lake on the east, to a point on said ridge one-half mile east of
Dalton's cabin ; thence south-easterly along the northern boundary line of
Big Valley JTownship to Peaks Point; thence along said township line
of Big Valley to the place of beginning.
Knoxville Township.— Although the organization of this township does
not follow in chronological sequence, yet it is given here for the sake of
112 History of Napa and Lake Counties— Lake.
systematizing our work. This township always remained a portion of the
First Supervisor's District. In 1872, the boundary line between Napa and
Lake Counties was so adjusted that the greater portion of this township was
transferred to the former county. Knoxville Township was organized by
the Board of Supervisors of Lake County, August 13, 1869, and the following-
boundaries were established : Beginning at the dividing ridge on the west-
erly side of Morgan Valley, and south-east of the house heretofore known
as George McMillans' house, on Soda Creek ; thence following said dividing
ridge of mountains to the southerly extremity of said valley ; thence south-
erly, down said ridge of mountains to the eastward of the valleys known as
Jerusalem and Jericho, until the line dividing the counties of Lake and
Napa is intersected ; thence easterly along the dividing line between Lake
and Napa Counties, to the county line dividing Lake and Yolo Counties ;
thence northerly along the dividing line between Lake and Yolo Counties
to Cache Creek ; thence up said creek to the dividing ridge between the
waters of said creek and a branch of the same heading at or near the house
formerly known as William Goldsmith's house ; and thence following said
ridge to the place of beginning.
Supervisorial Districts. — In 1870 the county was redistricted as to
the supervisors' districts, and the census of that year taken as a basis.
The boundary lines established then remain in force to the present time, as
no County Government Bill has yet been passed by the Legislature under
the provisions of the new Constitution. Under date of August 6, 1870,
the Board of Supervisors passed the following order : —
First Supervisors District. — Ordered that all the territory embraced
within the boundary lines of road districts number one, two, six and eleven,
in Lake County as now established (which territory also includes Quick-
silver, Lower Lake, Excelsior, and Manhattan election districts), be and the
same is now hereby formed and established as the First Supervisor's District
of Lake County.
Second Supervisor's District. — Ordered that all the tei-ritory embraced
within the boundary lines as now established, of road districts three, four
and seven, in Lake County, (which territory also includes Coyote, Kelsey
Creek, and Lakeport election districts and precincts) be and the same is now
formed and established as the Second Supervisor's District of Lake County.
Third Supervisor's District. — Ordered that all the territory embraced
within the boundary lines as now established, of road districts five, eight,
nine, and ten, in Lake County, (which territory also embraces and includes
Upper Lake, Bachelor Valley, Scotts Valley, and Long Valley election dis-
tricts and precincts) be and the same is now formed and established as the
Third Supervisor's District of Lake County.
Political History of Lake Comity. 113
Location of County Seat. — Perhaps no other question has agitated
the people of Lake County so much as the one of the location of their county
seat, and it is safe to say that no other county in the State has been vexed
and annoyed about this question as much as has Lake. The county seat of
Lake County was for years a sort of a will-o'-the-wisp arrangement, shed-
ding the light of its presence here to-day, but very liable to shed it some-
where else to-morrow. That the reader may be able to know how true this
assertion is, we will follow the sinuous course of this subject through from
the organization of the county in 18G1 to the final location of the seat of gov-
ernment at Lakeport in 1870. The Act organizing the county was approved
May 20, 1861, and the first election was held in the county on the first
Monday in June of that year, at which time a vote was taken ujion the
location of the county seat, and Lakeport, Lower Lake, and Kelsey Creek
(Kelseyville), were voted for, and Lakeport received a majority, hence was
declared by the Board of Canvassers to be the future seat of government for
Lake County.
From some cause or other this did not give satisfaction to the entire
county, and the " pot began to boil " very shortly afterwards. In the
meantime, however, the county buildings had been erected and the offices
domiciled in Lakeport. Possession is considered nine points in law, hence
Lakeport rested quite easy, feeling secure of her prize. The opposite party
pushed the matter to a consummation by effecting the passage, February 18,
1864, of the following bill by the Legislature: "An election shall be held
April 20, 1864, to determine whether the county seat of Lake County shall
remain at Lakeport, or be removed to such other place in said county as
shall receive the largest number of votes at said election. The places to be
voted for are Lakeport, Kelsey Creek, and Grantville (Lower Lake)."
The result of this election was in favor of Lakeport, and again the peo-
ple of that place were exultant. But they were not destined to yet be
allowed to rest in perfect quiet in regard to the matter, for on the 2d day of
April, 1866, an Act passed the Legislature providing that at the next gen-
eral election, to be held in September, 1867, the people of Lake County
should again vote upon the issue of the location of the county seat, and the
contending points were designated as Lakeport and Lower Lake.
Between the time of the passage of this Act and the election the count}'
building was destroyed by fire. This occurred on the night of February 15,
1867. Whether this was in any way connected with this county seat fight
or not, will never be known, but one thing is certain, that a big ai-gument
in favor of Lakeport was thus set aside, for as long as the county had a
Court-house, it was not just the thing to ask the people to build another.
Now that this objection was removed, the opponents of Lakeport went into
the fight with renewed vigor and hope.
114 History of Napa and Lake Cozmties — Lake.
As stated above, the contest lay alone between Lakeport and Lower
Lake, and thus was Kelseyville left out of the fight, and the voters of that
place became of much importance, as they held the key to the situation,
or, in other words, the balance of power, and whichever way the vote of
that place went, also followed the county seat. It is stated that every means
possible was brought to bear by the contending forces to obtain this vote.
As Lakeport lost the election by the vote of Kelseyville, of course it was
loud in its accusations of fraud and full of recriminations against its oppon-
ent, Lower Lake. The published statement of the vote at that election
was, Lakeport three hundred and seventy-eight and Lower Lake three hun-
dred and sixty-five, thus giving Lakeport a majority of thirteen ; but when
the Board of Canvassers met they made a change, giving the election to the
latter place by seven votes.
At the time of the burning of the Court-house, the Board of Supervisors
rented a building from John O'Shea, just south of and near the drug store
of L. D. Winchester, for county purposes, which was continued to be used
until the result of the election should be known. It was, of course, impolitic
to erect buildings in Lakeport when a removal was imminent, and did
follow so soon. Let it be understood that we do not wish for a moment to
convey the idea that the Board of Supervisors had anjr undue preference
for either Lakeport or Lower Lake, nor would we give to any of their
official acts a coloring that showed that they did, for nothing is farther from
our purpose than to misrepresent or even comment upon the events which
transpire in the history of a county. Only a statement of the absolute facts
as they occurred, couched in readable language, is our desire to place before
the reader. As there is still more or less feeling in the different sections
of the county over this matter, we make this statement, that all may see
that we have no personal interest nor prejudice whatever in the matter, and
only aim at the truth.
Very shortly after the last election on this question the county officers
moved their quarters to Lower Lake, and the people of that place were con-
sequently exultant, and the people of Lakeport proportionately despondent.
The order to remove to Lower Lake was issued by the Board of Supervisors
November 4, 1807. But the Lakeport people did not give up the contest,
and this was one case in which the old saying that "the third time is the
charm" proved untrue. A suit was began to contest the election, and a
mandamus secured to force the county officers to return to Lakeport. This
was issued March 28, 1868, but it does not appear to have been obeyed.
The matter ran along in the Courts till October, 1869, when it was tried
before Judge J. B. Southard in Napa City. A jury was had in the case, and
they found for the appellant, Lakeport. The Judge referred the matter to
the Legislature, and on the twenty-ninth day of March, 1870, an Act was
Political History of Lake County. 115
approved providing as follows : " There shall be an election on the first
Monday in May, 1870, for the purpose of locating the county seat of Lake
County, and the places voted for shall be Lakeport and Lower Lake."
All parties recognized this as the final contest, and no stone was left un-
turned by the contesting parties to secure success. The vote of Kelseyville
stood just where it did on the previous occasion, as regards its being the
balance of power, and to gain it was a chief desideratum of both parties.
From the vote cast it is evident that a few years of practical change to
Lower Lake had not made them feel very favorable toward that place.
There is quite a difference between a distance of eight miles to the county-
seat and eighteen. If the Lakeport people had occasion to find fault with the
Lower Lake people at the other election, the compliment was returned this
time. Electioneers for Lower Lake did not meet with much success in the
upper end of the county, nor with a very warm reception, or perhaps it
might better be said that they received too warm a reception. The old
citizen of Lakeport will tell you to-day, with a twinkle in one eye, and a
knowing wink with the other, that they did not mistreat the emissaries of
Lower Lake during the day of election at all. They " gave them a dinner
at the hotel, put their horses in the stable and gave them the ' freedom of
the city,' but were careful to see that they did no electioneering, and that
they did not get home to vote that day." The Lower Lake papers of that
date came out with " flaming headlines," and no end of black type, stating
that there was fraud in the whole transaction on the part of the Lakeport
people ; that voters had been arrested on their way to the polls and incar-
cerated during the day, giving to the whole transaction an air of unfah'ness.
But be this all as it may, the vote was decisive, and largely in favor of
Lakeport. We append the vote given April 3, 1870, by precincts, so that it
may be seen just how it stood :
Lakeport. Lower Lake.
Bachelor Valley 27
Upper Lake 108
Scotts Valley 48
Lakeport 187
Kelsey Creek 87 27
Coyote 8 51
Quicksilver 10 66
Lower Lake ... 4 102
Excelsior 62
Manhattan 63
Long Valley 33
Total vote 479 404
Majority 75
116 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
And so ended the long and terrible struggle which had been so hotly
contested for ten years, nearly. It seemed to prostrate business in a measure
and to give an air of uncertainty to everything. It is not our province to
comment upon the relative merits of the two places, but it had been much
better for the entire county had either place been permanently decided upon
from the first. One of the most unfortunate features of the affair is that it
engendered a very strong and sometimes bitter feeling of sectionalism among
the citizens of the county, which it has taken time to mollify.
When the officers and records of the county returned again to Lakeport,
a grand jollification was had, and seventy-five guns were fired, one in honor of
each majority vote. Since then things have moved along as smoothly as could
be desired, and the permanent location of the seat of county government
has proved to be a decided blessing to all. So now let the breach that has
so nearly healed be closed entirely and forever, and let the good people of
Lake County work with one accord for one common purpose, the advance-
ment of their beautiful county.
Local Option Election. — In 1874 a matter came up which was of
some considerable interest at the time. This was known as the Local Option
Law. It is not to be presumed for a moment that a vote on this question
shows the real moral status of a community, nor indeed its true sentiment
in regard to the cause of Temperance. Many people who advocate the
cause from a moral standpoint do not think it comes within the scope of
legal regulation, hence would vote against a measure of this kind, while
many others who like a "drap o' the crayther" o'er well themselves, yet
for the sake of the influence which might be exerted upon their sons, would
vote against the licensing of the liquor traffic.
We append below the vote of Lake County on this issue, by precinct
and township :
1 BIG VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
For License. Against License.
Lakeport 64 47
Kelseyville 61 55
Scotts Valley 2b 5
Cobb Valley.'. 29 8
Total vote 183 115
Majority 68
UPPER LAKE TOWNSHIP.
Upper Lake 69 31
Bachelor Valley 18 3
Gravelly Valley 6
Bartlett Springs 6 9
Total vote 99
Majority 56
Political History of Lake County. 117
LOWER LAKE TOWNSHIP.
Lower Lake 39 39
Morgan Valley 17
Excelsior 30 7
Coyote 32 10
Middletown 44 30
Long Valley 16 5
Total vote 178 91
Majority 87
Total vote of the county 460 249
Total majority in the county 211
We will close this chapter by giving a short account of the greatest po-
litical event which has occurred for many years in California — the adoption
of the new Constitution. The Constitution which was framed at Monterey,
when the State was yet in its swaddling clothes, answered every purpose for
a number of years; but the entire body politic had changed, and the popu-
lar voice became clamorous for a change in the organic law of the State-
The question had often before been mooted, and votes taken upon calling a
convention for the purpose of framing a new Constitution, but public sen-
timent did not reach the requisite condition until the general election of
1877, at which time " Constitutional Convention, Yes," carried with an over-
whelming majority. During the session of the Legislature which followed
this election, a bill was framed and passed, which provided for the election
of delegates to the convention, and which was approved March 30, 1878.
Thirty-two of the delegates were to be elected from the State at large, not
more than eight of whom should reside in any one Congressional district.
In accordance with a proclamation issued by the Governor, an election for
the purpose of choosing delegates to the convention was held June 19, 1878.
A. E. Noel was chosen as the county delegate from Lake County. The body
comprising the Constitutional Convention met at Sacramento City, Septem-
ber 28th of that year, and continued in session one hundred and seventy -five
days. The day set for the people of the State to adopt or reject the result
of the labors of the convention was May 7, 1879 ; and there was a veiy
strong, and, in some instances, a bitter fight made over it — those opposing it
citing wherein the old Constitution had proved satisfactory, and wherein
the new organic law would prove disastrous ; while those who desired its
adoption were as ready to show up the weak points of the old, and its inad-
equacy to the demands of the present advanced state of affairs, and wherein
the new would almost prove a panacea for all our ills, both social, moral,
and political. Thus the matter continued to be agitated until the clay had
come on which the die should be cast, and, greatly to the surprise of every-
body, the decision of the people of the State was in favor of the new law.
The vote in Lake County was largely in favor of the new Constitution.
118
History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
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HOMICIDES OF LAKE COUNTY.
We have used all due diligence to get a full and complete history of the
homicides that have occurred in Lake County, and if any have occurred
which do not appear in the following pages they have not been discovered
by us. We have also endeavored to make our reports of them as full as
possible, yet have given to none undue prominence, except as the facts
justified.
Killing of B. F. Taylor. — He was killed by John H. Smith, at Lower
Lake, August 2, 1857. Smith was placed under arrest, but succeeded in
making his escape. He was subsequently arrested in Santa Rosa ; but there
is nothing to show what disposition was made of the case. It must be
remembered that at that early day but little attention was paid to records.
Killing of T. J. Warden. — He was killed by A. J. Hurt December 31,
1859, about one mile from the present site of Lakeport. The men were at
a horse race, and some difficulty sprang up between them on account of the
race, and in the row Hurt killed Warden. The following is from the Napa
Register of April 5, 1873 : "Jack Hurt, whose name is familiar to all old
settlers of Lake and Napa Counties, is said to have been a terror in early
times and his name was linked with everything desperate. In 1859, on the
last day of the year, he killed a man named T. J. Warden, in Lake County,
about one mile from where Lakeport now stands. That territory was then
included in Napa County, and the Grand Jury, on April 4, 1860, found a
true bill, and presented an indictment against him for murder in the first
degree. He was placed in jail in Napa City, and dug through the wall, with
some assistance from the outside, and made his escape. About five years
ago (1868) he returned to Lake County, for the purpose, he stated, of stand-
ing his trial, but not having sufficient means to conduct a defense, he delayed
surrendering himself. It had been given out that he would not be taken
alive, and the officers had been warned by their friends not to make rash
attempts nor take any chances, though Hurt asserted that he never made
any threats. Officer Harry Baddeley of Napa, having learned his where-
abouts, resolved upon having him, and accordingly proceeded to make the
arrest. He took with him George Crummell of Calistoga, and together they
went to Lake County. Their man was at work at Lee Young's shingle mill,
on Cobb Mountain. They proceeded steathily, hiding behind a large rock
Homicides of Lake County. 123
until they crept up within a few feet of him, while he was engaged in chop-
ping down a tree. Crummell leveled a double-barreled shot-gun at him and
remained quiet, while Baddeley stepped out with his revolver, which, in
being drawn, was accidentally discharged and notified Hurt of the presence
of the officers. He was surprised and bewildered and demanded to know
who they were and what they wanted, for it had come to his knowledge
that a brother of Warden's had said that he would shoot Hurt on sight, and
he had no disposition to die otherwise than bravely. Officer Baddeley
announced his mission and ordered him to drop his ax and surrender, which,
upon the second order, he did with some reluctance." This was April 4,
1873, and the officers brought him to Napa and incarcerated him in the
same cell that he occupied in 1860. It was now, however, lined with boiler
iron, and he did not succeed in making a second escape. The Grand Jury
found another bill against him, and on the 11th day of October, 1873, his
trial came on for hearing. The District Attorney moved that the case be
dismissed, as the witnesses had all got so scattered that it would be impos-
sible to convict the prisoner. There was an extensively signed petition for
his discharge.
Killing of — Holeman. — W. C. Farrell and Holeman were neighbors
in Scotts Valley, and some difficulty grew up between them in regard to
their dividing line, and both parties claimed a portion of the same tract of
land. It is stated that Farrrell would tear down the fence and drive his
stock in upon Holeman's field, and then stand guard over them with a rifle
in his hand while they were devastating the field. Holeman would again
put up his fence, only to have the aggression repeated the next day. They
finally agreed upon a plan of settlement, and the fence was being moved
by Holeman to the proposed line, when Farrrell came up and demanded that
the fence should be moved farther back. Words were passed and finally
Farrell shot Holeman through the head. This occurred April 8, 1761. It
was claimed by the only witness to the tragedy that Holeman struck first,
and Farrell was not held by the Justice to appear before the Grand Jury.
Killing of William, Laffin. — This man Laffin laid a plot to rob the store
of Herrick & Getz, in Lower Lake, in the fall of 1861. Charles Stubbs,
an officer, found out the plans and went into a room to arrest him, and ap-
proaching him said, " You are my prisoner ;" to which Laffin replied, " All
right." He was seated at a table, and as he arose he produced a very large
butcher knife, but before he could use it Stubbs fired, the shot producing
almost instant death. The officer was acquitted on the grounds of self-
defense.
Killing of — Waggoner. — This was a most dastardly affair, but the mur-
derer received his just deserts, simply because he was an Indian it is to be
124 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
presumed. In 1862 there lived an elderly, quiet, industrious, kind-hearted
and inoffensive man by the name of Waggoner in Rice's Valley, about five
and a half miles west of Lower Lake. One day he borrowed an ox-team
from a neighbor named Jamison, for the purpose of going to Lower Lake
to make some necessary purchases. Having made these he started on his
way home, and when out of town a mile or so he came up with two Indians
who asked for a ride. This request he granted, not suspecting that instead
of angels, he was entertaining fiends, unawares. At length they arrived at
the place where he turned off from the main road to go up to his house, and
stopped the team for the Indians to get out of the wagon. One of them
shot him, and then they cut his head entirely off with a new ax he had in
the wagon. They then took the body, and hid it in the brush, and took the
articles in the wagon and went their way. This was on Tuesday, and as
the team was not brought home that night as agreed upon, Mr. Jamison
went for it the next morning, but not finding the oxen nor Mr. Wag-
goner at home he instituted a search for them. The team was found
entangled in the chemisal, a few rods from where the murder was committed,
and the traces of fresh blood convinced him that there had been foul play.
The neighborhood was aroused and diligent search in and about the place
was made, but without success till Friday, when the body was found. Of
course there were no traces left of the perpetrators of the diabolical deed,
and only the merest accidental circumstance led to the discovery of the
guilty parties. Among the things taken from the wagon was a package of
soda, and of course that was a very useless article for an Indian to have.
Some days afterwards an Indian went to a farm house in the vicinity of the
rancheria and exchanged the package of soda for bread, stating that it had
been sold to him by the storekeeper as sugar. Mr. W. C. Goldsmith, still a
worthy resident of Lower Lake, chanced to stop at that house a few days
later, when the lady narrated to him the story of deception practiced by the
merchant, condemning the same. It entered Mr. Goldsmith's head that the
whole thing had an air of mystery about it, and that it would probably
prove a mine of some kind if investigated. He took the package of soda
and compared it with that of the same lot which had been sold to Mr. Wag-
goner, and found that it bore the same brand, and also the trade mark of
Mr. Getz, the merchant of whom Mr. Waggoner had purchased his soda.
The evidence was conclusive, but to fix the deed upon any one Indian was
the next thing to do. The Indians of all that section were called together
and placed in a line, and the lady asked to identify the one who had brought
her the soda for exchange. This she did very readily. The party then
started to town with their prisoner, when he broke away from his captors
and gained the brush, and eluded them completely, and has never been heard
from since. The chief of the tribe. Salvador, took the matter in hand then,
Homicides of Lake County. 125
and soon ferreted out the accomplice, who proved to be an old Indian. This
Indian was taken by the tribe into a ravine about a quarter of a mile south
of the town of Lower Lake, and there forced to confess, and there also paid
the penalty of his crime.
Killing of — Alexander. — In the town of Lower Lake, on the night of
November 24, 1866, Joseph Adams killed a man by the name of Alexander,
under the following circumstances : It was the occasion of the dedication
of the Masonic Hall in that place, and a ball was in progress. Alexander
got to drinking, and an altercation sprung up between him and Adams, and
he became furious and began making wild threats. His friends took him
away and returned to the hall to get Sheriff Crigler to place him under
arrest. While they were talking to the officer Alexander returned to the
hall, and meeting Adams in the door drew a revolver and placed it against
Adams' breast, saying " Joe Adams, if you try to pass out of that door, you
are a dead man." Adams knocked the pistol down and passed out, but
Alexander fired two shots, neither of which took effect. He then ran to the
stable and mounted his horse and started to make his escape. Adams went
out and got a shot-gun and followed him, and just as he came out of the
stable, he told Alexander to stop. Alexander attempted to draw his revolver,
but before he had it out a charge of shot had inflicted a mortal wound, from
which he soon expired. The shooting was decided to be justifiable by the
Coroner's jury.
Killing of John Rhodes. — On the 12th day of December, 1867, John
Rhodes was killed by Charles Coram, in Scotts Valley, under the following
circumstances : Young Coram lived with his mother, who was a Mrs. Gor-
don. It seems that Rhodes was in the habit of abusing the family fre-
quently, and on the day of the killing, he went to the house and found that
Mrs. Gordon was absent. He then began helping himself to anything that
he wanted. Young Coram remonstrated vainly with him, whereupon Rhodes
began another tirade of abuse, in which he included the young man and his
mother as well, at the same time threatening to kill him, and drawing a re-
volver for that purpose. Coram was too quick for him, and fired, the shot
taking effect in Rhodes' breast, while a second shot passed through his arm,
from the effects of which he soon died. Young Coram was examined before
Justice Cox of Big Valley Township, and acquitted, as the deed was done in
self-defense.
Killing of William Daily. — He was killed by Lindsay Carson in Big
Valley Township, March 26, 1868. The trouble grew out of a dispute over
land claimed by both parties. It is not our purpose to include a homily
here, but will say that observation shows that nearly all the murders
committed in the agricultural counties in the earlier times grew out of
126 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
either land troubles or drunken rows. It seems strange that in a land so
broad and free as this is, men would cany a matter of land dispute up to
the muzzle of a shot-gun. Life without the land is a treasure, but what is
it if both be lost ? Land "jumping" is the curse of any newly settled coun-
try, and, justly too, this class gets but little sympathy from the mass of the
people at large, and when one of them gets a bullet through him there are
few to mourn his loss, and no juries to convict the man who has thus de-
fended his rights. This is a case in point. Mr. Carson had had this land
in his possession for a long time, and Daily came along and "jumped " it.
On the day of the killing, Carson, in company with five or six others, went
to build a fence around the disputed tract. When they had commenced
work Daily ordered them to quit, intimating that if they did not he would
use violence. They paid no heed to his request, and he went away, being
absent about three hours. He then returned, and, passing by the other
men, went up to where Carson was at work, a distance of about one hundred
yards from the other men. When he got to within thirty paces of Carson
he ordered him to stop work. He continued to advance upon Carson, hav-
ing his hand under his coat, as if about to draw a weapon, and making at
the same time threats of violence. Carson then fired upon him with a shot-
gun, but the first shot did not fell Daily to the ground. A second shot was
fired, from which he fell, and died in about three hours. Carson had his
preliminary trial before Justice Allen, of Big Valley Township, who dis-
charged him.
Killing of S. Chapman. — This occurred in Lakeport May 27, 1868. The
following statement of the circumstance was published at the time : Mr.
Chapman kept a hotel at Lakeport. Mr. G. W. Hinckley had been sued by
his wife for a divorce, but she was non-suited. She then refused to live
with her husband, and still retained custody of one of their children. On
the day of the killing, Hinckley came to Lakeport and obtained possession
of the child, a little girl, and was going away with it, when at the solicita-
tion of the mother, Chapman went and took it away from the father.
Hinckley drew a revolver and presented it at Chapman, for the purpose, he
stated, of frightening him and causing him to relinquish the child. The
pistol was discharged, whether intentional or not, and the ball entered Chap-
man's abdomen and lodged in his back. He lived till twelve o'clock the
next day, when he died. It was stated to us that the right of possession of
the child had been given to Hinckley by the Court, and that the mother re-
fused to relinquish it, whereupon the father took it forcibly, and then the
mother rushed up to Mr. Chapman, and with tearful pleadings, implored
him to save her child, and on the impulse of the moment he went, not
knowing of this order of the Court, and met his death. Hinckley was
eventually acquitted.
Homicides of Lake County. 127
Killing of C. N. Copsey. — This occurred in Napa County, but as Mr.
was an old resident of Lake County we include it here. Some time
during the early part of 1868, Copsey disposed of an Indian girl to J. Mar-
vin, who kept a store in Pope Valley, for the sum of $100. A note was
given for the amount, which, when it came due, was paid by Marvin. Some
three or four months after the money had been paid, October 18, 1868, Cop-
sey, in company with a niece, a girl of some fourteen years of age, passed
by Marvin's place on their way home from Napa. This was on Sunday.
They stopped and did some trading, and while all were busy inside the
store the girl persuaded the Indian girl to leave with her. They both got
into the buggy and drove off, leaving Copsey in the store. Presently he
went on and overtook the girls and proceeded on his way home. In a short
time the Indian girl was missed, and it occurred to Marvin that she had
been taken off by the Copseys. He mounted a mule and made chase, com-
ing upon a neighbor on the road to whom he related his suspicions, and
asked to accompany him. They proceeded on the way and came up with
the Copseys, who were in a buggy, on the grade leading from Pope to
Coyote Valleys. They demanded the girl and were met with a drawn re-
volver and told to take the back track. As neither of them were armed
they desisted of course, and returned. They soon met Juan Burton, to whom
the circumstances were related, and he proposed that they all go and make
another attempt to get the girl. To this Marvin consented, but the other
party had had enough of it. They came up with Copsey again near the
top of the grade. Burton rode ahead and made the demand for the girl,
and words were passed, which culminated in Copsey 's firing at Burton, the
ball passing through his thigh. Shots were then exchanged, Burton firing
three in all, one of which passed through the heart of Copsey, killing him
instantly. The Indian girl then crawled out from under the buggy seat
where she was secreted, and avowed her ready willingness to return with
Marvin. The two men then placed the body of Copsey in the buggy, and
the niece drove on down the grade to the first house. A bill was found
against Burton as principal and Marvin as accessory to the killing, by the
Grand Jury December 14, 1868. June 13, 1871, the case came on for hear-
ing, and the jury returned the following verdict : " We, the jury, in the
case of the People vs. Juan Burton, defendant, find him not guilty."
Killing of Frank Thurman. —This occurred at Lower Lake, December
12, 1868, and the killing was done by a man named Roberts. Nothing is
known of the particulars of the trouble between the two men. Ten shots
in all were fired — four by Roberts and six by Thurman. None of Thur-
man's shots took effect, but one of Roberts' entered his antagonist's body
just below the left nipple, and passed through his lung. Roberts was exam- '
ined before a Justice of the Peace and discharged.
128 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Killing of George Manahan. — This tragedy took place at Lakeport,
April 3, 1870, and the deed was committed by John Wright. It seems that
the two men had known each other in some of the mining towns in the
mountains, and that a very bitter feud existed between them. This was the
day of the election on the county seat question, and the two men met in
the town. It soon became evident that trouble would develop between them
during the day. Manahan secured a piece of a broken spoke, which he car-
ried around in his hand all day. About two o'clock in the afternoon Wright
was standing in the door of the City Saloon, when Manahan entered, and,
as he passed him, jostled against him very rudely. Wright paid no atten-
tion to this, however, whereupon Manahan repeated the aggression. Being
armed with the spoke, he thought he was safe in thus imposing upon his
enemy. To his surprise, Wright whipped out a heavy revolver and struck
him over the head. At this Manahan started to run, whereupon Wright
tired at him, the ball passing through his body, from which he died in about
an hour and a half.
Killing of John Wright. — Immediately after the occurrence narrated
above, Wright, who had fired the fatal shot at Manahan, made his escape
from the town of Lakeport. A fosse went in search of him, but no trace
could be found of him. That evening information was lodged with the
officers of his whereabouts. Deputy Sheriff Tonas Penny, accompanied by
Henry and English Moore, started in pursuit of him. They came upon him
in a field about two miles south of town. He was riding a gray horse,
hence could be seen easily in the dark. They commanded him to stop, but
he only put spurs to his horse and rode off. He was then told that if he
did not stop and surrender they would fire upon him ; but this did not avail,
and he only tried the harder to elude them. The officer then gave the com-
mand to fire, and he fell dead from his horse.
Killing of Daniel Wedig. — Daniel Wedig was an eccentric character,
who lived in Scotts Valley, but who was an innocent and harmless man.
In fact his eccentricity, which almost amounted to insanity, was of a religious
vein, as the following reminiscence will prove : He was a subscriber to some
paper in Boston or elsewhere at the East, which advocated the peculiar
tenets to which he adhered. He was very much attached to this paper, and
desired very much to see it prosper. At one time two young men, friends
of his, paid him a visit for the purpose of having a hunt and a vacation in
the country. While they were there he conceived the idea of sacrificing
himself for the good of his espoused religious cause. He thereupon made
his will, got it duly witnessed and recorded, making this religious paper and
the two young men his devisees. He then procured some strychnine and
went away off by himself and hid in the bush and took the supposed-to-be
Homicides of Lake County. 129
fatal dose. The agony of that night can never be portrayed by words, and
when he found that death had passed him by he was glad enough to creep
back to the house and get assistance. In the meantime the young men had
come to town and given the alarm, for it will be seen at a glance that they
were in a bad box, for had he died from poison the very night on which he
had willed to them a portion of his property, no power in the world would
have saved them from answering for the deed, innocent though they were.
He continued to live by himself for some years, and finally, in the month of
December, 1870, he was missed by his neighbors, and thinking that he had
succeeded this time in his self-immolation, search was instituted for him.
Upon entering his house a horrid sight presented itself to their astonished
view. His body lay stretched out upon the floor before the fire-place, with
his head cleft in twain by an ax. No traces of the murderer could be
found, and it was supposed that money was the object. In the course of a
few days an Indian by the name of Tom was found in possession of Wedig's
gun, and not being able to give a very straight story concerning it, he was
arrested. He made a full confession of the deed and was sentenced to be
hung. He succeeded in making his escape, but was subsequently recaptured,
and in due course of time suffered the extreme penalty of the law, being the
only person ever hung in the county of Lake.
Killing of William B. Cooper. — This occurred at Lower Lake on the
25th day of October, 1873, and Jefferson Cody did the shooting. Some
time previously the two men had gotten into some difficulty, and ill feelings
had existed between them ever since, and Cooper had been in the habit of
threatening Cody with dire results. On the day of the shooting he had
renewed his threats, and tried to exasperate Cody into a row, which he had
avoided. That night Cody and his wife went to a neighbor's on a visit.
Cooper having found out where Cody was, followed him to the house, and
sent word in to him that if he did not come out he would set fire to the
house, as he intended to kill him that night. Cody then went to the hotel
parlor, and Cooper having found it out, followed him. He opened the door
and made directly for him. Cody was armed with a double-barrelled shot-
gun, loaded with buck-shot, and he discharged both barrels into Cooper's
breast, some of the shots entering his heart. Justice R. P. Nichols held the
inquest, and discharged the defendant from custody.
Lynching of John Meyers. — This man, or rather fiend in human form,
was a stranger in the county, and one day during the month of October,
1874, he arrived at Lower Lake. He was evidently a "tramp" of the
worst stripe. In his peregrinations about the neighborhood he came to a
house in which he found only an oid and feeble lady and a mere child
twelve years of age. At once he conceived a most hellish design, and
9
130 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
proceeded to commit upon the person of the child a most horrid and unnam-
able offence, which was done by the heartless brute in the very presence of
the mother, who, from age and infirmity, was unable to deter him in the
least from the accomplishment of his purpose. The alarm was given, and he
was placed under arrest. Fearing for his safety in the justly enraged
vicinity, the officer started for Lakeport with his prisoner, but to the credit
of the community of Lower Lake be it said, that the officer was relieved of
his chai-ge on the road, and the Coroner had a job.
Killing of Michael Ready. — This was a sad affair, as it was purely ac-
cidental, and occurred at Middletown, in February, 1875. Mike, as he was
familiarly called, was a jolly, whole-souled man, and the butt of all good-
natured jokes among the boys of the mine where he worked. On the day
of the killing, Mike was standing outside the hotel, when Jean English went
into the bar and picked up an old revolver that had been laying around
loose, time out of mind, and that no one ever dreamed was loaded, remarking
at the same time to the proprietor that he was going to have some fun with
Mike. He went outside, and approaching Mike in a serio-comic manner, made
some demand of him, at the same time drawing the revolver on him. Mike
demurred, when English snapped it, and to his utter horror and dismay it
was discharged. The ball entered Mike's neck, just above the breast bone,
and he died instantly. The Coroner's jury acquitted English.
Killing of Peter Pogue. — He was killed by John Mazingo, in Rices Val-
ley, October 3, 1876, and the following facts were brought out at the trial.
The two men were neighbors, and laid claim to the same piece of land.
Mazingo had a fence around it, at least there was a fence around it, and
Pogue and a hired man came to a place in the fence near where Mazingo
was at work, and opened it for the purpose of entering the field with a load
of posts which Pogue proposed to use in making some improvements on the
land. They had some words at the fence, but Pogue was not molested, and
proceeded to his destination. Mazingo went then and got a gun which was
by a tree in the field, and went up to where Pogue was at work, and ordered
him off. Words ensued, and during the dispute a brother of Pogue came up
and joined it. At length the altercation culminated in Mazingo shooting-
Peter Pogue, who was carried about sixty yards away and placed under a
tree, and shortly died. Mazingo made his escape out of the county, and
changed his name, and supposed that he was free from apprehension. On
Christmas night, 1879, over three years after the killing, F. M. Crossley of
Potter Valley, Mendocino County, learned of the whereabouts of Mazingo,
and at once informed Sheriff J. C. Crigler of Lake County. That official
gave to Mr. Crossley a warrant, and authorized him to proceed at once and
make the arrest, which was a commission with much hazard, and entailed
Homicides of Lake County. 131
a long and weary trip during the rainy and consequently muddy season of
the year. Mazingo was at Juniper Lake, Grant County, Oregon, which is
in the eastern part of that State. Going to Reno, Nevada, on the train, he
there took the stage for Oregon, traveling under disguise. When within a
day or two's journey of his destination he left the stage, and began hunting
work, or, in other words, " tramping it." At length he fell in with two men
who needed his services, and went with them to the nearest town to where
Mazingo was. Here he met a man who knew Mazingo — who had now
adopted the name of James Haddock — and whom he could trust. After a
hard half day's ride they came to a wild, wooded section of the country, and
in a dense clump of willows on the borders of a stream they found a cabin,
but no one was at home. The man was then sent out to scour the vicinity
for Mazingo, whom he soon saw coming over a hill. The man made some
excuse of looking for stock, and engaged him in conversation, going on
toward the house. When near the house he called to Crossley as his hired
man, and asked him to come up to them, which he did. He rode around on
the opposite side of Mazingo, bringing him between the two. He then drew
his revolver and covered his man, telling him to throw up his hands, calling
him by name. Mazingo was so taken by surprise that before he could
recover himself he was in irons. This was on the 26th day of January,
over a month from the time that Crossley had learned where he was. He
was safely brought back to Lake County, and May 24, 1880, his trial came
on, and sentence of imprisonment during the period of his natural life was
passed upon him June 1, 1880.
Killing of Charles Bates. — This occurred at Middletown, October 1,
1878, and the deed was perpetrated by Thomas Dye. Bates was a quiet,
gentlemanly young man, with a wife and perhaps a child, and was a com-
parative stranger in that section. On the fatal day they met for the first
time, and some difficulty having grown up between them, Dye shot and
killed him. Dye was arrested, and had his trial December 8, 1880, and
was sentenced to the State Prison for fifteen years on the 11th of that
month.
Killing of Edward Bynum. — This occurred October 30, 1879, in a
saloon in Lakeport. Bynum was noted as a quarrelsome young man, while
the very opposite is said of Thompson, who fired the fatal shot. It is said
that Bynum was very aggressive on this occasion, and not thinking that
Thompson had the " sand " to fight, was " crowding him very close to the
wall." Suddenly Thompson drew a revolver and shot Bynum in the eye,
and he died in fifteen minutes. Thompson was tried in April, 1880, and
the jury found for the defendant after being out three hours.
132 History of Napa ana' Lake Counties — Lake.
MINES AND MINING.
The principal mining done in Lake County has been for quicksilver,
although sulphur and borax have formed no inconsiderable portion of the
mineral product of the county. Gold and silver have both been found in
small quantities, but not much has been done in the way of mining for
them. We will -begin by giving a history of the
Sulphur Bank Quicksilver Mining Company. — This company grew out
of the California Borax Company. In April, 1874, the present owners,
John Parrott, Tiburcio Parrott, W. F. Babcock, D. 0. Mills, and the William
Burling's estate became the proprietors of the property, and continued bus-
iness under the old company name — The California Borax Company — till
December, 1875, when it was changed to the present title. Through the
kindness of the officers of the company we have been furnished with the
following reports, which are of so much value and interest that we incor-
porate them in our work in this connection :
With limited and imperfect means employed for the reduction of ores
during the first eighteen months following the date when the production of
quicksilver was first commenced, and with the improved systems of fur-
naces and concentrators, which were, during the next six months, gradually
introduced, the total production of quicksilver in those two years, com-
mencing on the loth of October, 1874, was twelve thousand three hundred
and forty-one flasks, bringing into the treasury of the company a sum
exceeding $600,000. The average monthly production of quicksilver at the
mine, for the five months ending on the 30th of September, 1876, was eight
hundred and twenty-nine flasks.
Nor is the article of quicksilver the only source of income to the com-
pany. Sulphur, which forms a great component part of the ore, and which
heretofore was entirely lost by evaporation, and the presence of which seri-
ous^- interfered with the successful extraction of mercury, may be separated
from the ore, and manufactured in quantities averaging about five tons per
day.
The Sulphur Bank forms the southern slope of a long low ridge or hill
which skirts the south shore of the extreme eastern end of Clear Lake. The
ridge trends east and west. The ground lying between the Sulphur Bank
and the lake shore is nearly level and but a few feet above the water. At
Mines and Mining. 133
a distance of several hundred feet from the shore line the surface begins to
rise gradually to the north and east until at the top of the hill the elevation
is something over one hundred feet above the water. The rock composing
the main body of this hill is of volcanic origin, chiefly basaltic lava, but
occurring in various forms, some hard, heavy and compact, some light and
cellular, and much of it more or less decomposed.
The dimensions of this ore-bearing deposit give a superficial area of
six hundred and sixty-two thousand four hundred square feet, or sev-
enty-three thousand six hundred square yards, with an average depth of
about thirty feet. According to the foregoing, the cubical contents are,
therefore : One thousand three hundred and eighty feet by four hundred
and eighty feet by thirty feet, amounting to nineteen million eight hun-
dred and seventy-two thousand cubic feet, equal to seven hundred and
thirty-six thousand cubic yards. From this gross amount there must
be deducted an estimated proportion of worthless, or unworkable ground,
consisting of rock and boulders. From a careful inspection of all the
cuts, and from roughly estimating the relation existing between the
ground already worked and the amount of ore obtained from it, the avail-
able proportion of working material is two-thirds of the whole. Taking
one-third, then, from the number of cubic feet before obtained, we have
remaining thirteen million two hundred and forty-eight thousand cubic
feet of available ground ; and allowing twenty cubic feet to the ton, we
thus obtain an estimated quantity of six hundred and sixty-two thousand
four hundred tons of ore.
The results of the assays may be summarized as follows : Every sample
was assayed and found to contain metal. The highest and lowest assays
obtained from any averaged samples of ore in place in the deposit were six
and twelve one hundredths per cent, and twenty-five one hundredths per
cent. The highest and lowest assays obtained from any averaged sample of
ore in piles were eleven and twenty-six one hundredths per cent, and fifty-
five one hundredths per cent.
This is equal to one and one-sixth per cent, of the whole ground included
in our measurements. The amount of quicksilver contained in the deposit,
according to the foregoing is, therefore, six hundred and sixty-two thousand
four hundred tons, averaging one and three-fourth per cent., or thirty-five
pounds of metal to the ton, containing twenty-three million one hundred
and eighty-four thousand pounds of quicksilver. This is a gross estimate.
The net quantity and value will, of course, depend on the percentage of
metal extracted, the cost of extraction, and the market price of quicksilver.
The production hitherto has been effected under disadvantages and diffi-
culties incidental to new enterprises and experimental processes. The pe-
culiar character of. the ore (containing a large percentage of sulphur) has
134 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
demanded specially adapted methods of treatment ; and much time and
money have been spent in seeking them.
The following is a summary of assays not in the preceding list of assays :
Adobes 2.51 per cent.
Refuse from old Sulphur Works 2.68 per cent.
Ore being passed through rockers 3.46 per cent.
Tailings from rockers 3.78 per cent.
The locality round about is decidedly volcanic, and though the fiery
energy has for a lengthened period been subdued, there apparently still exists
a certain amount of emitted heat from a deep-seated source. This may,
however (and probably has), auxiliary to it, a relatively superficial heat, re-
sulting from the decomposition of various compounds at shallow or slight
depth. The result of this volcanic force has been to send up volumes of
fumes of various minerals and metals, and by their condensation, to place
before the view (immediately on the surface) a vast body of efflorescent
ores, principal among which are those of quicksilver and sulphur, both gen-
erally diffused, of high percentage, and consequently of large economic
importance.
We will now describe the smelting process as it is conducted at this
mine in the reduction of their ores. As has already been stated in these
pages, cinnabar is a composition of sulphur and mercury — sulphide of mer-
cury— there being sixteen parts of the former to eighty-four of the latter.
The ore is brought to the furnace dumps in carts, where it is segregated,
the fine and coarse being kept separate. The ore is placed into the top of
the furnace, and the fire is kindled at the bottom. The furnace used here
is the Hunter & Scott, and is composed of a double series of shelves so ar-
ranged that they project over each other in such a manner that as the ore
descends from one shelf, it will be precipitated upon the one just below it
on the opposite side of the chamber. The ore thus slowly works its way
from shelf to shelf until it reaches the bottom, when it is drawn as slag, as
it is presumed that all the quicksilver has been volatilized and passed over
to the cooling chambers. This condensing chamber consists of a laige brick
concern with four several compartments in it. The fumes pass into this
from the furnace near the bottom, and thence over the top of the first par-
tition wall, and thence under the next partition wall, and so on till the
outlet is reached. While going through this process the mercury is precipi-
tated in and Hows in disconnected globules into receptacles for the purpose.
A large percentage of the mercury goes over into this chamber either in
chemical or mechanical union with some foreign substance, usually here
sulphur, and is deposited in the bottoms of these compartments as a black
soot, and is so denominated. This is drawn as often as necessity requires,
and is retorted a second time. In this soot the percentage of mercury
^^<
r
Mines and Mining. 135
ranges from twenty-five to eighty ; hence, the yield from the retort is almost
a steady flow. This soot is mixed with a flux of lime and charcoal in the
following proportions : one-fifth charcoal, one-fifth lime, and three-fifths
mercurial soot. When there is no sulphur in the soot, only lime is used.
The soot preparation is put into pans, and the sublimated mercury passes
over into a cooler, where it is condensed and deposited in a receptacle.
Here the flasks are filled, seventy-six and one-half pounds of quicksilver
being the quantity put in each flask. This is an old Spanish measure, and
has been maintained the world over. The entire flask weighs about ninety
pounds. Iron is used for the flasks, as mercury has the least affinity for
it of any of the metals. A bar of lead will act as a syphon for it, and all
are familiar with Mark Twain's experience with his gold ring, and not a
few have shared the same fate.
After the fumes have passed through the condensing chamber they are
led in a flume, two feet square on the inside, to a chimney. Of these flumes
and chimneys there are two, one on the north side of the works and the
other on the south. The one on the north is fourteen hundred feet long, and
the chimney is eighty feet high and is constructed of brick. The flume to the
south is four hundred and fifty feet long and the chimney is forty feet high.
The first one is a natural draft and the other has a blast. In these flumes
the soot mentioned above collects and is retorted the same as the other. The
fumes escaping from the chimney are chiefly sulphurous acid, and would be
very disagreeable in any large quantities, but, dissipated as they are before
they settle to the earth, they do no damage. '
The large furnaces will consume about fifteen tons of ore per day each.
A charge consists of about sixteen hundred pounds, and the furnace is
charged about sixteen times in twenty -four hours. The debris is drawn
from the bottom of the furnace about every two hours, and is wheeled to
the far-distant dump on the lake shore. In the furnace there are sixteen
tiers of shelves, and they are made up of pieces of tiling made of fire-clay.
These tiles are thirty inches long, fifteen inches wide and three inches thick,
and in a furnace there are seven hundred and sixty-eight of them.
The company is at present sinking a shaft, and it is expected that a large
body of ore will be struck at no great depth. Should such be the case the
mine will prove a veritable bonanza. Mr. F. Fiedler is the present superin-
tendent and Mr. J. E. Tucker is his assistant. Both are very efficient gen-
tlemen and the company are fortunate in securing their services in those
positions.
Great Western Quicksilver Mine. — This mine was discovered and located
in 1850, but no great amount of work was done there till 1S72, when the
present proprietors, E. Green and Hiram Taft, came into possession of it.
136 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
since which time it has been continuously developed. The mine is situated
in the range of mountains lying between Mount St. Helena and Cobb Mount-
ain, and on the west side of Loconoma Valley. So far most of the work
has consisted of tunnelling, of which there are ten. The length of these
tunnels is as follows : No. 1, one hundred feet, and crosses the ore vein ;
No. 2, one thousand five hundred feet ; No. 3, one hundred and fifty feet ;
No. 4, seventy-five feet ; No. 5, one hundred feet ; No. 6, is a shaft ; No. 7,
two hundred feet ; No. 8, one thousand six hundred feet ; No. 9, two thous-
and six hundred feet; and No. 10, two hundred and fifty feet. No. 9 is the
main tunnel, and extends entirely through the ridge or hill in which the
mine is located. The ore vein varies in width from six to sixty feet. The
mine is worked on two levels, one on tunnel No. 9, and the other below that
level. From No. 9 up to the surface will average two hundred and fifty
feet, and is really all worked out. The present supply of ore comes from
below that tunnel, and is raised by hoisting-works to that level, whence it
is drawn to the mouth of the tunnel on cars by mules.
The ore yields from three-quarters to one per cent., and is found in mas-
sive serpentine. The side walls are rotten slate stone, while the foot wall
is basalt. The most of the cinnabar is found next to the hanging wall.
There are five furnaces here for the reduction of the ore ; three of the Green
patent, and one Litchfield and one Livermore — the three first being for coarse
or uncrushed ore, and the two latter for fine ore. Space forbids an extended
description of these furnaces, as they will be found described elsewhere in
the body of this work. The mine is under the able supervision of Mr.
Andrew Rocca, who is certainly the right man for the place, as he most
thoroughly understands mining operations. We are sorry that wejiave not
the figures at hand to represent the yield of this mine, but it is yielding
fully as well as any mine now being worked in that vicinity.
Lower Lake Township. 137
LOWER LAKE TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY. — The following boundaries of this township were estab-
lished by the Board of Supervisors : Beginning at the highest point of St.
Helena Mountain, on the line dividing ,Napa County from Lake County ;
thence along said dividing line between Lake and Napa Counties easterly
to where the second standard line of United States survey crosses the Yolo
County line ; thence along the line dividing Yolo and Lake Counties, to the
south-west corner of Colusa, County ; thence along the main ridge of mount-
ains dividing the waters of Long Valley on the east and Clear Lake on the
west ; thence westerly along said ridge to the point between Alters and
Stubbs' ranches ; thence southerly along said ridge dividing Alter 's and
Stubbs' ranches, to Clear Lake ; thence southerly across said lake to a point
one mile east of Uncle Sam Mountain ; thence in a southerly direction to
the thirty-five-mile post on the Sacramento road ; thence southerly to the
highest point of Siegler Mountain, so as to include Gravelly Valley in this
township ; thence in a southerly direction to the highest point of Cobb
Mountain, so as to leave Cobb Valley out of this township ; thence follow-
ing the county line of Lake County south-easterly to the place of beginning.
In August, 1869, the Board of Supervisors made an order establishing
Knoxville Township with the following boundaries, which include a portion
of the territory covered by the above : Beginning at the dividing ridge on
the western side of Morgan Valley, and south-east of the house heretofore
known as George McMillan's house, on Soda Creek ; thence following said
divide south-easterly to the ridge of mountains at the southerly extremity
of said valley ; thence southerly down said ridge of mountains to the east-
ward of the valleys known as Jerusalem and Jericho, until the line dividing
the counties of Lake and Napa is intersected ; thence easterly along said
dividing line between Lake and Napa Counties, to the county line dividing-
Lake and Yolo Counties ; thence northerly along the dividing line between
Lake and Yolo Counties to Cache Creek ; thence up said creek to the divid-
ing ridge between the waters of said creek and a branch of the same,
heading at or near the house formerly known as William Goldsmith's house ;
thence following said ridge to the point of beginning.
In 1872 the Legislature passed an Act relocating the dividing line be-
tween Napa and Lake Counties, and transferring almost bodily the whole
138 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
of Knoxville Township to the former county, and this line thus became the
southern boundary line of Lower Lake Township. This line is as follows :
The northern boundary line of Napa and the southern boundary line of
Lake Counties shall commence at the highest point of the Mount St.
Helena; thence running in an easterly direction along the present boundary
line between said counties to the Butts Canon road ; thence north-easterly,
in a direct line to the junction of Jericho and Putah Creeks ; thence up
Jericho Creek to the junction of Hunting Creek, to a large pile of rocks on
the south-easterly side of the county road, at the lower and most easterly
end of Hunting Valley ; thence in a straight line in the direction of the
intersection of Bear and Cache creeks, to the county line of Yolo County ;
thence along the line of Yolo County in a south-easterly direction to the
present county line dividing Yolo and Napa Counties.
Hence, by the above, it will be seen that Lower Lake Township is at
present bounded on the south by Napa County, on the east by Yolo County,
on the north by Big Valley Township, and on the east by Sonoma County.
TOPOGRAPHY. — Mountains and valleys — this is the topography of
Lower Lake Township in as few words as possible. Beginning at the south-
west coiner we find ourselves on the summit of St. Helena, whose highest
peaks pierce high into the upper ether. From its summit a lovely prospect
is spread out before the eye, and the whole of the township may be seen as
if in a panorama. Away to the north, and in the north-west corner of the
township, the bald brow of Cobb is bared to the sun far amid the clouds.
Lying between the two is the beautiful and fertile Loconoma Valley, ex-
tending virtually from base to base. To the east of this valley, and over a
divide of low hills, lies the gem of the township, Coyote Valley, extending
for several miles along the banks of Putah Creek. Further on the east is
Morgan Valley, and to the north is Lower Lake Valley, these being quite
extensive and fertile. Between all these valleys there are ranges of moun-
tains, and in all of the mountains there are numerous little valleys, which
are as oases in the desert. They are paradises in the wilderness, lovely
habitations for man in the very mountain :
GEOLOGY. — Here as elsewhere in Lake County, the geological features
are of the most interesting nature. Years could be spent by the student
here, and yet the subject would be hardly touched. What a fund of research
would all those mineral springs afford. Whence comes the borax that so
strongly permeates the waters of the lakes ? Who can solve the deep and
undiscoverable mysteries that are so abundant about the Sulphur Bank ?
Who can trace the earth's formation and upbuilding in this chaotic mass of
rock that reveals nothing in order, but everything in the wildest of confu-
sion ' Rock that was once stratified and orderly, have become metamorphic,
Lower Lake Township. 139
and huge beds of lava have rolled in between the ages. Granite appears so
burned and scorched that its best friends do not recognize its face. Sand-
stone is so badly charred that the savants themselves refuse to express a
decided opinion as to its real character, stating that it looks like sandstone
and may be for aught they know, but it may not be. Huge masses of
serpentine meet one on every side, and red hills of decomposed oxyd of
iron are common. Some of the finer stones are found, such as alabaster,
fine grained serpentine, rose quartz, etc. Cinnabar abounds in almost all
portions of the township, and has been mined for very successfully in
several places, notably at the Sulphur Bank and the north-eastern slope of
St. Helena Mountain. Much more might be said, in fact a whole book could
be written on this subject and yet the theme would not be exhausted, hence
we leave it here, hoping that some master hand may take it up in the
near future and do it full justice. It is a pity that our State has not an
extended and reliable geological survey. It has not even an outline that
covers the entire area.
SOIL. — The soil of the valleys in this township is mostly sandy, with
here and there a little adobe and loam. In Loconoma Valley it is especially
of a sandy nature, but in Coyote Valley and around Lower Lake the adobe
and loam are in the ascendancy. On the mountain sides it is gravelly and
not very fertile. North of Lower Lake, towards East Lake, the soil is en-
tirely adobe, and the condition of the roads in the winter season is far from
delectable, but this soil is very fertile and productive, cereals especially
thriving excellently on it.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this township are much the same as in
the others of the county. Cereals, fruits, vegetables and small fruits thrive
well in all sections, but as elsewhere in the county the climate is a little too
rigorous for semi-tropical fruits or plants. Grapes do well indeed here, and
much attention is just now being given to viniculture in this township.
The Clear Lake Water Company have under contract the clearing off of
some two hundred acres of land and fitting the same for grape planting in
1882, with choice varieties of foreign table and wine grapes as well as of
the domestic varieties. This wealthy company intend putting out not less
than four hundred acres into vines, and to fully test every part of the
county as regards the adaptability for this great industry and source of
wealth. The Water Company will, if successful in the cultivation of the
vine, ei-ect a large wine cellar, and not improbably a woolen mill and other
useful branches of industries. Some attention is paid to dairying and stock
raising. This portion of Lake County is not so far removed from market
as the other sections, hence it is more of an object for the farmers of this
140 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
section to produce something of an excess over their home necessities. If
there were a railroad here, it would open out to the San Francisco market
a very rich and productive country.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this section is just as lovely as any portion
of Lake County, and that is saying very much for it indeed. In fact, it is
a little more pleasant, for in the winter time it is not so cold, not being so
elevated as the country further north, and in the summer season it is not
quite so warm, on an average, as it is nearer the bay, and some vestiges of
the trade winds float over the mountains and serve to reduce the temper-
ature in a measure. In the valleys, in the mid-summer season, it is very
warm during the middle of the day, however, but the nights are mostly cool
and pleasant. The days are just as bright, the air just as sweet and balmy,
the mist}' haze upon the mountains just as gloriously beautiful, the sun sheds
its golden flood of beams from out the dome of just as blue an empyrean, and
falls upon just as cheering a landscape as it ever entered the heart of man
to conceive.
TIMBER. — There are no large bodies of timber in this township, and
yet it is, perhaps, the best wooded of all in the county. Pine, fir, cedar,
oak, alder, and several varieties abound, while not a few cypress trees are
to be found on the sides of St. Helena Mountain. The pines, fir and cedar
make good lumber, and there are several saw-mills within its borders busily
engaged working these logs into a marketable shape. The other woods are
more adapted to domestic purposes. Loconoma Valley is a vast wooded
plain, the wide-spreading branches of the oak making it have the appear-
ance, at a distance, of a great forest.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— The first settlers of this township located at
or near the present town site of Lower Lake, and Walter Anderson was
probably the first man here with a family. Other early settlers here were I.
B. Shreve, C. N. Copsey, L. W. Parkerson, Terrell Grigsby, J. Broome
Smith, — Barber, — Parker, W. W. Hale, C. C. Copsey, Allen Copsey, 0. J.
Copsey, John C. Copsey, Thomas Copsey, Dr. William R. Mathews, W. C.
Goldsmith, W. Slater, Charles Kiphart, Calvin Reams, A. Hill, A. S. Mc-
Williams, N. Herndon, E. M. Day, 0. U. Caldwell, E. Mitchell, — Chopson,
Alexander Downey, Jarvis Cable, W. E. Willis, Jacob Bowers, — Burns, M.
Craven, Robert Gaddy, S. J. Tucker, Charles Ferguson, William Graves (one
of the Donner party), J. R. Hale, William Brown, S. A. Thompson, C. L.
Wilson, Pleasant Smith, L. H. Gruwell, William Kesey, C. P. Scranton and
J. M. Collins.
All the above were in and about the Lower Lake section, extending to
the Copsey settlement and Siegler Valley. It is said that John Greenwood
Lower Lake Township. 141
and Calvin C. Griffith were in Burns Valley as early as 1846, and spent a
winter. In Coyote Valley, George Rock came in as agent for Jacob P.
Leese as early as 1848, probably, and lived in a log house near the site of
the stone house now on the north side of the valley. J. Broome Smith had
a log house here in 1852. R. H. Sterling and Captain Steele built the stone
house mentioned above in 1854. Sterling had a family with him, and his
wife was the first woman in the valley. W. H.'Manlove, T. Hall, Henry
Bond, — Barnes, W. G. Cannon, L. B. Tremper, R. F. Miles and James S.
Miles were old settlers in Coyote Valley.
In Loconoma Valley, W. L. Anderson settled as early as 1853, and built
a house near where George E. McKinley now lives. He had a drove of
cattle. In 1857 Springston and Dickson wrent into Loconoma Valley from
Cobb Valley, where they had first settled. . J. Conley and H. Warren were
there also in 1857. Matt. Harbin had a band of stock in there quite early,
and George Christman was the agent in charge. E. H. Smith, Douglas and
Phillips settled on the east side of the creek from Middletown. A man by
the name of Butts lived where David Hudson now resides, at that time.
He or Springston had the first family in the valley. In 1858 Simon Bas-
sett and two sons came into Loconoma Valley, and settled in the south-
western portion of it. A man by the name of Marble lived there in an
early day. George E. McKinley came in in 1857. Charles Morgan settled
in Morgan Valley in 1854, and Calvin Cox in 1856. Charles Stubbs was
also an early settler in this township.
LOWER LAKE. — This is a lovely village of some four hundred and
fifty inhabitants, located at the southern extremity of Clear Lake, but
about three miles from the landing. The first house built in the town was
erected by E. Mitchell in 1858, which was a dwelling-house. Messrs. Her-
rick & Getz had a store there in I860. The first hotel was opened by Dr.
Bynum in 1865, the first saloon by C. N. Adams in 1861, and the first black-
smith shop was conducted by L. B. Thompson in 1860. From the time of
the location of the county seat at Lower Lake in 1S67, until the present, the
growth of the place has been steady, and at times quite rapid. It is very
eligiby located, though not nearly so advantageously as its rival sister, Lake-
port, and has a good country around it. Its business interests are at present
represented as follows : Four stores, one drug store, three blacksmith shops,
two wagon shops, one livery stable, one hotel, one restaurant, one flour mill,
one barley and feed mill, one planing mill, one shoe shop, one barber shop,
three saloons, one millinery, two meat markets, one printing office, one law-
yer, two doctors, and one brewery. Lower Lake, among its business inter-
ests, enjoys the distinguished novelty of having a lady druggist. Miss
Delia Walls, a young lady not yet in her twenties, has the honor of being
142 History of Napa and Lake Counties- — Lake.
one of the very few lady druggists on the Pacific Coast. She began at the
age of fourteen, and in two years assumed full charge of the business, and
now conducts it in her own right and title, giving eminent satisfaction in a
place so fraught with responsibilities. There is also a post-office, Wells,
Fargo & Co.'s express office, and a telegraph office in the place.
Lower Lake is connected with the outside world by two stage lines, one
extending from East Lake to Calistoga, and the other from Lower Lake to
Woodland. The mail service has been heretofore daily for some time, but
is at present only tri- weekly. The Northern Telegraph Company have a
branch line extending from Glenbrook to East Lake, which passes through
this place. Lower Lake has been the sport of an adverse fate ever since its
inception almost. The star of destiny was not in a fortuitous conjunction
at its birth, and the shadow of disappointment has always hovered over it,
and the sunshine of hope has always been shut out just before the eagerly
sought for day of realization had any more than dawned upon her expectant
inhabitants. Cruel indeed has been the decrees of that destiny which has
ruled during the days of county seat contests.
In 1867 the fates seemed to be in a manner propitious to the place. The
county seat question had just been decided in its favor, and the county
officers had their headquarters in the place. Just about this time the Clear
Lake Water Company began operations, and there were possibilities in the
future for the place that the most sanguine hardly dared to dream of. This
company proposed to erect a large factory there, where all the wool produced
in Lake County should be manufactured into cloth. They were going to
have an enormous mill, where all the grain grown in the county should be
converted into flour and meal, and there was to be a saw and planing mill
of monstrous proportions, where all the timber from every mountain side in
the county was to be manipulated into lumber, just such as the people
would have need for. How grand this gigantic project looked on paper.
And the people of Lower Lake believed every word of it, and we have no
reason to doubt that the company intended to build up a great enterprise
there, provided they could make it pay. People must remember that capital
will not remain long invested where there is no outcome, and where the
profits of this enterprise were to accrue is beyond the ken of ordinary mor-
tals. At that time all [these products had to be taken to tide water by
teams, a distance of over one hundred miles, and how it was expected to
make it pay is unknown. The farmers of Lake County, as of every other
section, have only simple wants, and they could not take the manufactured
article in return for the crude, and dispose of or use it themselves.
And so the hopes of the town were drawn to the highest tension. The
company did construct quite an extensive building at the dam, and ma-
chinery for a flouring, saw, and planing mill was put in. What more they
Lower Lake Township. 143
would have done will never be known; for in a night as it were, all their
improvements were swept away before the remorseless tide of the just in-
dignation of a much abused and injured people. And with it, unfortunately,
perished the grand scheme for making Lower Lake a great city, whose fame
should go abroad throughout the land. It was a sorrowful day for that
place when the people from above put in an appearance, prepared to carry
out the provisions of that higher law which fears not might when right is
involved, as is too often the case in our ordinary tribunals. There had been
lively times there during the erection of the dam and the buildings, and much
money had been left in the town.
Not content with destroying this grand stay and support of their pros-
perity, the fates soon after decreed that the last beam of hope should perish,
and the flickering lamp of prosperity should be extinguished almost entirely,
by the removal of the county seat to Lakeport. This indeed proved the
death-blow to all the brightest and fondest hopes of the unfortunate place ;
and in that decision of the voice of the people of the county at large they
saw their day star of prosperity sink forever behind the stygian clouds of ,
ruthless adversity.
But the people of the place evinced their good sense and their pluck and
determination by taking up the watchword, " Never say die ! " and began at
once to retrieve their losses. Industry and enterprise is visible on every
side. The town is tidy, neat and really beautiful in appearance. The thrift
of the place is manifested by the nicely painted cottages to be seen on all sides.
Thrifty men have neat and beautiful homes as a rule, and there is no place
where a man spends his money so willingly as in the adornment of his home.
The streets of the town are wide, level and regularly laid off. There is a
school-house in the town that speaks volumes for the enterprise and intel-
ligence of the community. Truly it is a pity that such adverse circum-
stances should have fallen upon the place, for the people are indeed worthy
a much better fate. The town is growing steadily, and we bespeak for it a
future yet that will show to the world of what sort of mettle the citizens of
the place are made.
In the old days of county seat glory, the county ofhces were located in
the double building just across the street from the hotel, and now occupied
as a store. The Clear Lake Water Company still own large tracts of land
in that vicinity and are now turning their attention to wine growing, and
the time may come when Lower Lake will be the center of one of the most
extensive and wealthy wine-producing sections in the State. In that event
the dire decrees of fate will, in a great measure, be amended. May it be so !
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — Clear Lake Lodge, No. 130,
I. O. 0. F., was organized January 16, 1867, with the following charter mem-
bers : W. P. Berry, D. M. Hanson, William Farmer, William Kesey, H.
144 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Allen, H. H. Nunnally and J. H. Berry. The first officers were : D. M.
Hanson, N. G. ; "William Farmer, V. G. ; W. P. Berry, Secretary, and William
Kesey, Treasurer. The following named members have been honored with
the position of Noble Grand : D. M. Hanson, William Farmer, W. C. Gold-
smith, J. W. Everett, Joseph Getz, H. M. Trude, H. Allen, C. B. Hughes, J.
B. Holloway, George N. Snow, J. R. Cook, J. D. Adams, M. Butler, John
Smith, R. F. Miles, M. Getz, H. H. Wilson, R. H. Lawrence, J. M. Campbell,
J. S. Miles, A. P. Joslyn, G. R. Lee, A. M. Atkins, J. B. Fitch, J. H. McFar-
ling, William Blann, C. C. Parker and S. H. Thompson. The present officers
are, S. H. Thompson, N. G ; R. Hills, V. G. ; D. L. Miller, Secretary, and
I. B. Shreve, Treasurer. The present membership is seventy -four, and the
lodge is in a most flourishing condition, being the strongest lodge in the
county of Lake. They have a fine two-story building here, which was
erected in 1868, and dedicated July 4th of that year. The hall is 45x22
feet, and is handsomely furnished. The Encampment was organized here,
but afterwards taken to Lakeport.
Free and Accepted Masons. — Clear Lake Lodge, No. 183, F. & A. M.,
was organized U. D. February 4, 1867, with the following charter members:
L. B. Thurman, Charles Wormwood, C. Noble Copsey, W. R. Mathews,
T. M. Harris, D. M. Hanson, J. D. Hendricks, W. W. Davis, J. C. Crigler,
Z. C. Davee, J. D. Adams, Charles Stubbs, F. M. Herndon, William Chris-
tianson, C. C Rush, L. P. Nichols. The officers U. D. were, L. B. Thurman,
W. M.; Charles Wormwood, S. W.; and C. N. Copsey, J. W. The charter
was granted October 10, 1867, and the first officers under it were the same
as XJ. D. The following members have filled the honorable position of
Worshipful Master : L. B. Thurman, L. Willey, J. R. Cook, H. H. Wilson,
J. W. Howard, W. H. Cunningham, R. K. Nichols,. L. H. Gruwell, Sol. Getz.
The present officers ai-e, W. H. Cunningham, W. M.; Solomon Getz, S. W.; H.
H. Wilson, J. W.; M. Levy, Treasurer; W. J. Masterson, Secretary; D. M.
Hanson, S. D.; W. S. Snow, J. D.; J. W. Brown and F. M. Herndon, Stewards;
J. E. Tucker, Chaplain ; L. H. Gruwell, Marshal; F. L. Castellan, Tyler.
The present membership is thirty-eight, and the lodge is in a very prosper-
ous condition indeed. They meet in the Odd-Fellow's Hall.
Schools. — To Lower Lake belongs the honor of having the finest school-
house in the county by far, and the only one constructed of brick. In 1876
a move was made by the people looking toward a new school building, and
on the lfifch of March of that year the following bill was approved by the
Governor : The Trustees of Lower Lake School District may levy a tax for
the purposes of building a public school-house, as follows : In the year 1876,
such a number of cents on each $100 of all the taxable property in the
district, as will raise the sum of $1425; in the year 1877, as will raise the
Lower Lake Township. 145
sum of $1576; in the year 1878, as will raise the sum of $1710 ; in the year
1879, as will raise the sum of $1879.
January 25, 1878, this proposition was changed somewhat by an Act of
the Legislature, which contained the following provisions : The Trustees of
Lower Lake School District may issue bonds, not to exceed $8000, payable
in twelve years after their date, at a rate of interest of 10 per cent, per
annum, payable annually.
The building was erected in 1877, and was of brick, two stories high,
and had a French roof upon it, making a beautiful and stately looking
structure. Just as it was completed a drunken man got into it some way,
and attempted to light a pipe. The shavings ignited, and the whole build-
ing except the walls was destroyed, entailing a loss of $3000, $1500 of which
fell upon the contractor and $1500 on the district. The building was again
rebuilt, and the roof changed from French to mansard. There are two reci-
tation rooms below, and a public hall above. The school has two departments
in it, and is well conducted in every particular.
Lower Lake Brewery.— This enterprise was put on foot in 1870 by
Messrs. Keitz & Co., and the building was erected about a mile north of
town. Before any work had been done it was moved to its present site,
just within the western town limits. The projectors sold the business to
C. Hammer, and he to C. F. Linck in 1875, who is the present proprietor.
A market is readily found for the product at the mines and neighboring
towns.
Lower Lake Flouring Mill. — This mill was built in 1869 by J. M.
Everetts and William Davy, and they disposed of it to William Saywood
in 1871. It is located on the west bank of Siegler Creek, and just in the
western outskirts of the town. It is run by steam ; has two buhrs, one for
flour and one for feed, and has a capacity of thirty barrels per day. The
building is forty -two feet square and two and one-half stories high. M. N.
Young is the lessee, and the mills have a wide and desirable reputation for
making good flour under his management.
Lower Lake Planing Mill. — This enterprise was put in operation in
1877 by S. H. Thompson, who is the present proprietor. The machinery
consists of a planer, mortising machine, and several saws. He makes doors,
sash, blinds, wagons, carriages, etc., in the general line of wood work. The
building is 50x52 feet in size. The lumber used is secured from Rice's mill.
Newspapers. — But little of the early newspaper history of Lower Lake
is known now. In 1866 the Observer was published there, but we do not
know who was its editor or proprietor. During that year it died under the
10
146 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
management in charge, and in December following F. L. Beckwith took hold
of the helm.
During 1866 the Lower Lake Sentinel was under the charge of D. M.
Hanson. In April, 1877, it " climbed the golden stair," and laid its bones
to rest upon the altar of proud but unrealized ambitions.
The Lower Lake Bulletin was started August 28, 1869, by L. P. Nichols.
This paper is now published by J. B. Baccus, Jr., who is a very competent
and able journalist, and his paper is always bright, newsy, reliable, and,
what is best of all, has the interest of the community thoroughly at heart,
and he stands up manfully in his advocacy of it.
LAKE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.— This organi-
zation was effected in December, 1879, and the incorporating gentlemen
were, R. K. Nichols, J. B. Robinson, J. D. Mendenhall, D. M. Hanson and J.
M. Hamilton. The officers for 1880 were : President, L. H. Gruwell ; Secre-
tary, H. Winchester ; Treasurer, W. T. Young ; Directors — First Supervisor's
District, D. M. Hanson, A. F. Morrell and J. Chrisman; Second District,
William Harris, W. T. Young, J. H. Renfro ; Third District, J. T. McClintock,
R. G. Reynolds, A. E. Noel ; at large, J. S. Mendenhall and L. H. Gruwell.
The officers for 1881 are, President, L. H Gruwell ; First Vice-President,
H. H Wilson ; Second Vice-President, J. H. Renfro ; Treasurer, R. K. Nich-
ols ; Secretary, D. L. Miller ; Directors — First Supervisor's District, H. H.
Wilson, L. H. Gruwell, H. Bond ; Second District, Thomas Morlan, William
Harris, J. H. Renfro ; Third District, P. Burtnett, L. G. Simmons, J. T. Mc-
Clintock ; at large, R. D. Merritt and R. K. Nichols.
The first fair was held the 13th, 14th and 15th of October, 1880, at the
Society's grounds, which lie in a little valley about one mile south of Lower
Lake. The ground for the fair was donated by L. H. Gruwell, and a splen-
did race-track has been prepared, judges' stands and stock sheds have been
provided. The horticultural and textile departments were displayed in
buildings in town. The society, though young, is in a very prosperous con-
dition, and much interest is being taken in it all over the county. And this is
as it should be. There is nothing that will spur men to action so much as
competition, and this is thoroughly brought out at these county fairs. Let
every citizen of Lake take hold of this enterprise !
EAST LAKE. — This is the name that is latterly applied to the mining
village which has sprung up at the Sulphur Bank, and is derived from that
portion of the Clear Lake which puts out for the east just below the narrows.
The town consists of the works and buildings of the Sulphur Bank Quick-
silver Mining Company, a hotel, store and a few private residences. There is
a store here, and a physician, a post and express office, and the place is
Lower Lake Township. 147
connected with Lakeport by boat, and Lower Lake, Middletown and Calistoga
by a tri -weekly stage which carries the mail and express. It is not proba-
ble that the place will ever grow to a size or importance beyond its present
status.
GUENOC. — This was the name of a little village in Coyote Valley, but
nearly all traces of it have been obliterated, and all its business has long
since disappeared. A firm by the name of Herrick & Getz had a store at
the site of the stone house north of Guenoc, as early as I860, and it was the
first store in the south end of the county. In a year or two this store was
moved to Lower Lake. Messrs. Strader & Clark built and opened the first
store at the present site of Guenoc, in 1866, and 0. Armstrong had a
saloon there soon afterwards. An Odd-Fellows hall was built there, which
was moved to Middletown in 1871. There was at one time quite a little
village there, but when the village of Middletown sprung into existence the
whole place picked up bag and baggage and posted off to the new town site.
Why this was done it is hard to tell, except that the new place was at the
junction of two main stage roads, and in closer proximity to the mines,
from which any village in that section must hope to gain the most of its
support. There are two or three dwelling houses still on the old town site,
a store building, and the wreck of a blacksmith shop. The town site was
just on the south bank of Putah Creek, and the bridge spanning the stream
at this point is six hundred feet long, and was constructed at a cost of
$5,000. The town site of Guenoc was not so nice as the one at Middletown
in many respects, and in all probability the change was a wise one.
MIDDLETOWN.— This is a beautiful little village sequestered amid
a forest of native oaks, in the center of Loconoma Valley. One does not
know that he is near the town until he is in the midst of it, almost. J. H.
Berry built the first house on the present town site in the fall of 1870. C.
M. Young bought a half interest in the town site in 1871. O. Armstrong
had a saloon here in 1870, and Berry kept a hotel. D. Lobre started the
first store in the place in 1872. The street running north and south through
the village is called Calistoga avenue, and the principal cross street is Main.
The first business in the place was located at this crossing, Armstrong's
saloon being on the north-east corner, Berry's hotel on the south-west, the
Odd-Fellows hall that was moved down from Guenoc, on the south-east, and
a livery stable on the north-west. A fine brick hotel now stands on the
site of the old one.
The business of the town is represented as follows : five stores, one drug
store, two hotels, one livery stable, one meat market, one barber shop, three
blacksmith's shops, three saloons, one shoe and harness shop combined, one
148 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
jeweler, one doctor, one church, (a Methodist,) a school-house, a post, tele-
graph and express office. The place is connected with all points on the
Lakeport and Calistoga, and Lower Lake and Calistoga stage lines, by tri-
weekly stages, and the mail service is daily. The population of the place
is estimated at three hundred and fifty. The future of the village is cer-
tainly as full of promise as the past has been, for though the mines are now
closed down, the time is coming when they will all, and more besides, be at
work again. There is a rich valley around the town, which will always
support it at its present size.
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — Friendship Lodge, No. 150,
I. O. 0. F., was organized December 25, 1S68, at Guenoc, with the following
charter members : William Farmer, T. H. Berry, O. Armstrong, M. Getz, H.
H. Nunnally, William Amesberry and William T. Miles. The first officers
were J. H. Berry, N. G.; O. Armstrong, V. G.; M. Getz, Secretary, and H.
H. Nunnally, Treasurer. The following named gentlemen have filled the
position of Noble Grand : J. H. Berry, 0. Armstrong, George E. McKinley,
William Amesberry, J. M. Davis, D. W. Lilley, William Armstrong, W. P.
Berry, M. Kerr, James Johnson, G. W. Rawson, A. G Butler, D. Posten, P.
Achey, J. L. Richardson, M. Mehan, J. Rienike and L. Wilkinson. The present
officers are J. Wilkinson, N. G.; J. Atkinson, V. G.; G. W. Rawson, Secretary,
and W. J. Armstrong, Treasurer. The present membership is fifty, and the
lodge is in a mo^t prosperous condition. The lodge moved their building
from Guenoc to this place in 1871. In 1876 they desired a more com-
modious building than the old one, hence they erected the present hall,
which is 24x60 feet in size and two stories high. It is a fine building and
the lodge room is well fitted up.
Independent Order of Good Templars. — On Monday evening, April
8, 1872, the following named persons met at Middletown, for the purpose of
organizing a subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars :
J. M. Hamilton, S. W. Williams, John Good, Jr., George Farley, Frank Mc-
Call, Harris Brown, Rev. H. D. Bryant, S. Sibley, Lafayette Stark, John
Good, Sr., R. Farmer, R D. Nunnally, W. G. Cannon, A. R. Hamilton, Mrs.
A. 1. Kellogg, Mrs. L. S. Cannon, Mrs. M. L. Young, Miss F. A. Kellogg and
Miss Annie Hamilton. The obligation was administered by Lucas Willey,
D. G. W. C. T., after which the following officers were elected : J. M. Hamil-
ton, W. C. T.; Mrs. A. I. Kellogg, W. V. T.; S. W. Williams, W. S.; R D.
Nunnally, W. F. S.; W. G. Cannon, W. T.; J. Good, Jr., W. M.; Mrs. M. L.
Young, W. I. G.; A. R. Hamilton, W. O. G. ; and the appointed officers
were declared to be, viz. : Miss F. A. Kellogg, W. R. H. S.; Miss Annie
Hamilton, W. L. H. S.; R. Farmer, W. A. S.; Mrs. L. S. Cannon, W. D. M.,
nnd Rev. H. D. Bryant, W. C. This lodge was called Loconoini Lodge, No.
Lozver Lake Township. 149
440 ; John Good, Sr., Lodge Deput}r. This lodge held its last meeting May,
1877. At that time W. G. Cannon was acting as W. C. T., and J. B. Preble,
W. Secretary.
On Saturday evening, August 7, 1880, a lodge of Good Templars was
organized, and instructed in the work by Levi Leland, Grand Lecturer of
the State of California. On permanent organization J. L. Read was elected
W. C. T.; Belle Parriott, W. R. H. S.; Dora Capps, W. L. H. S.; Alice Capps,
W. V. T.; J. B. Preble, W. S.; Lydia Parriott, W. A. S.; Daniel De Pencier,
W. F. S.; Daniel Rantz, W. T.; S. B. Preble, W. M.; J. S. Capps, W. I. G;
J. G. Sturgill, W. 0. G; Mrs. E. W. Irish, W. C; E. W. Irish, P. W. C. T.
The rest of the Charter members were, Mrs. D. Rantz, G. W. Smith, J. H.
Kellogg, Frank Perry, Jennie De Pencier, Mrs. A. I. Kellogg, Grant Read,
Mrs. J. S. Capps, Annie Read, G. A. Sacry, Henry Sturgill, Susie Read, and
Mrs. S. A. Edmiston. J. L. Read is Lodge Deputy. They have about sixty-
five members, and meet on Wednesday evenings.
American Sunday -School Union. — Lake County has been much
neglected by many of the mission enterprises of the churches. But, not-
withstanding that fact, there have always been some persons in the county
who have sustained the missions by personal efforts and their means. In
July, 1880, Rev. William E. Read was appointed Missionary of the Amer-
ican Sunday-School Union for the Northern District of California. In May,
1881, he commenced work in Lake County, where he remained during the
summer to organize Sunday-schools, supply schools with Sunday-school
literature, etc. He is an earnest, eloquent preacher, a zealous, indefatigible
worker, and, during the summer, made a record in his avenue of work.
Middletown Brewery. — Was established in 1875 by Messrs. Munz &
Scott. The building is 40x25, and the brewery has a capacity of fifteen
barrels a week. In April, 1881, Mr. Munz purchased Mr. Scott's interest,
and has since conducted the business.
SPRINGS — Mineral springs abound in this township, and many of the
chief health resorts of Lake County are found within its confines. The
proximity to San Francisco and the ease of access, added to the beautiful
scenery, lovely and salubrious climate, and the health-giving waters, all
conspire to add popularity to the springs in this section. Stages make close
connections with the trains for all of them and some run their own stages.
The ride is through cheering mountain scenery and is not of long enough
duration to become either tiresome or monotonous. Five hours is sufficient
time in which to reach the farthest away, while thi-ee hours will cover the
time required to travel to those nearest by.
150 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Harbin Springs. — This well-known resort for those seeking health, rest,
or pleasure, is located in a canon about two and a half miles north of Mid-
dletown and twenty-one miles from Calistoga, The elevation is one
thousand seven hundred feet above the level of the sea, hence it will be
seen that the air is light and dry, and this altitude, with the protection of
the surrounding hills, affords an exceedingly fine climate, the temperature
varying much less during twenty-four hours than at many other places
where greater uniformity is claimed and reported.
At Harbin Springs there are twenty-five or more buildings, aside from
small out-houses for various purposes. These buildings comprise a main
hotel, an office, reading-room and bar combined, a dining-room and its attach-
ments, several cottages, bath-houses, etc. The cottages are genuine. There
is no " shake shanty " nor rustic log cabin about them, but they are inclosed
with rustic siding, painted white, with nice doors and windows. There is a
name painted over each door, and the list, with the number of rooms in
each one, is as follows : " Tom Collins," two rooms ; " Bartlett," two rooms ;
" Fern," five rooms ; " Capital," twenty rooms ; " Yuba," four rooms ; " What
Cheer," one room ; "4th of July," two rooms ; " Pine," four rooms ; " Mills," four
rooms; "Hay wards," four rooms; "Rose," four rooms; "Myrtle," four rooms.
The main hotel has eleven rooms above, and four bed-rooms below ; also
a parlor and reading-room. In the bath-houses there are fifteen baths, as
follows : one mud bath, five plunge baths, and nine tubs. The water to
supply these baths comes from the hot sulphur and iron springs. All of
these improvements have been made by the present proprietor, Richard
Williams. The place has very much the appearance of a village, especially
during the busy part of the season, when there are several hundred guests
at the place.
The site of the buildings is mostly uneven ground, and there is not a
building on it but the site it occupies has been made level by hard work in
digging down the mountain side. The buildings are located on the left side
of the canon as you approach it from below, and the hills on either side of
the place are very precipitous, especially on the right, and they reach an
elevation of several hundred feet. Immediately back of, or up the canon
from the springs, is an elevation of ground extending nearly across the
canon, lessening the size of the latter to a little more than a ravine. This
elevation of ground rises, perhaps, one hundred feet above the springs, and
the top of it has been leveled off, and a flag-pole raised upon it, and seats
provided for guests, and a croquet ground staked out. Winding paths lead-
ing up in a most romantic way terminate at the summit, from which a most
lovely and enchanting view of the sweet little valley below may be had.
In looking down upon the scene below, one may grasp something of an
idea of the great amount of labor that had to be expended before the place
Lozver Lake Township. 151
could be brought to its present state of perfect beauty and comfort. When
the present proprietor, Richard Williams, and a partner, J. Hughes, pur-
chased the place, something over a dozen years ago, there was nothing there
in the way of improvements except a rough log cabin. The new owners
tore it down at once, and began their work upon a basis of nature untram-
meled even by the semblance of art. The only approach to the place then
was a rude trail along the canon, and a wagon could not be got within five
hundred rods of the springs. Therefore, all the lumber used in making the
earlier improvements about the place had to be dragged along the trail for
this distance, and all else had to be packed in on horseback.
These springs have been known to white men for over thirty years now.
The old Indians of this section used to be familiar with the medicinal vir-
tues of these waters, and in former times visited them in vast numbers. In
this way Captain Ritchie came to know about them at a very early day.
He obtained possession of the springs, by location or otherwise, and retained
them for six years, and then disposed of them to James Harbin, who owned
the place for the next eleven years, and then disposed of it to Messrs. Wil-
liams & Hughes. At the end of three years Hughes disposed of his interest
to Williams. They paid $3,000 for the property with its one log cabin on
it, and no road leading to it, and now that the improvements are made it
has commanded $80,000, and more than that is asked for it.
The springs are as follows : One hot arsenic ; one hot iron and sulphur,
the temperature of which is 108 degrees ; one hot sulphur, with a tempera-
ture of 120 degrees ; one cold iron, and one cold magnesia — all coming out
of the side of the hill at the same level, within a short distance of each
other. The springs are designated from each other by the principal ingre-
dient in the waters, though other minerals are in the water in greater or
less degree. With the guests the hot sulphur seems to be the favorite, and
the hot iron-sulphur is next in importance, while the cold arsenic and mag-
nesia waters receive but little attention.
Some marvelous cures have been effected by these waters in cases of
rheumatism, dyspepsia, neuralgia, skin diseases, chronic affections, etc., and
often cases yield and permanent cures are effected where they have been
pronounced incurable by physicians. It is said that these waters have a
very beneficial effect upon those addicted to the use of alcoholic drinks. The
Harbin Springs stage connects with all trains at Calistoga, and the time
from San Francisco to the springs is nine hours.
Anderson Springs. — These springs are located at the head of Loco-
norna Valley, four miles from Middletown, and one mile west of the road
leading from Middletown to Lakeport. They were located in 1873 by Dr.
A. Anderson and L. S. Patriquin, and opened to the public in 1874. The
springs comprise one soda, one cold iron, two sulphur — one of which is blue
152 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
and the other white, one hot iron, and a spring which is cold, and the water
has a white or milky appearance. The deposit from this spring is white,
and tastes like alum. The improvements here consist of a main hotel, some
half dozen cottages, and the bath-houses. The place is decidedly rural, and
is a delightful resort, and is very easy of access. It is exceedingly well
adapted to camping. The hotel will accommodate about thirty guests, and
was erected in 1873. The bath-houses are near the hotel, but the hot spring
is two thousand five hundred feet away, the water being conducted through
a wooden pipe or pump logs. There is also a steam bath arranged over a
hot spring in the bank of the creek.
Adams Springs. — These springs are located in the Pine Mountains, eight
miles south of Clear Lake, two and a half miles south-west of Siegler
Springs, two and a half miles from Glenbrook, on the Calistoga and Lake-
port stage line, six miles by a good road from Harbin Springs, and twenty-
eight miles from Calistoga, at which place connections are made with the
Lakeport stage on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The springs were
located upon by Charles Adams in 1869, and he sold the property to the
Whitton Brothers in the fall of 1871. During that and the succeeding year
they erected the buildings that are on the place, which consist of a main
hotel and five or six cottages. In 1878 J. S. Friedman purchased the prop-
erty, at least the title of Whitton Brothers to it. The matter of ownership
is now in litigation, as it was Government lieu land and was filed upon by
R. J. Mowry. E. R. Moses took possession of the place as lessee in 1877
for a term of five years.
There are four springs here, all of which are the same in character. The
temperature is fifty-six degrees in summer, thus making it very cool and
refreshing to drink — that is, if you like it. If you wish to know how it
tastes just get a piecee of tarred rope from some sailing vessel and chew it.
That taste is its twin-sister. The guests soon get accustomed to this little
oddity of taste, however, and learn to relish it so that other water seems
insipid to them. There has been a quantitative analysis made of this water
with the following result. One gallon contains :
Carbonate of lime 28.714 grains.
magnesia 99.022
soda 57.036
" iron 517
Chloride of sodium 4.112
Silica 7.218 "
Organic matter 2.811 "
Salts of potash Traces only.
Nitric acid Traces only.
Total solid contents in one gallon 199.430 grains.
Lower Lake Township. 153
In addition to the foregoing, one gallon of water also contains three hundred
and four cubic inches of free carbonic acid gas.
These waters are said to be especially beneficial in cases of rheumatism,
dropsy, scrofula, weak lungs, dyspepsia, costiveness, catarrh, liver and
kidney complaints, and all kinds of diseases arising from impurities of the
blood. The elevation is two thousand nine hundred and forty feet, the air
is pure, bracing and light, the scenery fine, the hunting and fishing good,
the place is easy of access, and, all in all, it is a desirable place to spend a
season.
Howard Springs. — These springs are located at the south end of Siegler
Valley, two miles from Siegler Springs, three miles east of Adams Springs,
five miles by trail from Harbin Springs, six miles from Glenbrook, six miles
from Lower Lake, and thirty-three- miles from Calistoga. Passengers are
met Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Lower Lake, and Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays at Glenbrook. Parties can come in from Wood-
land to Lower Lake and thence to the springs.
The springs were located by C. W. Howard, and he opened them to the
public in 1877. In that year August Heisch became proprietor. There are
a large number of springs here of all varieties known in the catalogue of
springs in the world. The following are the principal ones, however: Two
magnesia-potassium, one warm and one cold ; one borax, warm ; one alum-
sodium, warm ; one silica, cold ; three iron, warm ; one soda, cold ; and one
sulphur, cold. The temperature of these springs ranges from 58 degrees to
109 degrees. The water in them all is very palatable, there being nothing
disagreeable in the taste or smell.
There are six tub baths and one plunge, the supply for them being de-
rived from a reservoir of hot magnesia water, which has a capacity of three
thousand and fifty-four gallons. In the bottom of this reservoir there are
thirty-seven springs of all sizes. The springs here all burst forth from a
bed of lava, and that so many of them and of such a varied character should
be found in such proximity is truly a marvel. These waters are purported
to be efficacious in cases of dropsy, gout, rheumatism, female diseases, catarrh,
dyspepsia, and all affections of the liver, kidneys or skin. They have per-
formed some wonderful cures of dropsy.
The elevation is two thousand two hundred and twenty feet, and the air
is balmy and sweet. The landscape is beautiful, and the facilities for camp-
ing and divertisement unexcelled. Game and fish are near by in abundance.
There is a main hotel and twelve cottages.
Siegler Springs. — These springs are situated at the north end of Sieg-
ler Valley, and about five miles from Lower Lake and six from Glenbrook,
on the direct route between the two places. They were discovered by a
154 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
man named Siegler many years ago, and were a favorite resort of the Indians
long ages before the foot of white men trod the soil of Lake County. They
had rude baths fixed up in the stream, below the hot springs, so that they
could regulate the temperature of the water, not so much differently in prin-
ciple from its present arrangement, though wildly different in appliances.
Dr. Boone began making preparations for opening the springs to the
public in 1868 or 1869, by erecting a hotel, baths, etc. Alvinza Hay ward
and W. Cole of San Francisco, purchased the property in 1870, and started
in on a grand scale to make it one of the most popular resorts on the
Pacific Coast. Immense sums of money were spent by them in fitting up a
race track, building barns, setting out trees, designing parks, adorning the
grounds with landscape gardening, etc., etc. It is stated that the proprietors
thought that the property was assessed very high, even in proportion to
what it was worth, and exceedingly high as compared with similar property
in the county, hence they stopped everything right there, and let the place
go to ruin, almost.
Mr. Cole purchased Mr. Hay ward's interest in^ 1878, and is the present
owner of the property. The buildings consist of a main hotel, two cottages,
a barn, and several bath-houses. There are two hot springs, temperature
106 degrees, which contain equal parts of soda, magnesia, iron, borax and
common sfelt ; one arsenic spring, in which there is also soda, magnesia and
iron ; one magnesia spring in which there is some salt and soda ; five iron
springs, in which there is some salt ; a cold soda spring ; one hot iron spring
with temperature of 126 degrees ; one arsenic spring, temperature 90 degrees,
and a cold magnesia spring, temperature 50 degrees. These springs cover
an area of perhaps five acres, and springs are to be found in an area of fifty
acres, bursting out from the hill-side in every direction. At one of the hot
magnesia springs there is a natural plunge bath, formed in the solid rock.
The rock formation here is mostly tufa of different kinds owing to the
deposit. It is mostly of a magnesia or borax nature. This plunge bath is
about four feet deep and four by six feet in size. The water comes into it
in a very large stream, and the temperature is just right for a delightful
bath. The hot iron spring is located in the bottom of the creek, and comes
out in an immense volume from in under a huge spur of tufa. The water
issues just as if it were the vent-hole to a mighty cauldron of boiling water,
and at the point of egress it seethes and boils like water in a small vessel
on a red-rot stove. Quite a considerable amount of steam escapes also with
the water, and when the day is cold and the state of the atmosphere right
for its speedy and full condensation, the volume of it is immense.
Water is conducted from this hot spring to a tank over the bath-houses
some distance below in the ravine, while water is conducted from the stream
of cold spring water in the creek to a similar tank, and the bather admits
Lower Lake Township. 155
each until he has his tub full of water at any desired temperature. Cosy
summer houses are erected over the cold magnesia and iron springs ; and
after bathing in the warm water, one finds the waters of these springs very
grateful. Lovely forests of pine, fir and oak are near at hand, in whose
shady recesses the tent of the tourist can be placed, and life can there be
enjoyed to the full. Walks, drives and strolls through the shady copse can
be engaged in, while to breathe the rich, balmy air, laden with the sweet
odors of the forest, and to drink in the enchanting mountain scenery, bathed
in a halo of golden sunlight, is to be in Elyseum, truly.
CARP PONDS.— The Carp ponds of Messrs. Swartz & Webber are located
about three miles north-west of Middletown. The ponds of these gentlemen
are quite extensive, the largest or breeding bond being perhaps as fine a one
for the purpose as there is in the State. Mr. Swartz is well posted in fish
culture, and is very enthusiastic over carp. He commenced operations at
his present place about two years ago, with about seventy fish ; and he
expects to have each year about fifty thousand carp to dispose of. At present,
they are worth from 75 cents to $1 per pound in the San Francisco market.
At these figures the profits are simply immense, as the expense, after the
construction of the ponds, is comparatively nothing, and there is no danger
of overstocking the market. They have five ponds, the largest covering
about one acre, stocked with an immense number of small fry. They are
improving and increasing their ponds, and do not expect to rest until they
have fourteen, embracing in all eight or ten acres of land. They have an
abundant supply of water from a large trout stream, of forty to forty-five
degrees in temperature, brought in by a ditch, and the flow regulated so as
to keep the water in the ponds at about eighty degrees during the warm
season. They have found the low, moist, black soil land more favorahle for
holding water in ponds than the higher red soil and gravel land — and believe
Lake County as good as any in the State for fish culture. The proprietor
of Anderson Springs has taken water from the stream mentioned above,
at a higher point, to supply a large pond made upon his former croquet
grounds. Carp have also been placed in the very large ponds at Boggs' old
mill site, between Glenbrook and Kelseyville.
CALIFORNIA BORAX COMPANY.— In 1856 Dr. J. A. Veatch, while
on a prospecting tour, discovered the Borax Lake which lies south of East
Lake a short distance. A company was formed consisting of Messrs. Peachy,
Billings, Heydenfeldt, Ayers, Maynard and others, for the purpose of work-
ing it for borax. In the spring of 1860 Dr. Veatch went there and began
operations in a small way. He made an arrangement like a joint of a stove-
156 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
pipe, which he would sink into the mud and then shut a lid down on the
upper end, and thus hold the contents of his pump in it by suction. In this
manner a small quantity was gotten out each day, but not enough to pay.
Later in the season General W. S. Jacks, of Napa, was engaged to take
charge of the work. He constructed two coffer-dams which were portable,
and soon had large quantities of crude borax on the bank. He was fol-
lowed by an Englishman by the name of Oxland, who put in steam ap-
paratus. Colonel Lightner succeeded him, and the enterprise was finally
abandoned from some cause or other.
STODDARD'S MILL.— Is located north-west of Middletown about
three miles, on the road to Lakeport. It is the. property of Joel Stoddard,
and is run by water power. It is one of the neatest and best mills in Lake
County.
Big Valley Township. 157
BIG VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY.— The boundaries of Big Valley Township, as established
by the Board of Supervisors, are as follows : Beginning at the highest point
on Cobb Mountain, at the south-west comer of Lower Lake Township ; thence
following the township line of Lower Lake Township, as heretofore defined,
northerly to Clear Lake ; thence across the lake, following the Lower Lake
Township line to the north-west corner of Lower Lake Township ; thence
westerly across the ridge between Alter's and Woodward's to Clear Lake ;
thence across said lake in a direct line to a point known as Peaks Point ;
thence in a north-westerly direction, in a direct line, to the gap of the hills
south of Ramsdale's rancho ; thence following said ridge south-westerly to
the top of the dividing ridge separating the waters of Clear Lake and Scotts
Creek ; thence following said ridge north-westerly to a point half a mile
below the outlet of Blue Lakes ; thence across said outlet to a ridge ; thence
following said ridge in a westerly direction to a point on the line dividing
Lake from Mendocino County, about half a mile east from Dalton's cabin ;
thence along the said county line south-easterly to the place of beginning.
This was the Second Supervisors' District.
It will thus be seen that this township is bordered on the south-east by
Lower Lake Township, on the north-east by Upper Lake Township and on
the west by Mendocino County. The principal streams in it are Scotts
Creek and Kelsey Creek. There is more of Clear Lake included in the ter-
ritory of this towhship than in any other in the county. Lakeport is the
main center of navigation on the lake, hence the most of the description of
the lake will occur in the history of this township.
TOPOGRAPHY.— If we begin at the south-west corner of the town-
ship we find ourselves on the summit of the highest mountain in the county.
Passing along the line we come to Cobb Valley, a sort of garden spot far
away up amid the clouds on the mountain top. It is a lovely little valley
less than one mile in width, and only a few in length. From that on north-
ward it is all mountains to the rim of Big Valley. Uncle Sam Mountain is
the culmination of the chain, and stands on the south shore of Clear Lake.
Big Valley is the garden spot of Lake County, and from its great size, com-
pared with the other valleys in the county, it well deserves to be called
158 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Big Valley. Beginning at the foot of Uncle Sam this valley extends in a
circular course to the south-west, embracing Kelseyville and Highland
Springs ; thence northerly to Lakeport.
West of Lakeport the hills are low and rolling for a distance of three
or four miles, when another small, narrow valley is encountered which ex-
tends for a distance of ten or twelve miles along the banks of Scotts Creek.
The valley has the same name as the creek. The range of hills back of
Lakeport extends well towards Upper Lake, and fully to the township line,
but in some places they get pretty rugged and develop into peaks of some
considerable height. West of Scotts Valley mountains extend to the county
line, with here and there a very small valley of no special importance.
The exact height of Mount Cobb is not known, but that it is much
higher than any other mountain in the county is made evident in the win-
ter season by the amount of snow that falls upon it, and the length of time
it remains on the mountain sides as compared with other peaks. Uncle
Sam Mountain is about sixteen hundred feet above the lake ; all the other
peaks in the township are inferior in height to these two.
GEOLOGY. — The geology of this township is in general keeping with
the entire county. Still there are some marked features. The greater por-
tion of the rock formation is volcanic — trap and basalt being predominant
here as elsewhere in the county. The great geological feature of this town-
ship is the great amount of obsidian which is found in the south-eastern
portion of it, the body of it seeming to extend from Uncle Sam Mountain
in a south-westerly course to the foot of Cobb Mountain. Of course the
body is not solid over all this territory, nor is it uniformly distributed. At
some points it is found massive and in quarries as it were, and again it
appears only as washed and worn boulders. At some points it is all as black
as coal, and has much the appearance of anthracite. Again it is grayish
and greenish, and is often found associated with trap and other volcanic
rock. It also often has a stratified appearance. This rock will melt very
readily, and has very much the appearance of bottle glass, and is generally
known by the localism of " bottle-glass rock." It is evidently a sort of slag
or tufa, formed far away down in the depths of the earth, out of silica and
soda, but the properties were not just right for good tough glass. Large
beds of this formation are found in Lower California and Mexico. In Lower
California a bed of obsidian is lying on a level plain ; when it cooled off, of
course it cracked through its entire body. A road has been made through
this body for some distance, and the obsidian blocks were all removed clear
down to the earth. So far no process has been discovered by which this
material may be utilized.
Limestone of quite good quality has been found near Lakeport, but in no
Big Valley Township. 159
considerable quantities. There is but very little limestone on the Pacific Coast
at best. Some shale and sandstone is found in this township. The former
may be seen along the road-side in Scotts Valley, and the latter in a cut on
the point of a hill a short distance south of Kelseyville. This formation is
peculiar from the fact that it is comparatively very recent, having been
formed since any eruptions have occurred there, as is testified by the regular
and unbroken stratification ; and the formation is recent, as is also shown
by the fact that the stone is very soft indeed, hardly being worthy the ap-
pellation. Still, there are several feet of earth on top of it, so that several
centuries have passed since the deposit was made. This is a very interesting
subject, and might be studied with profit and pleasure.
Manganese occurs in this township also, as may be seen along the road-
side towards the north end of Scotts Valley. We do not know as it occurs
in any quantities, but its presence is readily detected.
The oxyd of iron is present in large quantities everywhere, as the red
hill-sides will testify. In some places the red dust has settled upon the trees
and fences in such quantities that the winter's rains fail to wash the stain
off. The yellow, or protoxyd of iron, is seen in the hills also, and the yellow
clay everywhere present.
SOIL. — The soil of this township is various, ranging from the richest loam
to the poorest red clay on the mountain side. In Big and Scotts Valleys the
soil is a rich loam, and is very productive indeed ; in truth, no richer can
be found in the State, In Cobb and the other mountain valleys the soil is
more of an argillacious nature. There is also more or less of adobe soil in
the township, which is mostly confined to the hill-sides, though it extends
to the valleys to some extent.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this section are varied, the soil being
well adapted to the growth of fruits, vegetables, cereals, grass and vines.
All of Big Valley is excellently adapted to the growing of cereals, wheat,
corn, oats, rye and barley, all thriving excellently there. All the vegetables
do well in all the valleys, while fruit of superior quality and flavor is pro-
duced in all of them. We have eaten as fine apples at Mr. Bassett's, in
Cobb Valley, as can be found in the State of California. Small fruits and
berries thrive here also, as do grapes. The future outlook for the grape-
growing interest of this section is encouraging, truly, and the time is not far
distant when it will be the chief industry of the whole of Lake County.
The growing of sorghum is being looked upon also quite favorably as an
industry ; and if it proves to be a success, of which there can hardly be a
doubt, it will prove to be one of the greatest industries that can be intro-
duced. Sugar beets have been cultivated to some extent in years gone by,
160 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
and found to thrive excellently. Dairying, as a business, and stock raising,
are two of the principal industries of the section, the excellent grass which
grows there being well adpted to the feeding of cattle.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this section is quite changeable. In the
winter season it sometimes gets quite cold, and snow falls to some extent
in the valleys. On the 18th of January, 1868, there was a foot of snow on
the level at Lakeport, and it remained on for several days. In December,
1873, even more than that fell, while every season more or less falls.
The mountain tops are covered with it many times when it has only rained
in the valleys, and there is seldom a rainstorm during the winter sea-
son that snow does not whiten the summit of Mount Cobb. But it does
not remain cold for any great length of time at once, and during the winter
season there are many days of unalloyed beauty.
In the summer season is when the climate of this section is in its best
mood. In the spring of the year the grass begins to spring to newness of
life, and all over the face of the earth an emerald tapestry is spread that is
fit for the dainty tread of a princess. The trees put forth their leaves, and
myriads of wild flowers lend their glories to heighten the effect of the sub-
limely grand view that is spread out upon all sides. The days have now
become cloudless, and all day long the golden rays of the sun have shim-
mered down through a film of mist, which serves to add immeasurably to
the beauty of the scene by assuming, during the day, all the colors of the
rainbow, and draping the mountain sides with a veil of such exquisitely
colored hues that the brush of the painter is taxed to its utmost to repro-
duce even a faint imitation of them.
At the noon-tide there is a solemn hush upon the world, and every sound
is re-echoed from hill-side and mountain-side ; the nerves are drawn to a
superior tension, so that they are affected by all that they come in contact
with to an undue degree ; the mountains have a far away look, yet stand
out boldly and distinctly in outline and detail ; the lake is so placid that
not a ruffle is seen on its glossy bosom. Truly, this is an hour for rest, for
all nature is in a requiescent mood. The misty veil of the mountains is
now a mellow purple, yea, a veritable amethyst.
Later in the day a breeze springs up from the west, and the bosom of
the lake is stirred into gentle ripples, upon which the sunlight of the re-
ceding day dances in a perfect revelry of delight. The sail that has been
hanging limp at the mast for the past several hours begins to belly out
before the freshening breeze, and the listless craft is driven through the
limpid waters with ever increasing speed, as the day advances. 'Tis evening
now, and the day is dying. And what a day it has been ! Ah, indeed, what
glorious days are they all now ! The last rays of the sinking sun are still
Big Valley Township. 161
resting on the eastern mountains, and the rose-tinted mist is casting over
them a mantle of indescribable beauty. In the valley the shadows of the
western mountains have cast a look of gloom over all objects. The glowing
sunset is upon us at last, and words fail to describe the rare grace of the
scene. To see it once were to approach very near to the gates of Paradise,
for certainly the beyond can have but few charms to excel these. At last
the sun has sunk below the western hills, and the cold steel-blue of early
twilight has settled upon the mountains. Later still the night has come
upon the world. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, ruffles the bosom of the
lake, and refreshes the world. The hum of insect life, and the chirp of bird
is added to the sounds of human existence, and all combined make a song,
the melody of which would lure one out from this busy world of cares far
away into the mysterious and charmed land of dreams.
TIMBER. — The timber of this township does not vary in any material
degree from other sections of the county. In the valleys there is a heavy
growth of white oak, which gives the landscape, when seen in perspective,
the appearance of a heavily -wooded tract. In all of these trees there are
hosts of clusters of mistletoe, whose long verdant tendrils contrast finely
with the barren limbs of the tree during the winter season. In the distance
these clumps look much like birds' nests of enormous proportions. As but
little or no fog comes in here there is but little moss clinging to the limbs.
On the mountains pine, fir and black and mountain oak are found, and also
white cedar. This deserves special mention, as it is a rare tree in California,
especially this section of it. Some sugar pine is also found, though no great
bodies of it. Alder is found along the streams and coarse-grained pine on
the spurs of the mountains.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.— To this township belongs the honor of
having the first settlement in the county. It is not known now just when
Salvador Vallejo did put in an appearance in this section of the country,
but it was probably as early as 1840. In 1836 he is reported to have
headed a military invasion of the country against the Indians, and
that in consideration of this service a grant was ceded to him, from
the Mexican government. He had a band of cattle here, erected a cabin or
two, and constructed a corral for his stock, which was situated just north of
the present town site of Kelseyville. In 1847 he sold his stock to Stone
and Kelsey, and they then came in and took charge of the place. They
proceeded at once to build an adobe house, and to construct a new and larger
corral for their stock. The location they chose for their operations was just
west of the present town of Kelseyville, and across the creek, on a little
raise of ground. In the fall of 1849 these men were killed by the Indians,
11
162 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
a full description of which will be found in the chapter on General History
and Settlement.
There were no more settlers here until the fall of 1853, when Jefferson
Worden built a house in Scotts Valley and located there. It is said that a
man by the name of Scott had lived in the valley some time previously, but
not much seems to be known of him, and his residence was temporary at
the most. In the spring of 1854 the Hammack colony came in, consisting
of Martin Hammack, his son Brice, and his son-in-law, Woods Crawford, all
of whom had families. They located near the center of Big Valley, and
during the summer constructed three houses for their use. Three days later
they were followed by Elijah Reeves and family. Charles Goodwin, Daniel
Giles, Dr. J. S. Downes, William Forbes, James Parrish, Dr. E. D. Boynton,
George Tucker, George Brewington, B. Caldwell, A. J. Plate, A. Levy, and
others, came in soon after.
Among the other early settlers in Big Valley may be named, Robert
Gaddy, J. H. Huston, W. A. Thompson and family, Peter Clarke, J. B. Cook,
W. S. Cook, Preston Rickabaugh, Seth Rickabaugh, B. F. Shawl, G. W. Gard,
A. Kouns, H. Cohn, R. Kennedy, J. Ingram, S. F. Tucker, A. A. Slocum, C
A. Piner, J. M. Huston, P. M. Daley, E. B. Bole, J. C. Crigler, Hiram Allen,
J. C. W. Ingram, J. T. McClintock, and J. H. Jamison. In Scotts Valley,
Greenbury Hendricks, E. C. Riggs, William Gessner, John Lynch, J. M.
Sleeper, J. Davis, A. F. Tate and J. H. Moore. In Cobb Valley, John Cobb,
Simon Bassett and his son, William D. In Cold Valley, H. R. Bolter, and
in Paradise Valley, Isaac Alter.
LAKEPORT. — This is the principal town in the township, and is also
the seat of government of Lake County, and is located on the western shore
of Clear Lake. The first business in this section of the county was not
done at the present site of the town. In 1856 Dr. E. D. Boynton built a
store at Rocky Point, where George Tucker now resides. He disposed of
his business to Cyrus Smith, and he to George Brewington and Burr Cald-
well. They moved the goods and built a new house on the mound south of
Lakeport, on the A. J. Plate place, and shortly afterwards A. Levy became
proprietor of the business, in 1858.
At the time of the organization of the county in 1861, commissioners
were appointed to choose two eligible sites for the location of the county
seat. Some little time previous to this, probably in 1859, William Forbes
had pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres where the town of
Lakeport now stands. He erected a small wooden " balloon " building,
which was located on the south side of First street, and west of Forbes
street, on what is known as the Armstrong plat of the town. When the
commissioners began casting about for county -seat sites, Mr. Forbes made a
GREENE BARTLETT.
Big Valley Toivnship. 163
proposition to them that if they would locate it upon his property, he would
deed the county a tract of forty acres. They finally decided to accept his
proposition, and when the vote was taken that place was chosen, and he
then made out the necessary papers. Finally, when the grant claim was
quashed the title was confirmed by the County Judge, in accordance with an
Act of Congress, in such cases provided. As soon as the county seat was
located here the town sprang into existence. James Parrish had a black-
smith shop on the east of Main street and south of First, on the site of his
present shop.
It is impossible to follow up the location of the different business enter-
prises in the order of their opening here. In October, 1866, J. H. F. Farley
established the Clear Lake Courier, and from its early issues we copy the
following as the business directory of the place. This list is taken from the
advertisements in the paper, and if any business is omitted it is because it '
was not advertised. The list is as follows: J. S. Downes, M. D.; S. K. Welch,
attorney; Woods Crawford, attorney ; S. Chapman, shoemaker; J. R. Mil-
lett, dentist; J. Southard, barber; J. T. Mathes, saloon; H. Cohen, H.
Charmark and A. Levy, general merchandise ; and Colonel Lansing T. Mu-
sick had a hotel here at this time also.
A photograph of the place taken about that time, shows the hotel, now
Greene's Hotel, as a square, box-looking building, without the veranda and
wings, which it now has. Across the street is a little old wooden building,
occupied by Charmark & Levy, for mercantile purposes. To the south of
that are three little wooden structures, two of which have since been
burned, while the one on the corner still remains, and is used for saloon
purposes. The livery stable stood then where it does now. To the north
of Charmark & Levy's is a small building, and north of the hotel is the old
store building occupied by H. Cohn & Son. The Court-house stood where the
present one does, and James Parrish's blacksmith shop where it does now.
A few dwellings completed the list of buildings in the place at that time.
In 1867 the county seat was m6ved to Lower Lake, and a long contest
then began for its relocation at Lakeport, which finally resulted in favor of
that place. During this time the town grew slowly, as the uncertainty of
the contest worked disadvantageously to the town. In 1870 the county
seat was moved back to Lakeport, and the place then took a new lease of
life, and its growth has been steady and substantial ever since, until now it
is the foremost town in the county. In 1870 the following sketch of the
place appeared in the Courier :
" Lakeport, the county seat of Lake County, is beautifully situated on
the west shore of Clear Lake, one of the most picturesque sheets of water
in America. Clear Lake is about thirty-five miles in length, and from one-
half to twelve miles in width. Lakeport is located about eight miles south
164 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
and three miles west of the geographical center of the county. The county
of Lake was organized in 1861 from a portion of Napa County. Lakeport,
by a vote of the people, was chosen as the county seat. Two years later a
vote was had, and Lakeport again received a majority. Two years later,
ami again was the county seat question submitted to the people. This time
the county showed a small majority for the rival of Lakeport, Lower Lake.
The people of Lakeport, suspecting fraud, contested the election, and the
District Court of Napa found that Lakeport had received a legal majority
of five votes. The matter was appealed to the Supreme Court. Pending
the decision of this* tribunal, the Legislature passed an Act authorizing
another vote. This election took place on Monday, May 2, 1870, and again,
the fourth time, had Lakeport received a majority of all the votes cast.
The county records, which had been taken to Lower Lake, were removed
to Lakeport.
" The town contains four hundred inhabitants. It has two dry goods
stores, one hardware store, one drug store, one blacksmith shop, one wagon
shop, one harness and saddler's shop, one barber shop, one butcher shop, one
boot and shoe shop, one cabinet shop, two carpenters' shops, two saloons, one
livery stable, one hotel, three law offices, school-house, two church buildings,
Masonic and Odd Fellows' Hall, two doctors, a justice's office, a newspaper
and job printing office and several private residences. Lakeport is about
one hundred miles from San Francisco, thirty miles from Cloverdale, thirty
from Ukiah and forty-five from Calistoga. It has a tri-weekly mail from
Cloverdale and also from Calistoga. The lake offers superior inducements
to the seekers for boating and fishing in summer and shooting in winter.
The town has in its vicinity Big Valley, Scotts Valley, Upper Lake and
Bachelor Valley."
That a ready comparison may be made, and that the reader may com-
prehend fully how much the business interests of Lakeport have
in the last decade, we append here a summarized statement of the bu
of the place at the present time : Hotels, three ; barber shop, one ; black-
smith shops, two ; livery stable, one ; stores, six ; meat market, one ; shoe
shops, three ; printing office, one ; drug stores, two ; restaurant, one ; saloons,
three; jewelry store, one; tailors, two; banks, two; stationery and notion
store, one ; hardware store, one ; harness shop, one ; gunsmith, one ; millinery,
one ; mill, one ; paint shops, two ; lawyers, eight ; doctors, three.
To say that Lakeport is a lovely place but faintly expresses its sweet
charms. We might dwell upon its rare beauties for pages and yet it would
not — could not all be told. It is situated upon a series of terraced hills,
one behind the others, and all overlooking the charming lake which lies at
its very feet. Native oaks stand on all sides dispensing their grateful shade,
and adding charms to the landscape no other object can do. The houses
Big Valley Township. 165
of the place play hide and seek amid their dense foliage. The air of sum-
mer is balmy and soft, and laden with the perfume of fragrant flowers.
From the hills of the western portion of the town, a lovely landscape spreads
out before the eye. First comes the lake with its placid bosom with scarcely
a ripple upon it, then the grand majestic mountains which border it away
to the east. What glorious sunsets may be seen from these vantage grounds.
The roseate hues of the sinking sun fall in glowing splendor upon the dis-
tant mountains. Sometimes this mantle of sunlight is a sheen of gold and
purple and mellow tinted blue.
To take a boat ride upon the waters of Clear Lake is to imagine that
the road to bliss must lie along this way, and that the fields elysian cannot
be far distant. Miss Frankie Jepson, a visitor there in 1880, writes of this
boat ride as follows : " Clear Lake is an always breaking, never broken
mirror of beauty, framed in with massive majesty. Trout revel joyously in
the purple caverns, and all among this enchanted region there lurk deer,
bears, panther and foxes.
" Looking back from the lake, Lakeport presents a rise and fall of roofs
and green, sloping to the brimming edge, and turning steely blue in the
swathing of distant misty glory. Looking forward, through the glass,
the eastern mountains blossom out with pinks and violets. How far off the
world seems, with its throbbing pulse-beats, as we float, poised between the
gentle wings of sea and air, and the sweet benediction of the Sabbath rest-
ing over all ! Fingers go trailing in the water, sea-birds flit in the air, the
courtesying waves toss their white caps to the bending prow. Now the sun-
set is kindling the little hills to masses of shredded, tangled emeralds, while
the bay lies half gloomy, half smiling, dovetailed with night and day. A
dash of red drips above Uncle Sam like a great bloody scar on the brow of
a giant, and its reflection lines the wave-rings with dusk and crimson.
" Night is going to sleep with Venus on her breast as we bound home-
ward, singing 'Homeward Bound.' The fluting winds, the silver-footed
elves that follow us on the moon's deep path, the orgies of the flood, the
darkening distances weave wizard spells around us. But the spirit of mis-
chief has got on board somehow, and plays havoc with our voices. They
are a mixture of a Bedlamite's treble-alto, tenor and bass. The goblins of
discord hold high carnival in the air."
But all is not gold that glitters, and even gold can not glitter all the time.
There are days when the sun does not shine even in the " Vale of Cashmere."
Sometimes the weather is very disagreeable here, being too hot or too cold.
And the ordinarily smooth and innocent-looking lake sometimes gets riled
from its very fountains, and its placid bosom is lashed by the fury of the
storm-king into a seething mass of white billows. The trident god some-
times leaves his province of wider domain — the " vasty deep " — and comes to
166 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
this sequestered gem of beauty, nestled amid the adamantine hills, and
causes man to feel his power. As the Galilee of old was at times the sport
of the wind and the rush of the storm, so is this land-locked duplicate of
the olden sea. Much indeed are they alike, and one is continually reminded,
when on its shores or on its bosom, of the lake to whose troubled and roll-
ing waves the Master once said, " Peace, be still." This lake is treacherous,
and no one knows just when the chariot of old Neptune is going to pass
that way. And in the town of Lakeport there is a scourge the like of which
was never seen outside of Egypt of old. Reference is had to the white
gnats which infest the place during some of the summer months. But with
all this, it is a grandly beautiful and delightful place, and we feign would
linger here in our work to review again and again its sweet loveliness. May
the heart of man receive the grand benediction of divine blessings which
are so bountifully shed abroad here with the radiant joy that must illumine
the heart of the Munificent Giver, when such paradises as this are made by
Him for the habitations of man !
Episcopal Church. — The following sketch of the work of this church
in Lake County has been kindly furnished us by Rev. W. S. Neals, who has
had charge of the field since its organization, and as Lakeport is his head-
quarters, we append it here : The Episcopal Church is represented in Lake
County by a missionary organization, under the title of " Trinity Mission,"
which is conducted by Rev. W.~ S. Neals, who lives at Lakeport. Mr. Neals
holds services and ministers to adherents of the Episcopal Church at three
points in the county in addition to regular services at Lakeport. The
Mission was established in this county in 1876, and Mr. Neals was sent to
the work in June of that year. He is the first and only clergyman of that
church who has been employed in this field. His work is not confined to
Lake County, as he is required to make occasional trips to Ukiah, in Men-
docino County, where there are a few families adhering to the Protestant
Episcopal Church. The last report to the Bishop and Missionary Society,
under whose authority the Mission is, shows that about sixty families, with
one hundred and eighty-five individuals, are reached by this ministry. The
communicants number thirty. There is no church edifice in this field, the
services being held regularly at Lakeport in the Odd-Fellows' Hall, and at
other stations in school -houses. This Mission is under the jurisdiction of
Bishop Wingfield, who was appointed Missionary Bishop of Northern Cali-
fornia by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
1874, when that body divided the original diocese of Bishop Kip, and set off
the northern part of it as a separate missionary jurisdiction.
Presbyterian Church. — The following sketch of the Presbyterian
Church in Lake County, has been furnished us through the kindness of Rev.
James L. Woods :
Big Valley Township. 167
The First Presbyterian Church of Clear Lake was organized at Kel-
seyville, June 2, 1872, by Rev. Thomas Fraser, Synodical Missionary,
with the following members: T. F. Towle, Mrs. Josephine Towle, H. I.
Bailey, Mrs. Mary F. Bailey, D. E. Mills, Mrs. Nancy Mills, C. F. Towle,
Mrs. Catherine Towle, Daniel D. Davis, Mrs. Lucy P. Ormiston, Mrs.
Eleanor Bassett, Mrs. Josephine Boggs. Mr. H. I. Bailey and Mr. T. F.
Towle were elected as ruling elders, and duly installed. In January, 1873,
Rev. James L. Woods, then a licentiate, ordained in March, 1873, upon
petition of this church, was called as a stated supply for one year. His
ministrations continued for four years. In May, 1873, the work of erecting
a church building began. The walls were built and the house enclosed the
same year, but it was not occupied for worship until May of the succeeding
year. Unforeseen difficulties and the pressure of a heavy debt prevented
the final completion until the fall of 1875. By strenuous efforts, the generous
aid of friends at home, and in Napa and San Francisco, and a grant of eight
hundred dollars from the Presbyterian Board of Church Erection, the debt
happily was removed on the 31st day of December, 1876. A flourishing
Union Sunday-school, under the superintendency of Mr. R. D. Merritt, has
been attached to the congregation from the beginning. Mr. C. F. Towle
was superintendent for one year. In December, 1876, Mr. Woods resigned
his charge of the church, after a ministration of four years. The suc-
cession by the Rev. Joseph Lanman for a brief period is mentioned in
the history of the Second Presbyterian Church. The church remained
vacant for nearly two years, when it was reunited with the Second
Church in the call for a year of Rev. James A. Mitchell. Through losses by
death and removal the gain in membership has been slow, but its beneficial
influence in the community has been felt in all the grades. The principal
history centers in the erection of the church. It was pronounced bold by
friends, hazardous by the indifferent, and a failure in advance by the crit-
ical. The church is a neat brick, thirty-two by fifty feet, semi-gothic in
style, with hard finish, and will seat about two hundred. The total cost of
about $2,800 was $3,600 by the time interest and principal were paid. The
church is certainly a monument to the liberality, the energy and faith of a
small band. The final effort was for the payment of a debt of $2,200 for a
church costing $2,800, amid difficulties within and obstacles without. Among
those most prompt and liberal should be mentioned D. E. Mills, W. G. Young
and H. I. Bailey, though others will be gratefully remembered. It is a neat
and tasteful village church, worthy the gratitude of the membership, and the
pride of the community as a successful and beautiful business enterprise.
The church is regularly incorporated, with D. E. Mills, H. I. Bailey and
Thomas Armiston as trustees, under the name, "The Trustees of the First
Presbyterian Church of Clear Lake."
168 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
The Second Presbyterian Church is an outgrowth of home missionary
work in connection with the Presbyterian Church at Kelseyville. Imme-
diately upon his commission to the field, Rev. J. L. Woods began services
on the second of January, 1873, at Lakeport, in the Southern Methodist
Church. There were no Presbyterians in the town or vicinity, except those
who had made their temporary home with other denominations, and it was
not known whether any desired the services of their own church. The
monthly Sabbath duties of the minister were to sweep the church, make
the fire, ring the bell (a large hotel dinner bell), and to preach to congrega-
tions gathered within barn walls, seated upon benches without backs.
Lakeport was not then wholly given to church attendance. Upon one
Sunday the report of a gun — not an infrequent occurrence — was- followed
by the rattling of the shot against the wall of the church. There had pre-
viously been services but twice a month in the Methodist Church. In town,
as nearly as can be gathered, there was one Free Methodist, the M. E.
Church had three members, the Presbyterians none, the M. E. Church, South,
certainly had three and surely disputed with the Northern Methodist
Church possession of another. At the Presbyterian services congregations
were, nevertheless, fair in size and always decorous in manner, and appar-
ently earnest in attention. Though for the first year and a half not a dollar
of salary was received from the field, either by subscription, collection or
donation, regular services were maintained.
Upon August 8, 1874, at Lakeport, the following named persons, resid-
ing in the vicinity of Lakeport and Upper Lake, were organized by Rev.
J. L. Woods, assisted by Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge, D. D., into the Second
Presbyterian Church of Clear Lake : Robert G. Reynolds, Mrs. Maria C.
Reynolds, Alexander Young, Mrs. Mary Young, Samuel Clendenin, Mrs.
Persia Clendenin, Godwin Scudamore, Mrs. Mary C. Scudamore, Miss Alice
Scudamore, Mrs. Sarah J. Hurt, John Waller, Mrs. Kate Waller, and Mrs.
Catharine E. Green. R. G. Reynolds, M. D., and Mr. Alexander Young
were elected ruling elders ; subsequently Mr. Samuel Clendenin was added
to the number. The Lord's Supper was celebrated on Sabbath, Rev. Dr.
Woodbridge preaching the sermon, with Rev. Dr. Martin, of St. Joseph,
Missouri, assisting in the Sacrament.
In connection with the first Presbyterian Church of Clear Lake, at Kel-
seyville, Mr. Woods continued as stated supply until January, 1877. At
Upper Lake, in the fall of 1874, a building erected for a store and public
hall was purchased at judgment sale, for a church. An adjacent lot was
afterwards added by purchase. The church was without a minister from
January to October, 1877, when Rev. J. L. Woods, having been recalled,
entered anew upon his labors. In December of the same year an eligible
lot for a church site, on the corner of Third and Tunis streets, Lakeport, was
Big Valley Township. 169
purchased, and not long after Colonel J. B. Armstrong, of Santa Rosa, gave
lots suitable for a parsonage. Services held for a time in the Methodist and
Baptist churches, were now transferred to the Good Templars' hall. In
April, 1878, a Sabbath-school was organized, which, with one interruption,
has continued prosperous ever since. The late Isaac Mewhinney was super-
intendent at the time of his death.
In October, 1878, Mr. Woods was compelled, by ill health, to resign the
charge of the church. He was immediately succeeded by Rev. Joseph Lan-
man, who supplied the congregations for a few weeks only. The church
was vacant thereafter until September, 1879. Rev. James Anthony
Mitchell was called as stated supply for one year. In October, among other
members- received, was Mr. Robert Simpson, who was elected and duly in-
stalled as ruling elder. During the year a Sabbath-school was organized at
Upper Lake. The congregations of Lakeport and Upper Lake are united
in one organization under the name "The Second Presbyterian Church of
Clear Lake." The church is regularly incorporated, with the following
Board of Trustees : R. G. Reynolds, Alexander Young, Gawn Murdoch,
Samuel Clendenin, and G. Scudamore. Has a bench of elders composed of
R. G. Reynolds, Alexander Young, Robert Simpson, and Samuel Clendenin.
It has building lots in Lakeport, both lots and building at Upper Lake, and
numbering among its members those whose personal influence is wielded
and felt in business, education and religion. Its outlook for a prosperous
work in the future is full of encouragement.
M. E. Church, South. — This sketch was written by Rev. J. C. C. Harris :
This was the first church organized within the hounds of the county, hence
it is emphatically the 'pioneer church in this county. It was first organ-
ized in 1857, in a school -house in Big Valley. Rev. Mr. Norman organized
a class at that time and place. We are not able to give all the names of
tbose present at this organization. As this is not really necessary, we will
not attempt to give the names of those who constituted the class. Soon
after this organization there were several other classes organized within the
bounds of the county. As our records were destroyed by fire at the time
the Court-house was burned, we are unable to give the names of the minis-
ters in the order in which they came, who labored here under the authority
of this church, from the time of its organization to A. D. 1865. During
that time, however, Rev. Mr. Norman, Rev. Mr. Hawkins, Rev. Mr. Jones,
Rev. Mr. Clampett, and others were sent to this field of labor. There have
been many changes in the work since that time. Owing to the unsettled
state of the country, old members have moved away, new members have
come in ; old classes have been transferred, new classes formed, and many
other changes too tedious to mention. But suffice it to say, this church has
170 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
occupied the ground from the time of its organization to the present, and
it certainly has done a good work here, and the Lord has blessed his labor-
ers. This church has at present two very important charges in this county
— " Potter Valley Circuit " and " Lakeport Station." Rev. J. S. Clarke has
been pastor in charge of the Potter Valley Circuit for two or three years
past, and he is accomplishing much good in that section of the county. Rev.
J. C. C. Harris is at present pastor of Lakeport Station. The pastors of
this church in and around Lakeport — including Big Valley, Kelseyville,
Scotts Vallej', Upper Lake, etc. — from A. D. 1865 to 1881, are as follows :
Rev. P. 0. Clayton, in 1865 ; Rev. W. A. Spurlock, in 1866 ; Rev. J. L. Por-
ter, in 1867 ; Rev. Y. D. Clanton, in 1868-9 ; Rev. H. N. Compton, in
1870-1 ; Rev. L. J. Hedgpeth, in 1872 : Rev. John Woodin, 1873 ; Rev.
W. E. Murry was pastor of the church during the latter part of the year
1874; Rev. R. F. Allen, in 1875-6-7. During the year 1876 or 1877
Lakeport was made a station. Rev. J. C. Pendergast was pastor in 1878-9;
Rev. B. F. Burris, in 1880 ; Rev. J. C. C. Harris, in 1881. This church was
regularly oiganized in this section of the country four years before Lake
County was oiganized ; and after the organization of the county other
denominations came in and established churches in our midst, and we have
been working energetically and harmoniously for the good of man and the
advancement of the Master's kingdom ; and we hope and pray that
the efforts put forth here by God's servants may be as bread cast upon the
waters, which shall be gathered up after many days !
The First Baptist Church of Lakeport. — This sketch was furnished
us by Rev. R. C. White : This church was organized in the spring of the
year 1861, with ten members. The Rev. S. Reily became its first pastor
and continued to serve the church twelve months, when circumstances com-
pelled him to remove from the town. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. N.
Burroughs, who also continued to serve the church as its pastor for twelve
months. In 1863 the Rev. D. G. Loveall became its pastor. He also served
the church for the period of twelve months, and was succeeded by the Rev.
J. D. Banner, who continued to serve the church as its pastor for two
years. In 1866 the Rev. B. Ogle became its pastor. February 16, 1867, the
church suffered the calamity of losing its records ; they were destroyed in
the fire that burned the Court-house of Lakeport. Rev. B. Ogle continued
to serve the church with great acceptance until January, 1876. In May,
1876, Rev. E. Waller became its pastor, and served the church with accept-
ance until May, 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. D. L. Taylor, who also
served the church for the period of twelve months. In January, 1879,
Rev. G. H. Lillard became its pastor, and continued his service for the
period of twelve months. In June, 1880, Rev. R. C. White became pastor
Big Valley Township. 171
of the church, and continued to be until September, 1881. The church was
organized with ten members ; its present number is between seventy and
and eighty.
Clear Lake College. — Professor John A. Kelly, President of this insti-
tion, has kindly supplied us with the following history of its rise and pro-
gress : The history of this institution is largely an outgrowth of the modern
tendencies which are operating in the formation of American society. For
the conditions and circumstances which demand or occasion the establish-
ment of any new enterprise in a given community often determine the
character and complexion of its subsequent history. This must be especially
true of every institution founded in a time when many of the great univer-
sities and colleges are gradually surrendering to the popular clamor for
abridged courses of study and easy conditions of graduation.
Hence the records of every institution of learning that requires the
development of an accurate and comprehensive scholarship, tempered and
sustained by a sound Christian morality as an essential condition of promo-
tion and advancement, shows evident marks of the struggle and vicissitude
through which it has passed during the earlier periods of its organic life.
Since the operation of this general tendency stamps the history of the last
few years with the impress of a bias peculiar to itself, and renders it an
epoch in the intellectual development and social progress of American
society, it is reasonable to expect that the common mind will be controlled
by superficial views of life and by a feverish desire to grasp and pursue
those lines of thought which seem to give promise of an immediate and
practical utility.
Thus the persistent and determined efforts that have been made during
recent years to suppress the prolonged study of the ancient classics and the
higher mathematics, in our colleges and universities, and the positive dis-
position to reduce their cuwicula, or courses of study and training, to a
mere routine development of the empirical and applied sciences, have brought
forth their natural results in the production of a large class of pseudo-
specialists, whose inability to appreciate the necessity for a broad and general
culture renders the present an age of the most unhealthy and pernicious
individualism, tending rapidly to the development of those invidious caste
or class distinctions, which destroy every feeling of a common interest and
leave the character of society to be moulded and fashioned by the whims
and caprices of illiterate and designing men.
From this condition of things there arose the necessity which called for
the establishment of an institution of learning, whose mission should be, the
correction of the erroneous tendencies of the age, the restoration of the
pristine culture of literature and deductive thought to its appropriate sphere,
and the abolition of those social demands in college life which practically
172 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
debar students of limited means from the successful pursuit and acquire-
ment of a liberal education.
With this mission before her, and resting her hopes of success upon the
firm belief that, in a country whose institutions are exposed to all the vicissi-
tudes of a popular government, the safety and good order of society require
and demand that the advantages of a full collegiate course of instruction
should be placed within easy reach of the most indigent child of the nation,
Clear Lake College opened her recitation rooms for the accommodation of
students in the town of Lakeport, county of Lake, State of California, on
the first Thursday in September, A. D. 1876, at which time seven youths of
varying age presented themselves for matriculation, and were admitted to
seats in the Academic Department.
But from the very beginning of its history, the institution had to con-
tend with general and local prejudices, to correct the mistakes of its friends
and baffle the counsels of its foes ; to meet the hostility and opposition that
grow out of social customs adverse to successful and efficient study ; to es-
tablish public confidence and create a more general and wide-spread appre-
ciation of advanced scholastic training and culture, before it could either
render its influence perceptible, or enjoy anything like a generous support
from the surrounding community. Hence, its history, like that of other in-
stitutions of the same grade, is marked by these characteristic periods of
light and shade which often attend the introduction of new and strange
ideas into communities unaccustomed to the rigorous discipline of a healthy
college life. Besides these more immediate causes of embarrassment, the
widely prevalent heresy that extravagant buildings, elaborately furnished,
constitute the efficient energy that achieves success in the acquisition of
learning, contributed in no small degree to the general difficulties that op-
posed the progress of the college, and rendered its success a matter of un-
certainty and doubt.
Though the institution was thus confronted in the very beginning of
its work with this array of opposing influences, yet it advanced steadily
and progressively toward the fulfillment of its mission and the redemption
of its pledges. Thus it gradually won its way to a somewhat more extended
public favor and confidence, so that during the first year of its history
fifty-four students were matriculated and assigned to their appropriate de-
partments of instruction. This increase of attendance was largely due to
the adoption of a generous and liberal policy in the financial and general
management of the affairs of the college, which was based upon a settled
determination to bestow the advantages of a liberal and thoroughly practical
education upon every youth of the land who might aspire to the more re-
fined enjoyment of a fully developed manhood. Thus it became necessary
to depart from the general custom and usage of those institutions of learning
Big Valley Tozvnship. 173
on the Pacific Slope which claim the rank of colleges, in order to render
the provisions of this generous determination available to that class of stu-
dents for whose especial benefit they were made. Hence, the scholastic
year was divided into three equal terms of thirteen and one-third weeks
each, and the rates usually charged for tuition and board were reduced
nearly one-half, so that the cost for instruction in all the studies enumer-
ated in the several departments of the college ranges from $24 to $48 per
year ; while the entire cost of tuition, board, room-rent, laundry service,
and text books, vai'ies in the aggregate from $180 to $230 per year.
But while this liberal policy secured to the college an apparently well
sustained patronage during the first year of its history, yet simple justice
compels the statement that much of the tuition was gratuitously bestowed
upon indigent students and hence brought no immediate returns, in conse-
quence of which the institution barely paid its current expenses during the
first year of its history.
Nevertheless, though the college was thus compelled to sustain a fierce
and merciless contest against heavy odds in order to maintain the appear-
ance of life and prosperity, a beginning had been made, buildings had
been erected, permanent impressions for good had been effected, enduring
resolutions to complete the classical course had been formed by a few of the
students, and successful work generally had been accomplished in the forma-
tion and instruction of classes destined in due time to enter the Collegiate
Department.
Thus the closing exercises of the first year seemed to render the prospect
somewhat brighter and more encouraging for the future, while the occasional
expression of a general approval tended to kindle anew expiring hopes and
seemed to give evidence of a more healthy condition of the public mind
respecting the nature and extent of college discipline. But these expressions
of apparent satisfaction with the college proved to be the delusive masks
of idle curiosity, rather than the manifestations of a general and consistent
desire to foster and encourage the establishment of an institution of learn-
ing, founded on the higher interests of humanity, and conducted in the
manner best calculated to redeem its pledges of fidelity to princple, and
worthily sustain its claims to public favor and confidence, for the institu-
tion could not escape the influence of that law of attraction and repulsion,
which is developed by the appearance of novelty. Hence, during the ensu-
ing vacation, many professed friends of higher education surrendered them-
selves to the prevailing prejudices of the times and withdrew their support
from the college. So it was left for a time to the fostering care and tender
mercies of that general indifference which is born of unconscious ignorance
and willful bigotry.
But while the institution was thus compelled to resume its labors at the
174 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
beginning of its second scholastic year under circumstances far from encour-
aging, and well calculated to dishearten and crush the hopes of its best
friends, yet it began anew the struggle for life with that strong and coura-
geous spirit which was engendered by an unwavering determination to reap
the fruits of an honorable victory, and sustain the dignity of its sublime
mission.
Neither did these premonitions of an approaching conflict prove other
than ominous forebodings of renewed hostilities ; for with the opening of
the new year there arose a combination of adverse tendencies, among which
a determined effort to bring the study of the ancient classics into disrepute
occupied a very prominent and conspicuous place. So persistent and unre-
lenting was the action of this special tendency, that even the students who
were prosecuting the study of Greek and Latin were often assailed by those
shafts of scoffing derision and contempt which are commonly forged at the
suggestion of ignorance, while they are tempered, poisoned and directed by
the dictates of a venomous, malignant and unreasonable jealousy. Nor
was this phase of hostility restricted to mere efforts to discourage the
students themselves, for the philosophers and ministers of modern utili-
tarianism even went so far in their zeal to destroy the influence of the
college and prevent its success, that they attempted to effect a dissolution
of the more advanced classes by nattering the parents of the older students
with the persuasion that their children were sufficiently well educated to
meet the responsibilities of society life, and that they ought to be engaged
in the work of a more laudable vocation than the pursuit of useless learn-
ing. " Tantce molis erat Romanam condere gentem."
But while this unholy crusade was being waged with such malignant
ferocity against the college and its management, the work of the recitation
room was steadily progressing in the development of a higher literary and
scientific culture, and the discipline of the institution was gradually effect-
ing a reformation in the social habits of the students, so that the history
of the second year was efficiently and successfully consummated in the tri-
umphant graduation of a respectable class from the Academic into the Colle-
giate Department. Thus the college continued in the prosecution of its
work during the third, fourth and fifth years of its history, until the entire
classical course had been successfully mastered by one of its students and a
worthy candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Arts been developed, when
it became necessary to effect a more complete organization of its working
forces, which was accomplished by the due incorporation of Clear Lake
Collegiate Association, under the laws of the State of California, whence
the institution assumed the exercise of corporate powers, January 12, 1881,
and proceeded to legalize its existence and acts by the adoption of by-laws
and election of the following named officers and members of the Board of
Big Valley Township. 175
Trustees, to-wit.: John A. Kelly, President; Samuel Clendenin, Vice-Pres-
ident; S. K.Welch, Secretary; Thomas Haycock, Treasurer, and H. W.
Rice, Auditor.
From the foregoing account it will be seen that Clear Lake College com-
pleted the fifth year of its history with the closing exercises of 1880-1, which
occurred Thursday, June 9th, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Arts
was conferred in regular course upon William J. Mewhinney, and the Hon-
orary Degree of Master of Arts was duly conferred upon James L. Woods,
while S. K. Welch and S. C. Hastings received the Honorary Degree of
Doctors of Laws.
Thus, in the due celebration of its fifth annual commencement, the in-
stitution gave practical evidence of its efficiency and worth, and sustained
its claims to public confidence and support. For it proved itself to be one
of the permanent institutions of Lake County, and the only college in the
State that places the advantages of a broad and liberal education within
such easy reach of all parties who may aspire to the rank of learned men.
Though further comment may seem unnecessary, yet it is proper to say
that the mission proposed in the establishment of Clear Lake College is
worthy of respectful consideration and approval, since no rational argument
can be adduced to show why the plow-boys of our country should be kept
in comparative ignorance, while the sons of the wealthy are to be cradled in
the lap of luxury, and easily dandled into the recognition of refined society,
by the special grace and favor of heavily subsidized colleges and universities.
Ancient Order United Workmen. — Lakeport Lodge, No. 34, A. 0. U.
W., of Lakeport, was organized May 23, 1878, with the following charter
members : J. C. W. Ingram, H. A. Oliver, A. P. McCarty, Theodore Deming,
R. W. Crump, J. B. Baccus, Jr., A. A. R. Utting, Enoch Yates, J. F. Cowan,
Thomas G. Adams, J. F. Scott, Dr. H. J. Crumpton, G. H. White, P. M.
Daly, F. H. Vallette, and G. W. Wilson. The following officers were elected
for the term ending December 31, 1878: H.J. Oliver, P. M. ; J. C. W.
Ingram, M. ; G. H. White, G. F. ; P. M. Daly, O. ; J. F. Cowan, G. ; The-
odore Deming, Recorder ; R. W. Crump, I. W. ; F. H. Vallette, 0. W.;
Dr. H. J. Crumpton, Physician : H. A. Oliver, P. M. Daly, and G. H. White,
Trustees. F. H. Vallette soon afterward leaving for the East, T. G. Adams
was elected to serve out the unexpired term. As the lodge meets semi-
monthly, the term of office is now one year, commencing January 1st. The
meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' hall, on the first and fourth Tuesdaj'.s of
each month. Since the organization of the lodge three members have
died, and their widows have each received the sum of $2000. The names
of deceased members are A. A. R. Utting, who died in Lakeport, June 30,
1879, and J. Mewhinney and A. Ross, who were drowned in Clear Lake,
December 16, 1880. J. C. W. Ingram, H. A. Oliver and R. W. Crump have
176 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
each served one term as Master. The present officers are, R. W. Crump,
P. M.; P. M. Daly, M.; J. Banks, G. F. ; J. Lacock, O.; S. Ballenger, G. ; G.
W. Wilson, Recorder and Financier ; J. A. Kelly, Receiver ; J. Rippey, I. W. ;
D. L. Woodrum, O. W. ; Dr. H. J. Crumpton, Physician ; Theodore Deming,
R. W. Crump, and J. Banks, Trustees. The lodge is in a prosperous condi-
tion, having a present membership of forty-three. During the past year
two assessments were paid from the general fund, making the annual
expense of membership, $20. The finances of the lodge are in a prosperous
condition.
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — Lup-Yomi Lodge, No. 173,
was organized July 16, 1870, with the following charter members: S. K.
Welch, L. Charmark, W. L. Phillips, J. C. Parker, J. O. Johnson and J. W.
Robbe. The first officers were S. K. Welch, N. G.; L. Charmark, V. G; W.
L. Phillips, Secretary, and J. C. Parker, Treasurer. The following named
gentlemen have had the honor of filling the position of Noble Grand : S. K.
Welch, L. Charmark, Gawn Moore, W. L. Phillips, J. T. Shinn, Dr. H. J.
Crumpton, J. Mantz, R. Kennedy, J. B. Baccus, Jr., G. W. Minstrel, J. W.
Robbe, William Williams, James Parrish, Woods Crawford, J. C. W. Ingram,
L. G. Simmons, J. M. Stuart, James Ripley and S. F. Morine. The present
officers are S. F. Morine, N. G.; G. W. Minstrel, V. G.; J. R. Cook, Secretary,
and J. Rippey, Treasurer. The present membership is thirty-two. The
lodge meets Thursday nights, and they, in connection with the Masons, have
a very fine lodge building and room. The lodge is most prosperous.
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows Encampment. — Mount Hebron
Encampment, No. 43, I. 0. 0. F., was organized at Lower Lake, April 15,
1872, with the following charter members: William Kesey, J. R. Cook,
R. H. Lawrence, G. F. Cook, G. H. Snow, H. Allen, H. H. Wilson. The first
officers were, William Kesey, G. P.; J. R. Cook, H. P.; R. H. Lawrence,
S. W.; G. F. Cook, Scribe ; J. H. Snow, Treasurer, and M. Butler, J. W.
The following members have held the position of Chief Patriarch : William
Kesey, M. Butler, J. H. Snow, R. H. Lawrence, R. F. Miles, J. Smith, H. H.
Wilson, J. S. Miles, J. D. Adams, J. R. Cook, J. Mantz, Woods Crawford,
L. H. Boggs, and J. W. Everett. The present officers are, J. W. Everett,
C. P.; L. G. Simmons, H. P.; J. C. Crigler, S. W.; J. R. Cook, Scribe ; James
Parrish, Treasurer, and R. H. Lawrence, J. W. The present membership is
thirty. In November, 1876, the encampment was moved from Lower Lake
to Lakeport, and is the only encampment in the county ; hence the pro-
priety of having it at the county seat.
Free and Accepted Masons. — Hartley Lodge, No. 199, F. and A. M.,
of Lakeport, was organized U. D. April 27, 1869, with the following charter
members : A. D. Greene, Woods Crawford, D. V. Thompson, L. C. Burris,
Big Valley Township. 177
J. W. Casebeere, M. Sleeper, Thomas Hayfcer, Ed. L. Greene, A. Levison, and
William Merrideth. The first officers U. D. were, A. D. Greene, W. M.; D.
V. Thompson, S.W.; L. C. Burris, J. W.; Ed. L. Greene, Secretary, and J.
W. Casebeere, Treasurer. The charter was granted October 14, 1869, and
the first officers under the charter were, Woods Crawford, W. M.; D. V.
Thompson, S. W.; L. C. Burris, J. W.; Ed. L. Greene, Secretary, and J. W.
Casebeere, Treasurer, The following gentlemen have been honored with
the position of Worshipful Master : A. D. Greene, Woods Crawford, J. C. W.
Ingram, James Parrish, F. D. Tunis, J. R. Cook, J. W. Mackall, and J. W.
Elliott. The present officers are, J W. Mackall, W. M.; E. M. Paul, S. W.;
L. G. Simmons, J. W.; L. H. Boggs, Treasurer, and Mason Wilson, Secretary.
The lodge is in a very prosperous condition. In connection with the Odd-
Fellows, they have a fine building and well furnished hall. The pillars,
which are very handsome indeed and well worthy a place in any lodge-room,
no matter how finely it may be furnished, are the product of home talent.
American Legion of Honor. — A Council of the American Legion of
Honor was organized in Lakeport in 1881 by Deputy Commander A. Noble,
of Petaluma, to be known as Lakeport Council No. — , with the following
officers : Dr. P. H. Thornton, Commander ; James C. Baker, Vice Com-
mander; Mrs. P. H. Thornton, Secretary; Mrs. S. M. Riddle, Collector;
S. J. Gordon, Treasurer ; Dr. Thornton, Medical Examiner ; H. F. Childs,
Post Commander ; Isaiah Taylor, Orator ; Mrs. E. E. Jenks, Chaplain ; F. H.
Keyser, Guide ; Benjamin Carson, Warden ; J. F. Brott, Sentinel.
The Bank of Lake. — This bank was organized March 10, 1874. The
capital stock was $100,000, divided into one thousand shares of $100 each.
Ten per cent, of the capital stock was paid up at the time of incorporating.
The officers, from the time of organization until the first regular election
took place in June, 1874, were, S. Bynum, President ; A. Levy, Treasurer ;
F. D. Tunis, Secretary ; with the following Directors : George Bucknell, S.
K. Welch, A. F. Tate, S. Bynum, S. Broadwell, J. T. Boone, J. R. Cook, A.
Levy. C. Hartson, Dr. J. S. Downes and A. G. Boggs. At this time the
bank was located in the lower story of the Odd-Fellows' building. The
stock subscribed amounted to $53,000. The officers for the fiscal year 1874
were, S. K. Welch, President ; S. Bynum, Vice-President ; F. D. Tunis, Sec-
retary ; Directors : H. L. Davis, S. Bynum, S. K. Welch, C. Hartson, Dr. J.
S. Downes, J. R. Cook, S. Broadwell, A. F. Tate, J. T. Boone, A. G. Boggs
and A. Levy. For the fiscal year 1875-6 the officers were, A. F. Tate,
President ; S. Bynum, Vice-President ; F. D. Tunis, Secretary ; Directors :
C. Hartson, A. G. Boggs, H. L. Davis, Dr. J. S. Downes, J. T. Boone, A. Levy,
J. R. Cook, S. K. Welch, A. F. Tate, S. Bynum and L. P. Nichols. For the
fiscal year 1876-7 : A. F. Tate, President ; S. Bynum, Vice-President ; F. D.
12
178 History of Napa, and Lake Counties — Lake.
Tunis, Secretary and Cashier ; S. K. Welch, Attorney ; Directors : C. Hart-
son, E. J. Wilson, S. Bynum, L. P. Nichols, S. K. Welch, A. F. Tate, J.
R. Cook, J. T. Boone, J. S. Downes, A. G. Boggs and A. Levy. For the fiscal
year 1877-8: A. F. Tate, President ; L. P. Nichols, Vice-President ; F. D.
Tunis, Secretary ; S. K. Welch, Attorney ; Directors : C. Hartson, E. J.
Wilson, Dr. J. S. Downes, J. R. Cook, S. C. Hastings, A. F. Tate, L. Char-
mark, S. K. Welch and L. P. Nichols. For the fiscal year 187S-9 : A. F. Tate,
President ; C. Goodwin, Vice-President ; F. D. Tunis, Secretary ; Directors :
0. Hartson, A. Levy, S. C. Hastings, B. F. Harbine, L. Charmark, C. Good-
win, E. Barry, G. H. White, A. F. Tate, S. K. Welch and L. P. Nichols.
For the fiscal year 1879-80 : A. F. Tate, President ; C. Goodwin, Vice-Pres-
ident ; F. D. Tunis, Secretary ; Directors : A. F. Tate, B. F. Harbine, C.
Hartson, G. H. White, S. K. Welch, H. H. Wilson, C. Goodwin, S. Morrison,
A. Levy, S. C. Hastings and E. Barry. For the fiscal year 1S80-1 : A. F.
Tate, President ; C. Goodwin, Vice-President ; F. D. Tunis, Secretary and
Cashier ; S. K. Welch, Attorney ; Directors : A. F. Tate, B. F. Harbine, C.
Goodwin, S. K. Welch, E. Barry, R. K. Nichols, H. H. Wilson, S. C. Hastings
and A. Levy. At the regular meeting of the Directors in 1881 H. H. Wilson
resigned as Director, F. D. Tunis was elected President and C. P. Hastings
Cashier. In June, 1880, the capital stock of the bank was reduced to
§48,310.92, which was one-half of the paid-up stock of the corporation. The
correspondents of the bank are the Anglo-Californian Bank of San Francisco,
the Bank of Napa, Napa City, and J. &. W. Seligman & Co. of New York.
The building was erected in 1875 and is constructed of brick. The vault is
twelve feet square, built of brick, and the walls are twelve inches thick.
The safe has a time lock and three combination locks upon it, hence coin
and other valuables are quite secure when in it.
Farmers Savings Bank. — This bank was incorporated December 14,
1874, and the time of incorporation is for a term of fifty years. The capital
stock is $100,000, which is divided into one thousand shares of $100 each ;
$20,000 of the stock was subscribed at the time of incorporation, and the
remainder has since been taken. The incorporating directors were R. S.
Johnson, Wm. J. Bigerstaff, J. H. Renfro, D. V. Thompson, Lindsay Carson,
D. J. Taylor and George Tucker. The first officers elected in 1874 were,
R. S. Johnson, President; J. W. Mackall, Cashier; the directors remaining
the same as at the time of incorporation. In 1875 the officers were, Lindsay
Carson, President; J. W. Mackall, Cashier; the directors remaining the same
as before. In 1876 the officers elected were the same as before, except that
L. H. Boggs, was elected assistant cashier. At the election of 1878 the
following officers were chosen, H. C. Boggs, President; J. W. Mackall, Cash-
ier; L. H. Boggs, Assistant Cashier; Directors: H. C. Boggs, H. D. Snow,
Big Valley Township. 179
G. W. Piner, George Tucker, D. V. Thompson, J. F. Burger and D. T. Taylor.
In 187!) the same officers were re-elected, except that E. G. Young was
chosen as one of the directors. In 1880 the same officers were again re-
elected. This bank has been in a very prosperous condition ever since its
organization, having declared dividends from the first, and the stock has
always commanded a premium. The bank building was erected in 1876 at
a cost of $16,062 . 99, and is 44x64 feet in dimensions. The vault is 11x14
and the safe was formerly used by Donohoe & Kelly, of San Francisco, in
their bank. The walls are twenty-four inches thick, made of brick, and is
lined with two inches of charcoal, thus making it practically fire proof as
well as burglar proof. The lock consists of a double combination lock of
superior qualities. When the bank was first organized it was located in the
drug store. The correspondents are, J. H. Goodman & Co. of Napa City,
and the London and San Francisco Bank of San Francisco.
Lakeport Flour Mill. — This mill was built by L. A. Young and a
Mr. Hill, in November, 1871. It has two run of buhrs and a capacity of
thirty barrels in twelve hours. It is run by steam and the engine is twenty-
five horse power. The builders disposed of it to Mr. H. C. Boggs in 1873.
and in 1875, M. Starr became proprietor and still owns it ; and he has made
several improvements since he came into possession of it. The building is
50x75, with sheds for the engine, etc. The mill is kept very busy during
the latter part of the summer season, being run both day and night. About
fifty per cent, during the busy season is custom work, and a market is found
for the surplus flour at the several mines, and some of it is shipped to Santa
Rosa and Petaluma.
Clear Lake Courier. — This is not the first paper that was published
either in Lakeport or in Lake County, but it is the first one that we could
find any files of. In its columns mention is made of a predecessor, in not
very complimentary terms, but its name is studiously avoided. The Courier
was established by J. H. F. Farley, a practical printer, in 1866, the first num-
ber appearing October 6th of that year. The office was on Forbes street. Its
subscription price was $4 per annum, and its motto, Thomas Jefferson's im-
mortal words, " Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty ! " C. B. Woods was
its editor, and it was rankly Democratic, and it almost openly advocated the
cause of secession. Some of its leaders and cpioted articles read very
curiously now. It was, however, quite a readable and newsy sheet.
From a list of the papers which had been published in Lake County
previous to the Courier, we find that those which had been published
in Lakeport were the Times, Journal and Democrat. But little is known
as to who were the originators or proprietors. Evidently they were short-
lived, as the population was sparse, and hence the field a poor one. David
180 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Pitman Iamo was one of the editors and proprietors of the Journal in 1865.
B. H. Pendegast was at one time editor of the Clear Lake Times. In
October, 1869, Hal. P. Williams, one of the brightest and spiciest local
writers in the State, had charge of the local department of the Courier:
This connection lasted for several months.
The Lake County Bee. — This paper was established in Lakeport by
J. B. Baccus, Jr., March 8, 1873, who conducted it till June 14, 1877, when
L. Wallace became a partner in the concern. In a few months, the 23d of
the following August, C. S. Smyth became part proprietor, purchasing the
interest of Mr. Baccus. During the next year R. W. Crump purchased
Smyth's interest in the paper, and he and Wallace conducted the journal from
the 24th of October, 1878. September 18, 1879, another change occurred, A.
C. Jackson becoming a part proprietor in the paper with Mr. Crump. April
20, 1880, A. C. Jackson & Co. superseded Crump & Jackson in the manage-
ment of the periodical. On the 11th day of September, 1880, the final
transmutation took place, and the result was a consolidation of the Bee
and its rival, the Democrat, under the title of Bee-Democrat, and with J.
R. Cook and A. C. Jackson as editors and proprietors. The Bee has always
been quite busy in gathering and dispensing news under all its various and
varied administrations, and has been a well conducted journal in every
sense of the word.
The Lake Democrat. — This paper was established by A. A. R. Utting,
June 15, 1875, in opposition to a Democratic paper, the Bee. Mr. Utting
had been previously identified with the journals of Napa County, and was
a man who could get up a good paper ; but it would seem strange that any-
one would think of starting an opposition paper in so small a field as Lake
County, especially of the same shade of politics ; and no man with less
ability and nerve than Mr. Utting possessed could have made a success of
it. Mr. Utting continued in charge until April, 1879, when John R. Cook
came into possession, and conducted it till it was fused into the Bee-Demo-
crat, as stated above. The Bee-Democrat is one of the best conducted
papers on the Pacific Coast, and the mechanical department cannot be ex-
celled anywhere. The editors are gentlemen in every sense of the word,
and it is a pleasure to lend them a helping hand. The paper under their
joint management is building up rapidly in public favor, and the time is
not far distant when they shall reap, in a measure, the reward they so
justly merit, by having an extended subscription list. They have a full
line of job type and a nice job press in their office, and the work they do
will compare very favorably with the city offices.
Lakeport Brewery. — This enterprise was established by R. 0. Smith in
1863, and was then located in Scotts Valley. In the fall of 1864 he moved
Big Valley Township. 181
it to its present location, one-half mile west of Lakeport. It has a capacity
of twelve barrels of beer a day. The quality of the product of this
brewery is excellent.
Sailing Vessels. — The first sailing craft ever put upon the lake was
owned by J. Broome Smith. It was called the " Plunger ;" was sixteen feet
long, and five foot beam. It was brought over the mountains on a wagon.
The next one of any size was a schooner-rigged vessel, which was built by
Henry Alter about 1862. It was forty feet long and ten foot beam. On
the 5th of October, 1866, the yacht " Lady of the Lake " was launched by
Captain Carr — the man who obtained such an ignominious reputation in
connection with the Mendocino outlaws in 1879. This was a fast sailing
craft, and was run on the lake for several years. There have been a host
of yachts and other classes of sailing vessels on the lake since that day,
hence it is impossible to follow them all. When the wind blows there is
nothing more delightful than a sail on the lake, but it is rather uncertain
in its moods ; and when a party gets left in a dead calm within a mile of
Lakeport, about ten o'clock at night, it is not at all pleasant, for they must
either take the oars and " work their passage " home, or sit around and await
the pleasure of the breezes.
Steamers. — The " Hallie " was the pioneer steamer of Clear Lake. She
was purchased in San Francisco by Captain Floyd, and brought on a wagon
from Napa to Lower Lake over St. Helena. Just on the north side of the
ridge of the summit the wagon upset and the little steamer landed keel up
in the canon below. She was righted up, and no serious damages found,
however. She was launched in July, 1873, and on the 24th of that month
made her first trip to Lakeport. She was a small affair, but there was quite
a degree of certainty of arriving at one's destination on her, but not so much
could be said of the sailing craft. In August, 1873, Mrs. Chapman con-
structed a wharf opposite her property on the lake for the accommodation
of the steamer " Hallie." This was the first wharf in Lakeport.
The " Emma Garratt " was the next steamer put upon the lake, and was
built in Lakeport in 1874, by Captains J. B. Robinson and William S. Luke.
Work was begun on her June 4th, and she made her first trip October 10th.
This steamer was seventy -five feet long, fourteen feet wide, and three and a
half feet hold, and was built at a cost of $7,000. She was a stern paddle-
wheel, and had a cabin on the lower deck and a promenade hurricane deck.
In the fall of 1880 a new boiler was put into her, and she was generally
overhauled. In March, 1881, she was snagged and sunk at the wharf, but
was raised the next day. She was the property of the Bank of Lake, and
ran regularly between Lakeport and East Lake.
182 History of Napa and Lake Counties — -Lake.
The "City of Lakeport" was the next steamer put upon the lake. She
was built in 1875 by Captain R. S. Floyd, and was constructed after the
pattern of the Pacific Mail Company's finest steamers. In fact, she is a
miniature ocean steamer, and is a perfect beauty. She is seventy-eight
feet long over all, and seventy-two between her perpendiculars, is nine feet
three inches in beam, and six feet in depth of hold. Her frame is made out
of Eastern oak, her stern from Clear Lake oak, and the remainder of the
wood used in her construction is Oregon pine, and the trimmings are of
teak. She is strong, substantial, and perfectly seaworthy. She is brig-
rigged, having a fore and main-topsail, square foresail, spanker, fore spencer,
fore staysail, and jib. There are two engines in her, which are six and one-
half inches in diameter and have an eight-inch stroke. The propeller has
two blades, forty-eight inches in diameter, and with a six-foot pitch. There
are two cabins in the boat, one forward of and the other abaft the engine-
room. There is a jaunty little pilot house in front, and a small after-deck.
The " Independence " was the next steamer launched on the lake. She
was built in the latter part of 1878, by Captain Henry Alter, and is thirty-
two feet over all, with a twenty -four foot keel, six and one-quarter foot
beam, and four-foot hold. She is a very staunchly-built vessel, has a cabin,
is a propeller, and is a nice boat in every respect.
In 1881 a new steamer, the " Robert P. Hastings," was constructed to
take the place of the " Emma Garratt," which was then broken up. The
" Hastings" is a fine, staunch steamer, and well adapted to the service which
she is expected to perform.
Telegraph, Stages, Etc. — In September, 1874, the Colusa, Lake and
Mendocino Telegraph Company completed its line from Colusa to Lakeport,
and afterwards extended its line to Calistoga. In 1881 this line passed into
the hands of Mr. C. E. Lark, who changed its name to the Northern Tele-
graph Company.
Lakeport is connected with Calistoga, Middletown, Cobb Valley and
Kelseyville, by W. F. Fisher's stage line, which makes tri-weekly trips,
leaving Lakeport Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and making close
connection with the trains for San Francisco, at Calistoga. The stages
leave Calistoga after the arrival of the up morning trains, on the alternate
days of the week, and arrive in Lakeport the same evening. This stage is
under the charge of that prince of Jehus, Joseph Johns, than whom no
more careful, accommodating and pleasant ti'aveling companion ever pulled
a rein or cracked a whip.
A stage line owned by John Van Arman extends from Cloverdale, via
Kelseyville, Lakeport and Upper Lake, to Bartlett Springs, which makes
daily trips, and it is by this route that the most of the San Francisco and
Big Valley Tozvnship. 183
Eastern mail reaches Lakeport. This line connects with the trains for San
Francisco, at Cloverdale.
Ukiah is connected with Lakeport by a tri-weekly stage, which is owned
and conducted by A. J. Gibson. The route runs via Upper Lake, Witter
Springs, Pearsons Springs, and the Blue Lakes.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the steamer "Robert P. Hastings"
leaves Lakeport at 5 o'clock in the morning, and makes connection at East
Lake (Sulphur Bank) with stages on W. F. Fisher's line, which runs via
Lower Lake and Middletown to Calistoga, making connection with the
trains for San Francisco. Thus people from Lakeport can get through to
the city by two routes every day of the week except Sundays.
The stages all carry mails, hence the postal facilities of Lakeport are
unexcelled. Wells, Fargo & Co.'s exprses matter is carried from San Fran-
cisco via Cloverdale, but all stages carry it to way stations on their routes.
KELSEYVILLE.— This is a small but rather pretty village, situated in
Big Valley, on the east bank of Kelsey Creek, about eight miles south of
Lakeport. The first settlers here were of course, Stone and Kelsey, but it
was long after their day before any idea of locating a town here was had
by the citizens of that section. The first business place was opened here by
a blacksmith by the name of Benham, who opened a shop here in 1857, and
he had associated with him a wagon maker named German. No other place
of business was begun until 1864, when T. F. Fall opened a store, which
was the pioneer in that line. Messrs. Rosenbreau & Pace opened a store
and boarding-house also in 1864. From that time on to the present the
growTth of the town has been steady, though not very fast. The business
of the town is now represented as follows : Three stores, one drug store,
two hotels, one blacksmith shop, one gunsmith, one livery stable, one meat
market, one shoe shop, one millinery store, one doctor, Wells, Fargo & Co.'s
express, post-office, and telegraph office. There are four churches, and a
school-house in which two teachers are employed.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — Rev. A. C. Hazzard has kindly fur-
nished us with the following sketch of this church : In the spring of 1857
"Clear Lake Circuit," of the California Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, was organized by Rev. Edward Bannister, D.D., presiding
elder of the Petaluma District. Rev. S. W. Norman was employed as pastor.
In 1858 Rev. James Corwin was appointed pastor by the Conference, and
served that year — G. B. Davis, a local preacher, and George A. Lyon, exhorter,
living in the bounds of the circuit. The following pastors served succes-
sively : 1859, Rev. Noah Burton ; 1860, Rev. Asa J. White. The first camp-
meeting held at Upper Lake. Places of preaching: Lakeport, Big Valley
Scotts Valley and Upper Lake. 1861-2-3, supplied by Rev. S. B. Davis.
184 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
under the supervision of Rev. J. R. Tansy, presiding elder ; 1864, S. W.
Murphy supplied as pastor ; in the fall of 1864, Rev. J. Green was ap-
pointed and served as pastor; 1865, Rev. Wesley Ingham was a supply by
the presiding elder; 1866-7, Rev. J. W. Bryant was appointed and served
the circuit; 1868-9, supplied by S. B. Davis; 1870, Rev. A. J. White was
appointed to the circuit, and under his labors, with the assistance of Rev.
George Clifford, a gracious revival was manifested, and many converted and
added to the church. In this year the church at Kelseyville was built, and
dedicated on Christmas Eve by Rev. E. Thomas, D.D., assisted by Rev. J. R.
Trefren ; 1871-2, Rev. J. L. Broadus was appointed and served the circuit ;
1873, Rev. George McRea; 1874, Rev. H. C. Smith ; 1875-6, Rev. M. Wood-
ward; 1878, Rev. J. Cummins; 1879, Rev. J. C. Jones, and 1880, Rev. A. C.
Hazzard, the present pastor, was appointed.
Size of church building at Kelseyville is 36x50 feet, and it cost $2000.
The outlook is not, at present, of encouraging aspect. A large part of the
people are moving out of the county, which largely has decreased the mem-
bership of the church and its future prospects.
Independent Order of Good Templars. — Uncle Sam Lodge, No. 347,
I. O. G. T.,was organized August 1, 1880, with the following charter members :
J. R. Allison, A. O. Benson, Charles Eddy, W. A. Hillyer, W. M. Ryerson, O.
Allison, Annie Ormiston, Katie Towle, A. Bale, Mrs. F. L. Kelsey and Mrs.
Emily Eddy. The first officers were, W. A. Hillyer, W. C. T.; Annie Ormis-
ton, W. V. T.; A. O. Benson, W. S.; J. R. Allison, W. F. S, and Mrs. E. Eddy,
W. T. The present officers are, W. A. Hillyer, W. C T.; Mrs. E. Eddy, W.
V. T.; H. C. Trailor, W. S.; J. R. Allison, W. F. S., and Mrs. F. L. Kelsey,
W. T. The present membership is thirty-one.
Catholic Church Work. — The Catholic work in Lake County is a
mission field which embraces the entire county. As their headquarters is
at the mission farm in Big Valley, we include the sketch of their work in
the history of this township. The first pastor in the field was Father
Luciano O'Suna, who came to the county in 1867, and established the
mission. He remained in charge till 1879, when two Fathers Uballs and
Fox were put in charge, and so remained until the fall of 1880, when Father
Governo, the present incumbent, took charge.
There is a mission farm connected with this charge consisting of one
hundred and sixty acres of very fertile valley land lying on the southern
shore of the lake. It is all well fenced and eighty acres of it is in a high
state of cultivation. This land was purchased by Archbishop Alemany in
1875, at a cost of $5,000. There is a small but very comfortable residence
upon it, barns and other necessary out-buildings. There is quite a large
rancheria of Indians upon the place and they have built several wooden
Big Valley Toivnship. 185
buildings for themselves with lumber furnished by the Mission. There is a
school-house for the Indians and quite an effort is being made to get them
interested in education. There are about one hundred of these Indians here
and they are employed more or less about the place, and are paid for their
work. Some considerable quantity of flour and other provisions is annually
distributed among these Indians in a judicious manner, the most of it being
given to the old and sick ones. The Catholic people have two church
buildings in Lake County, one at Lakeport and the other at Kelseyville,
the former having been erected in 1870 and the latter in the following year.
Both are handsome church edifices, though small. The fathers in charge hold
services also at Lower Lake and Middletown. The work is prosperous in
the entire field.
MILLS. — There is no great amount of timber in this township suitable
for building purposes, therefore there are but few mills.
Boggs Saw Mill. — This was the first saw mill in the county and was
put in operation in 1858. It was built by Thomas Boyd, better known as
" Dobe " Boyd, and was a saw and grist mill combined, although at first
there was no boult connected with it. Later several improvements were
added and a boult was put in, making it a fair average country flouring mill.
It was run by steam from the first. The mill was burned in 1860, being
totally destroyed. It was rebuilt and located on the road leading from Kel-
seyville to Cobb Valley, or what is popularly known as the Boggs road.
Mr. Boyd sold the mill to Messrs. Allen & Shaul Brothers (George and
Benjamin) and they disposed of it to Benjamin Moore. In the fall of 1866
H. C. Boggs became proprietor, and the property remains in his possession
to the present time. The mill, when rebuilt, had a capacity of ten thousand
feet daily, and the machinery consisted of a double circular saw and an
edger. Mr. Boggs put in a planer after it came into his possession. In
1880 the mill was moved and is now located about three miles north of the
Harbin Springs, in a well timbered section.
Cobb Mill. — In 1859 John Cobb, the pioneer settler of Cobb Valley,
built a combined saw and grist mill in Cobb Valley. Its capacity both for
lumber and flour was very small, and it was run by water-power. It was
burned in 1866 or 1867.
Harbin Mill. — This mill was built in 1873 by J. M. Harbin, and is lo-
cated on the road-side at the summit of Cobb Mountain. It had a capacity
of ten thousand feet of lumber daily, and had there been the timber around
it in proportion to the capacity of the mill and the excellence of its
machinery, it would have proved a fortune to its proprietor, instead of a
" humbug," as it is generally denominated by the citizens of that section.
186 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
There never was a great amount of lumber sawed by it, and it is now going
to ruin. So much for misdirected energy and misapplied capital.
Allison Flour Mill.— This mill was built by Thomas Allison about
the year 1860, and was located on Kelsey Creek, about two miles above the
town of Kelsey ville. In September, 1867, the mill was destroyed by tire,
and was at that time the property of Messrs. Allison and Standiford. It
was immediately rebuilt, and is at present owned by Peter Burtnett.
SPRINGS. — While there are doubtless any quantity of mineral springs
all through this section, only a few have been located upon and thrown open
to the public. The principal one of these is the
Highland Springs. — These springs are situated at the extreme south-
western corner of Big Valley, about eight miles from Lakeport and six from
Kelseyville, and the stages from Cloverdale to the latter place pass by the
door. An old hunter by the name of Ripley discovered and located upon
them away back in the " sixties " sometime. He did not do much in the
way of improving the place, and, in fact, he erected no buildings at all
except his own cabin. He dug a small tunnel into the bank of the creek,
and in this epsom salts and alum formed in crystals ; also, carbonate of soda.
A strong odor of petroleum was said to be emitted from this tunnel.
Ripley sold the property to H. H. Nunnally, and he to Dr. A. B. Cald-
well, who began making improvements in 1871 by erecting the north wing
of the main hotel. In the fall of 1872 H. Shartzer and S. M. Putnam pur-
chased the place, and the following year Mr. Shartzer bought Mr. Putnam's
interest. In 1875 the main part of the hotel wes erected, and they can now
accommodate sixty guests in the building, besides those who can be accom-
modated in the five cottages on the grounds and adjacent to the springs.
There are nine springs at this place, as follows : One cold iron and mag-
nesia spring, located in the bed of the creek ; this is a strong spring, and
the water is very palatable, and is in fact the favorite of the guests. The
next spring, to the south, is a warm magnesia and iron spring, with a tem-
perature of 82 degrees, and it is from this one and two others of similar
character and temperature — all three lying adjacent to each other — that the
water for the baths is obtained. The next spring has borax for its chief
characteristic, and is thermal. The next one is a magnesia spring, and is
also warm. The last one in this coterie is a magnetic iron spring, with a
temperature of about 60 degrees. There is, at some distance to the east-
ward of the above-named, a cold soda spring, the waters of which are very
fine indeed, and have performed some almost miraculous cures of dyspepsia.
About one-half mile east of the hotel is a spring that has equal parts of
soda, sulphur, and iron, and is a veritable curiosity, for soda and sulphur
Big Valley Township. 187
are not generally good friends, or rather are too good friends, and are too
apt to form a union, glauber salts being the result.
This is a lovely place for camping and spending the season. The ground
around it is quite level, hence there is ample opportunity for exercise, while
the best of level roads lead from the place in several directions, so that fine
drives may be had. Game is abundant and easy of access, while there is
no end to the ti-out. It is easy of access and the accommodations the best.
No finer camping place can be found in the State, than the cool shady plot
of ground just south of the springs.
The Epsom Salts Spring. — There is a spring about three miles west of
Lakeport, that is characteristically an Epsom Salts Spring. It is not opened
to the public and would probably not be very popular if it were.
SODA BAY. — This lovely pleasure resort is located on the south side of
Clear Lake, and at the northern foot of Uncle Sam Mountain. It is a small
bight which makes in from the body of the lake, and takes its name from
the mighty soda spring, which comes up out of the bottom of the bay at
the entrance to it. The property is owned by Rev. Richard Wylie, of Napa,
and is leased by A. K. Gregg, who came here in 1879. The proprietor has
made all the improvements on it, which consist of a main hotel and six cot-
tages, also a bowling alley and billiard room. The grounds are shady and
romantic, and it is no wonder that during the summer season there are hosts
of people there. But the chief attraction to the curiosity and wonderful-in-
nature seeker is the gigantic soda spring spoken of above. It is situated about
a quarter of a mile from the hotel in a northerly direction, but quite near
the outer and eastern head of the bay. There is a reef of rocks which extends
some distance out into the lake from this cape, and it is in this that the
spring is located. Whence comes this mighty volume of soda water is a
question that none dare try to solve. This stream is about as large in
diameter as a barrel, and fairly gushes from the rock below, rising, in low
water to a height of two or more feet above the surface of the lake, but in
the high water of the winter season to about a foot. The water is so
strongly charged with carbonic acid gas, that when a man bathes in it he
has to be careful that he does not become asphyxiated. Such an accident
did happen in the case of John O'Shea, Coroner of Lake County, who lost
his life while bathing in the spring. There are a host of other springs of a
similar nature in the bottom of the lake, and a few of them come spui'ting
up above the surface, but this one is the greatest curiosity of all.
GLENBROOK. — This is a pleasure resort and hotel in Cobb Valley, and
is a most delight place to spend the summer, more for pleasure than for
health, perhaps, but the sweet mountain air, the bright sunshine, and the
188 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
excellent food provided at the hotel, ought to bring back the glow of health
to any cheek. Game and fish are abundant in that section, and several of
the most noted springs in the county are of easy access from this place.
Truly, this is one of nature's loveliest places, and its rare beauty must be
seen and enjoyed to be appreciated.
THE GAS KNOLL.— Of all the curiosities in the county or in the
State, this is the chief. This phenomenon covers an area of six acres, and
is located only a few hundred yards east of Kelseyville. This wonderful
hisus natural was discovered by John Gard in 1868. Choosing the place,
which is a beautiful prospect, for a building site, he proceeded to dig a well.
When he had gotten down about twelve feet, the man who was at work in
the bottom of the well complained of a queer feeling, and came up out of
the well. A doctor happened to be present, and he remarked that "death
damp," as miners call carbonic acid gas, might be the cause of his sensations,
and said he would test for the presence of that deadly element. He ac-
cordingly lit a match and attempted to hold it down into the body of the
well, when to his horror and surprise an immense volume of gas was lighted,
and an ardent and suffocating blaze enveloped his head and shoulders, almost
singing every hair off from his head and chin. As it was, he was horribly
punished for his temerity in invading the unknown precincts of the queer
laboratories which nature has in some hidden recesses far away under the
surface.
This gas is found to be veritable carburetted hydrogen, such as is used
in the common street lamp, but the properties are not quite the same. This
gas burns with a bluish blaze, but when it is aerated, and the oxygen comes
more rapidly into contact with it, the blaze is white and clear and more
ardent. The same effect is produced by passing any foreign substance
through the blaze rapidly, which, however, amounts only to another form
of aeration. The gas can be found in sufficient quantities to burn anywhere
on the knoll by boring a hole from three to fifteen feet deep. The usual
way is to bore a hole and sink a piece of pump stock, and from these such
a volume of gas escapes that small birds will fall dead in flying through the
jet even when it is not burning.
Gas comes up all over the surface, as may be seen when it has rained
and water is standing in the ground. Bubbles will then be seen on all sides
where the gas is coming out. One time a hole was bored by John Kelsey,
a former proprietor, thinking to find out what kind of water there was in
such a place as this. Reaching the required depth, he put in a pump, with
the ordinary iron pipe extending to the bottom of the hole. The water
was found to be an oleaginous mass, slightly acidulated, and altogether dis-
agreeable to the taste, smell and touch. But the strangest, part of the
±£i$£
1^*£L rfauU'^-,
Big Valley Township. 189
story remains to be told. In the course of a week or so he wished to use
the pump elsewhere, and took the pipe out of the hole. When he had put
it in it was rusty, and when he took it out it shone just like a mirror. He
remembered that the water had been slightly acid, and he imagined that
the oxyd of iron had been eaten off by the acid, and the surface left
bright, but great was his surprise to find that this shining surface was only
a species of electroplating as it were, and some substance, looking much
like quicksilver, had been deposited on the surface of the pipe, in a very
thin, but perfect coat. What that substance was is not known, and will not
be until some scientific man goes at it properly to make careful investiga-
tions and thorough analysis of all the phenomena presented at this veritable
' " Curiosity Shop " of nature.
John Gard sold the tract of land on which this knoll is situated, to Z.
Devee, and in 1876 he disposed of it to John Kelsey, and he to W. G. Young,
the present proprietor. Messrs. Kelsey and Young were joint owners for a
time also. Early in the spring, 1880, these gentlemen procured a steam
boiler and set it up on the gas knoll, and proceeded to project with it, en-
deavoring to find out if it could be made to yield heat enough to generate
any great amount of steam. A small pipe leading from three pump stocks
about an inch square on the inside, and with no pressure except that of
nature, was connected with the flues of the boiler. At first it did not work
from some cause. The gas burned, but there was not sufficient heat to gen-
erate any amount of steam. At last the trouble was found and obviated,
and in twenty minutes there were sixty pounds of steam in the boiler. The
difficulty lay in the fact that the gas was not sufficiently aerated at first.
It is stated by Mr. Kelsey that water can be made to boil in an open vessel
in the open air in twenty minutes, and he once tried an experiment between
that and a wood fire, the conditions being the same, and the gas heated the
water first to a boiling point.
Whether this gas can ever be utilized or not is a mooted question, some
affirming in the most positive and sanguine manner, and others denying just
as vigorously. One thing is certain, an appliance will have to be discovered
by which it can be properly aerated before it will burn successfully, either
for lighting or heating purposes, and especially is this true for the former.
It is thought by some that it will prove a treasure in that it can be used in
the most economical manner for fuel, and that mills and machinery of any
and every kind that can be used to advantage there can be run at no expense
whatever for fuel. Should this prove true, it will be a grand thing for some-
body. The soil is an oily, tough, jelly-like substance, from which a strong
odor of petroleum is emitted. What it is, or what it is formed of, or whence
comes the gas, and how generated, are all mysteries which it will require
190 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
much careful and patient research to discover and disclose. That it is a
grand freak of nature is evident, and it will repay any one to visit the
place.
MOUNT KONOCTL— This mountain is now generally known by the
name of Uncle Sam, but certainly the old Indian name is more musical and
euphonious. A visit to its summit is a rare treat, and it is only within the
past few years that it could be accomplished with any degree of ease or
comfort. Mr. 0. S. Morford owns the summit, and to him must be accorded
the honor of having constructed a road from the base to that point, by
which the latter may be reached with a team and vehicle. This road was
completed in 1878 ; and on the first day of May of that year, Mr. Morford,
in company with Miss L. Mendenhall and Miss Rachel Benn, ascended the
mountain with a team to within a short distance of its summit. They then
proceeded to the very pinnacle, and there unfurled the stars and stripes to
the breeze. It is Mr. Morford's intention to establish a grand summer
resort there, which will be a charming place for visitors to spend a few
days.
^filter
Upper Lake Township. 191
UPPER LAKE TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY. — The boundaries established for this township by the
Board of Supervisors are as follows : Beginning at the north-west corner
of Lower Lake Township on the county line ; thence northerly to the sum-
mit of Hulls Mountain ; thence west on a direct line to Mount Sanhedrim ;
thence southerly, following the summit of the ridge dividing the waters of
Russian River on the west and Clear Lake on the east, to a point on said
ridge one-half mile east of Dalton's cabin ; thence south-easterly along the
northern boundary line of Big Valley Township to Peaks Point ; thence
along said line of Big Valley Township to the place of beginning. By this
it will be seen that it is bounded on the north-east by Colusa County, on
the south-east by Lower Lake Township, on the south-west by Big Valley
Township, and on the north-west by Mendocino County. In its territory
is embraced a portion of Clear Lake, the Blue Lakes, and some small
streams which are tributary to these lakes.
TOPOGRAPHY.— The topographical features of Upper Lake Township
are somewhat varied, ranging from level valley to mountain peak. Begin-
ning at the western line, we find ourselves on the summit of a ridge of
mountains ; thence going eastward we descend into the Blue Lake Valley,
or canon, rather, and where it unites with the Scott Creek Valley, it widens
into a level tract of quite respectable proportions. East of the Blue Lake
Canon is a ridge of mountains with a south-eastern trend, which extends to
the valley around the upper end of Clear Lake, where it vanishes in a
series of rolling hills. This chain of mountains is pierced by lateral valleys
and canons on the south, the principal one being that in which Pearsons
Springs are located. To the north-east of this ridge is Bachelor Valley,
with its two arms, one extending up to Witter Springs, and the other
passing up to the north-west along Middle Creek.
These valleys all center around the head of Clear Lake, and form what
is known as Upper Lake Valley, which is quite an extensive tract of level
land. Passing on to the east we come to Clover Valley, through which flows
Clover Creek. This is a beautiful valley, quite wide at its lower end, but
growing narrower until it becomes a canon, and finally a mere mountain
192 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
gorge, from which the stream leaps into existence as it were. Farther to
the eastward we pass over a high range of mountains, and descend into the
valleys of the head waters of Cache Creek. The one in which Bartlett and
Allen Springs are located is quite narrow, but has some considerable level
land in it. To the east of this is a series of very high and rugged mount-
ain ranges, extending to the county line. Passing over the high dividing
ridge we descend into Long Valley — so very appropriately named from its
extreme length as compared with its width. Tn the extreme north-west
portion of the township lies Gravelly Valley, which is a very small affair.
The general trend of the valleys and mountain ridges is from north-west
to south-east — those north-west of the head of Clear Lake converging at
that point, while those in the eastern series trend toward the Sacramento
Valley. The notable exceptions to this rule are Gravelly and Clover Val-
leys, both of which trend westerly, the former lying in the Eel River group,
whose waters flow into the Pacific Ocean, and the latter lying east of the
head of Clear Lake, and still centering at that point. There are a number
of smaller valleys, such as Big and Little Squaw, etc., but the general topog-
raphy is embraced in the above description.
GEOLOGY. — The geological characteristics of this township are in
general keeping with the whole county. There is but little other than
volcanic rock to be seen in it, and of this there is assuredly an abundance.
Basalt and trap form the greater portion of this, while there are large beds
of lava still visible, extending from ashes to scoria. There are a host of
nondescript, amorphous and metamorphic rocks, ranging from the scoria of
the lava to the pure crystal. There are here and there to be seen shale out-
croppings, but that is about all of the true aqueous formation that is to be
SOIL. — The soil of this township is as varied as the location, and it is
quite a curiosity to study it. It extends through all the grades from the
barren rock to the very richest loam. On the mountain sides there is often
found the very richest of soil, but much more frequently very poor soil is
found there. In many places in these mountains, in what is known as
the chemisal lands, the soil is red, being really the slag-pile of some huge
internal iron smelting works which were operated in nature's laboratory
centuries ago. The action of water and air upon it during all these years
has oxydized the remnants of iron until these places here became vast beds
of iron rust. Sodium, in all its known compounds, such as chloride, car-
bonate, sulphate, nitrate, biborate, etc., abound in greater or less quantities
in the mineral springs of the section. Sulphur, iron, magnesia and all kin-
dred substances, also abound in these waters.
Upper Lake Township. 193
In the valleys the soil is greatly argillaceous in character, being formed pri-
marily and chiefly by the detritus from the adjacent mountain sides. In many
places it is very rich, being formed of vegetable mold. This is especially
the case around the head of Clear Lake, where the soil is probably twenty
feet deep and is an alluvial formation of as rich a character as can be found
in the county. In Gravelly Valley there is but little soil at all, it being
composed mostly of a great bed of boulders which has washed in from the
mountain sides adjacent and is covered with beds of finer gravel. In Long
Valley the same is witnessed to a great extent, only the upper crust of soil
is deeper and of a richer nature. By observing the banks of the stream
passing through it, great boulders will be seen at the bottom, while as we
ascend we come to smaller and smaller boulders until we come to a layer of
alluvial soil.
CLIMATE. — The climate of this township is much in keeping with the
whole of the county. In the winter season there are many days of cold
weather, and snow is not an uncommon visitor, especially in the upper alti-
tudes of the mountains. It is, however, a remarkable fact that at a certain
height upon the mountain side, known as the thermal belt, it is never as
cold as it is either above or below it. Semi-tropical plants flourish at this
point, while the hardy shrubs of a northern clime will suffer from frost in
the valley below. It is, of course, in the winter season when the heavy
storms occur, both of rain and snow.
It was our pleasure, for we very much enjoyed it, to experience a verit-
able mountain storm while passing from Upper Lake to Bartlett Springs,
and we will try to give the reader a faint idea of its beauty and grandeur.
It is a subject on which the highest powers of the word painter might be
lavished, and still justice would not be done to it. The sun came up from
behind the eastern mountains, looking much like a ball of fire floating in a
sea of flame, while nearer the zenith the color faded into gray, while far to
the west the sky was overcast with cold, leaden-colored cumulo-stratus
clouds, which floated up from the western horizon from behind the moun-
tains, borne before the breeze like great argosies sailing up from the land
of storm, laden with vast burdens of moisture. The wind blew in spiteful
gusts, damp and cold, and all nature seemed to have a premonition that a
storm was at hand.
Passing up Clover Creek we began the ascent of the grade. The wind
increased in strength, the gusts being more frequent and lasting longer.
The twittering birds were hovering under the lee of the bushes that grew
by the wayside, and were chirping to each other in a subdued tone. A
flock of sheep, without a shepherd, was descending the mountain side as fast
le, mothers even leaving their over-wearied weaklings to perish by
13
194 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
the wayside in their eager descent, and the continuous bleat of the hastening
flock fell, with a mournful accent, upon the ear. From the valley below
came floating up the lowing of kine, the crowing of cocks, and a thousand
sounds made and uttered by the animal existence below us, and they reached
our ears with such force that we were almost persuaded that the atmosphere
around us was possessed of microphonic powers.
Up and up we went, and now and then a dash of falling rain warned us
that the storm was about to burst upon us. The mail-carrier, whose long
experience had taught him that a storm of more than ordinary severity was
just about to hurl itself upon the mountains, was urging his jaded horse
down the grade as fast as possible. Suddenly the ominous hush that always
precedes the rush of the storm, like the recedence of water in the undertow
of a steamer, fell apon us, Below us the lower scuds had banked up in the
heads of the canons, and were beginning to creep up the mountain side.
The tops of the distant ridges were covered with the heavy gray clouds
which had settled upon them, as if to rest a moment before making a dash
at the next ridge. We were now up among the fir and pine trees. Far
away we could hear the rush of the wind through the boughs of the sway-
ing giants, sounding like the fall of waters over a mighty precipice.
Nearer and nearer it draws to us, until the first fitful gusts fan our
bared forehead ; then comes the mighty avalanche of wind and rain, which,
at our height, is one body of water, sweeping up the mountain side with
mad fury, hiding everything that comes in its track beneath its sable folds.
The grand old giants of the mountain forest sway and creak in their
wrestle with the blast like the cordage of a vessel at sea. Deep gloom now
settles upon all the mountain top. The valleys have all been filled with the
drifting spray of the storm clouds, while the cloud itself is lashed in its
fury against the mountain top about us. The rain, in a storm on the moun-
tains, does not fall in drops, but is driven in volumes and sheets, forming, as
it were, a spray looking much like the gray mist of the ocean. How beau-
tifully grand it sweeps by us, rolling, swirling, convoluting and gyrating,
being ever the sport of the gale that is driving it in such blinding sheets !
The trees now assume fantastic shapes, seen through the obscurity of the
bank of cloud. The dim outlines of a grove some distance off look like a
serried rank of giant soldiers, and the swaying tops can easily be imagined
to be the plumes of the grand old warriors.
At length the summit is reached, and the height of the storm is en-
countered at the same time. It surely seems that our carriage will be taken
up in the strong arms of the winds and borne along as a waif, and the surg-
ing, towering trees seem to be strained almost to the utmost tension, and
that they do not snap and crash at our feet or upon our heads is our only
wonder. We scarce can see the road three rods ahead of us, while the
Upper Lake Tozvnship. 195
torrent is rushing down the mountain side in a thousand improvised rivulets
and brooks. Wild, indeed, the scene, yet beautiful, grand, yea, sublime !
Man, in such a place, feels that he is near to God, near to the source of the
majestic works of nature ! It is an hour for reverie, for communion with
the inner consciousness. Truly
" God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform ;
He plants His footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm."
But it is not always thus. In the lovely days of June, what can be
more beautiful than a drive over this same route. Passing up the lovely
valley, now dressed in a robe of green and redolent with sweet incense of
the myriads of flowers which are blooming by the way side, we come to the
foot of the grade. Here the stream that was rushing down in such frantic
confusion when last we passed this way is now a bubbling brook, whose
ripple and splash makes merry music through the long midnight watches,
and chimes in melodiously with the hum and drum of the busy life of day.
On and on up the .grade until we near the summit, where we stop to
drink in the lovely and picturesque view that is spread out before our en-
raptured eyes. Behind us and at our very feet lies the little valley through
which we have just passed. Beyond it and almost a part of it, is the Upper
Lake Valley, with the little village of that name nestled amid the trees, in
its center. Beyond this the two arms of Bachelor Valley may be easily
traced, while the vista is closed up with range upon range of mountains far
away to the Mendocino County line.
Looking southward, at our feet lies the beautiful blue waters of Clear
Lake, basking in a flood of silver bars of light. It is too far away for the
sparkling sheen of its wavelets to reach us, yet we can easily imagine the
sweet beauty of its bosom upon such a lovely day as this. On the western
margin of the lake the little city of Lakeport is seen playing hide and seek
amid the native oaks upon its hill-sides. Truly, by the lake she sits, proud
queen of them all ! Beyond this yet is the grand amphitheater-shaped
country known as Big Valley, which is now in its loveliest mood. The lit-
tle village of Kelseyville is seen nestled in the foliage which grows upon the
banks of the adjacent creek, while the stream itself looks like a bright rib-
bon of silver set upon a back-ground of emerald. Farther to the east is
seen Soda Bay and Uncle Sam Mountain. Beyond this all is mountain and
vale to the very horizon, with the two grand old peaks of Cobb and St.
Helena piercing the blue ether of the June day far away toward the zenith.
We reach the summit, and far away, till the eye is wearied with the
tension, is seen range upon range of mountains. They are now all robed in
green, and the bare and rocky spots only serve to lighten their beauty by a
fitting contrast. To the northward the outlook is similar to that at the
196 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
east, the horizon closing with the lofty and glistening peaks of Snow
Mountains, whose summits reach far above the line of perpetual snow. We
have said that all this is beautiful ; yea, it is beyond the power of man to
paint, either upon the canvas or upon the printed page, even a faint con-
ception of the true loveliness of the scene. Who can describe the delicate
tint of the robe of mist which the far away mountains wear most of the
day, like a halo of purple glory from heaven ? And the radiant, life-giving,
soul-inspiring air of that upper altitude ! To be there and to see and to
breathe is to be in elysian fields such as the poets of old may have tried to
portray, but such as they never could conceive even a shadowy outline of.
Purple, emerald, crystalline ether, wine of the gods ; yea, almost the very
breath of immortality itself ! And yet it is not all told.
PRODUCTS. — The products of this township extend through the usual
range of fruits, cereals and vinicultural products. Grain of all kinds do
well and corn is grown to some extent. Fruits of every description thrive
excellently and the apples of Lake County are proverbially excellent.
Much attention is just now being attracted to the growing of wine grapes,
and it is believed that all the mountain sides of this whole section is most
excellently adapted to their culture. The Bank of Lake, under the super-
vision of Judge S. C. Hastings, planted a large vineyard this present year
(1881) on what is known as the Carson ranch, in this township, and the
proprietors are enthusiastic over the flattering prospects of making a grand
success of it. It is certainly to be hoped that they will, as it will add a
great source of wealth to the county.
TIMBER. — The timber of Upper Lake Township ranges through all the
grades common to the section. There is quite an amount of pine, sugar
pine, and fir on the upper altitudes of the mountain ranges, which has been
found very well adapted for lumber, and has been a source of wealth to the
section. Lower down the mountain side is found the mountain, black, and
live oak, all of which are good fuel woods, but of not much use otherwise.
In the valleys the white oak grows in great numbers, but not much can be
said in its favor for fuel or any other economic purposes. Alder, a fine light
fuel wood, grows quite extensively along the banks of streams. Madrona
thrives on the mountain sides, but it is useless for economical purposes. It
is a beautiful tree, however, and has been aptly named by Bret Harte, " har-
lequin of the woods," and is one of the most striking objects of our forests.
It is rarely found growing straight, the trunks being usually twisted
into every conceivable shape. The peculiarity of the bark, which peels off
in thin strips, and seems to consist of several layers, attracts the eye at
once. It is smooth and yellow in young trees, but changes in the old to a
deep madder red. This is the thin outside layer, and when that scales off
Upper Lake Township. 197
the inside layer appears green on the tender shoots, and yellow on the older
wood. The bark-shedding process occurs in the spring and early summer,
and is a very marked peculiarity of the tree. The madrona bears a small
red berry, which is a favorite food for the wild pigeon. The leaves are
large and have a glossy green appearance fully as rich as the magnolia.
There are several other species of tree and shrubs which thrive in this town-
ship, but none are of any special importance.
EARLY SETTLEMENT. — The first permanent settlement made in
Upper Lake Township dates back to 1854, and to Benjamin Dewell, one of
the makers of the famous Bear Flag, belongs the honor of being the pioneer
settler of this township, who came in and located on the place he still re-
sides upon, in May of that year. He was followed in the fall of 1854 by
his father-in-law, William B. Elliott, and his brother-in-law, Alburn Elliott
Mr. Dewell settled just north of the present site of the town of Upper
Lake, and on the west side of Clover Creek. William B. Elliott settled on
the east side of Clover Creek, and Alburn Elliott settled about three miles
above Dewell's on the same side of the creek.
During the fall of 1854 Colonel Lansing T. Musick located on the east
side of Clover Creek, and below where Upper Lake now stands. In the
spring of 1855 another son of William B. Elliott, Commodore, came in and
settled just above his father's place. All of these men had families.
The early settlers in Bachelor Valley were Richard Lawrence, Greene
Catran, Daniel Giles and Benjamin Moore, all bachelors, hence the name.
In Long Valley Benjamin Knight and William E. Willis were the first
permanent settlers. Before this there had been a large number of hunters
located in the valley and they had cabins all through the valley. Knight
and Willis were located on what is now known as the Kennedy ranch in
1854. There was about one thousand acres in their claim, and they disposed
of it to a man by the name of Calder, and in 1859 James Kennedy and his
son Hiram purchased it, and still remain upon it.
While Knight and Willis were still in possession of this claim, George
M. Hanson, father of the Hanson brothers, so well and favorably known in
that valley now, came in and began buying up the hunters' claims, cabins,
etc., hoping thus to get undisputed possession of the entire valley for a
stock range. He succeeded in securing all the claims except that of Knight
and Willis, who had some stock there, and asked a good round sum for
their interest. Shortly after this, Mr. Hanson and his sons, William P. and
J. F., drove in a band of .cattle, and began stock raising and dairying, which
they followed for several years with great success. Daniel A. Hanson,
another son, settled on the place below and adjoining the Kennedy ranch. In
an early day the dividing lines between the ranches extended from one side
198 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
of the valley to the other, and that custom has maintained to the present
time. Other early settlers in this township were : J. M. Maxwell, J. B.
Howard, M. Shepard, J. Gilbert, L. A. Young, J. M. Denison, J. F. Crabtree,
Caspar Sweikert, G. A. Lyon, Sr., A. J. Alley, George Bucknell, T. P. Max-
well, M. Waldfogal, S. N. Alley, C. C. Rice, D. V. Thompson, J. B. Robinson,
R. C. Tallman, J. F. Burger, J. 0. Sleeper, J. Pitney, and M. Sleeper.
Of the many brave pioneers of Lake County, none are more deserving
of a place in a work of this character than William B. Elliott. The sub-
joined sketch is taken from the Sonoma Democrat, and was published at
the time of his death :
"William B. Elliott was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, in
1798, two and a half miles from New Salem, on Deep River. When
eighteen years of age he went to Grayson County, Virginia, on New River,
which flows from Grayson County through a gorge past the romantic
Hawks Nest, first made famous by Thomas Jefferson, in his ' Notes of Vir-
ginia,' takes the name of Kanawha, and mingles its waters with the Ohio.
It is a wild, mountainous and beautiful region, which at that day offered a
field for the sportsman worthy of Elliott's love of adventure, and the un-
erring aim of his rifle.
" In 1821 he married Eliza Palton. After spending eight years in Gray-
son County, he started in March, 1833, with his family, in search of a home
still farther West, little dreaming that, after a few years in Missouri, he
would push on in the vanguard of pioneers towards the sunset until he
found a home within sound of the waves of the Pacific. He settled in
Dade County, in South Missouri, thirty miles from Springfield, and had a
farm there till the spring of 1845. On the 17th day of April of that year
he left with a large company bound for Oregon. Of the party were John
Grigsby, David and William Hudson, J. W. York and Joseph Wood. Ben-
jamin Dewell, who was one of the Bear Flag party, joined the train, then a
very young man, after leaving Independence.
"Mr. Elliott had with him a wife and seven children. At Fort Hall the
party divided, part going to Oregon and part to California. They had, to that
point, followed the emigrant overland trail by way of South Pass and Soda
Springs. From Fort Hall the California party came to Humboldt, thence,
by way of Donner Lake, across the Sierras, thence to Sutters Fort, and
from that place to Younts, in Napa. On the plains Elliott was a leader.
He did not know the meaning of the word fear. Armed, he did not care a
snap for Indians, and would have toppled them over if they interfered with
him with as little compunction as he formerly knocked gray squirrels out
of a tall poplar or chestnut tree in the mountains of West Virginia.
" In California he soon became noted as a great bear hunter, and with
his boys has probably killed more grizzlies than any other man in the State.
Upper Lake Township. 199
On one of these bear hunts, shortly after he came to the State, he worked
his way from the head of Napa to Loconoma Valley. There he met some
Indians, who told him there were a great many bear over the mountains
(pointing west). One of the Elliott boys was with the old man. They
climbed to the top of the mountain and descended the divide between the
forks of Big Sulphur Creek and the main stream. They noticed a strong
smell of sulphur, which surprised them, and they determined to solve the
mystery. As they went down the stream the smell of brimstone, to use the
old man's words, increased, and they were still further amazed by coming
in sight of a cloud of steam which seemed to rise from the bottomless pit
itself. Elliott and his son had discovered the Geysers !
" While thinking of the probable difficulties ahead of them, they were
suddenly confronted by an immediate and pressing one. Just as they en-
tered the open space above where the bath-house now stands, they came
suddenly upon a huge grizzly. The bear reared up on his haunches, as if
astonished by the intrusion of the white man into his wild retreat. A quick
shot from the old man's rifle doubled the animal up, and Ab. sent another
leaden messenger. They signalized their discovery by killing the largest
bear taken on the hunt.
" Elliott and his son thoroughly examined the wonderful canon, and re-
turned to the log cabin, which stands to this day on Mark West Creek, near
its junction with Porter Creek. It is the only old-fashioned log house with
two apartments separated by an open space that we know of in Sonoma
County. It stands on the Weaver place, and has long been unoccupied.
This account was taken down as told by the old man, and does not come
second-hand or by hearsay.
" Shortly after coming to the State, Elliott had purchased from one
Berry essa an Alcalde's grant to a large amount of land on the head of *Mark
West Creek, where the cabin stood. He moved there, with his son Com-
modore, all his stock. His nearest neighbors were Moses Carson, on the
Fitch grant, Frank Bedwell, Cyrus Alexander, in Alexander Valley, Captain
Smith, Black and Mcintosh, of Bodega, (to which may be added the settlers
of Napa Valley).
" In the spring of 1846 he was at work with his ox-teams, hauling lumber
from Smith's mill to Bodega Bay. He had three teams and three wagons.
* This is a slight mistake. This land being west of where Calistoga now stands, on the
ridge which divides the two counties, the house occupied by the family was on the Napa
Valley side of the ridge, hence could not have been on Mark West Creek. This we have from
Mrs. Dewell, who was a young woman at the time, and she called our attention to this error
in the statement made above. If the reader will refer to the course followed by the party
going to the relief of Stone and Kelsey, it will be seen that they passed from Santa Rosa
through the Rincou to Elliott's, and thence over St. Helena, thus locating Elliott in Napa
Valley.
200 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
While engaged there he heard whisperings among the Mexicans of trouble
with the Americans in Sonoma. He became uneasy about his family and
settled with Captain Smith and started with his teams for Sonoma. There
was no road to Elliott's place with wagons except by way of Sonoma and
Napa, and up Napa Valley, across the hills from Calistoga. He had no gun,
and that did not suit Elliott, so he purchased one of a number of shot guns
imported by Captain Smith from England.
" He was compelled to pass the old Petaluma house, but he tried to give
it as wide a berth as possible, knowing that large numbers of Mexicans were
always congregated there. They saw him, however, and came dashing out
on horseback towards him. The old man acknowledged that there was one
thing he was afraid of and that was the riatta of the Mexicans, when there
were more of them than he could kill at one shot. The Mexicans came on
at full speed and he thought his time was up. They reined up their horses
in the usual style, and told him to come by the house as they wanted him
to take a barrel of aguardiente on the wagon to Captain Barker in Sonoma.
The last of the sentence relieved the old pioneer amazingly ; he headed the
cattle peremptorily, and was the most polite American till he got out of
that place ever before seen in the country.
" He loaded up his freight and made his way with all possible speed to
Sonoma, where he left the aguardiente with Barker and continued his
journey to Napa. Three miles beyond Sonoma he met the Bear Flag party
on their way to capture Sonoma. It was the eve of the first act in a drama,
the exciting scenes of which were to follow in quick succession, its climax,
the conquest of California. It needed no invitation to induce Elliott to join
the band. He sent his wagons on, saddled a horse, shouldered his shot gun,
and the polite carrier of aguardiente of yesterday was the revolutionist of
to-day, brave as the bravest among them.
"The party entered the town about daylight, with arousingyell. Some
went to the barracks, and some to General Vallejo's quarters. Elliott went
with the latter; Merritt was just ahead of him. Salvador Vallejo came
out and surrendered himself to Captain Merritt. Merritt had been badly
treated on a former occasion by Salvador, who wished now to make up.
The former, from an impediment in his speech, was known as 'stuttering
Merritt.' He replied to Vallejo : ' By g — d, th-th-this is go-go-government
bu-bu-business, we will settle our difficulties hereafter.' Elliott went as one
of the guards with the prisoners to Sutters Fort. He says : ' We had not
arrested Jacob P. Leese, but he went along with the party. At Feather
River we met an Indian with a note from Fremont, who told us to take
care of the prisoners, especially one J. P. Leese. Two of us then rode
quickly up, one on each side of Leese, with our guns across the saddles
pointed towards him, closed in and informed him he was a prisoner. Mr.
Leese expressed great surprise and indignation.'
Upper Lake Township. 201
" After turning the prisoners over to the authorities at Sutters Fort,
Elliott and Grigsby came through Pope Valley to Napa, went on to Yount's,
and Elliott found his family there on their way to Sonoma for protection,
and went on with them.
" The Bear Flag was made out of red flannel furnished to Benjamin
Dewell by Mrs. Elliott, not a flannel petticoat, as has been erroneously stated,
but a piece of new red flannel. Mrs. Elliott also furnished the needles and
thread with which it was sewed together. Dewell got the materials from
her and afterwards married a daughter of Elliott's. We have the facts
from him. Elliott had enlisted for a short term. When Revere raised the
American flag Elliott left, putting Benjamin Dewell in his place. Revere
was anxious for Elliott to remain. He told the lieutenant that he had sons
who had enlisted, and that if necessary for defense he and his wife would
both take a rifle in hand.
" From Sonoma he went to the head of *Napa Valley, and harvested a
crop of grain he had put in there, keeping his cattle on the Mark West
ranch. In 1849 he kept a public house known as the ' Bear Flag House,'
on the Wilson place, just beyond the reservoir on the old Sonoma road. In
1850 Frank Marryatt, a distinguished English author, stopped a while with
Elliott, and in his work called ' Mountain and Mole-Hill,' gives an account
of the skill and daring of his host, as a hunter and rifleman. In one of
his hunting tours Elliott had seen Lake County in its virgin beauty. In
the fall of 1854 he went there with his family, and settled upon a ranch
and began farming near Upper Lake, where he lived till he died. He now
sleeps quietly on a lovely spot on an eminence in the heart of Clover Val-
ley, and near the scenes of the latter days of his most busy and eventful life."
Among the first schools established in Lake County was one located at
Upper Lake, and among the early teachers employed to initiate the youth
of that section into the mysteries of the three " r's " was Mr. J. W. Mackall,
now a resident of Lakeport, and cashier in the Grangers' Bank.
UPPER LAKE. — There is but one town in the township and that is a
small village bearing the name at the head of this paragraph. The early
histoi-y of the place extends back to 1866. In that year a man by the name
of Bukofsky had a store there, and Caspar Sweikert had a blacksmith shop
at the same place. Previous to this, and probably in 1856 or 1858, William
B. Elliott had a blacksmith shop at his place, which was, of course, the first
* It will be seen by this that the writer of the quoted sketch has located him at the head
of Napa Valley, which is proper. If the reader will bear in mind the fact that his residence
was all the time at this place, instead of in Sonoma County, much obscurity will be removed
from this sketch. It is not reasonable to suppose that it were easier to get to Mark West Creek
from Bodega, by way of Napa, than Santa Rosa, even at that early day.
202 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
business place of any kind in the upper end of the valley. The first store
in that vicinity was not erected at the present site of the town, but below
or south of it. About 1865 the present site was decided upon and several
buildings were moved to the present town location.
Bukofsky sold to a man by the name of Houghton and he to N.
McCrosky. Mr. Dewell states that there was a store in that vicinity as
early as 1856. It is possible that the gentleman intended to say 1866, as
that is the year in which all others agree that it was located. Henry Taylor
put the first hotel in operation in the place and it was among the first build-
ings in the town. In a newspaper note of 1866 it is stated that " a hall is
to be erected during the next year (1867) for the double purpose of lodges
and schools." As the school building looks the most dilapidated of any in
the county, and is not situated in the town at all, it is probable that this
prognostication was never verified.
The town of Upper Lake is situated on a low, flat tract of land near the
junction of Clover, Middle and Scotts Creeks and the head of Clear Lake-
The floods come down the streams and cover the streets of the town at fre-
quent intervals. The town, of itself, is a pretty little place, but of its loca-
tion certainly not so much can be said. We wish that we could say that its
future growth would amount to anything considerable, but of this there is
certainly no assurance, as there seems to be nothing about the place to build
a town upon. It will always remain quite a lively little town, supplying
the section back of it, and as it settles up and more demands are made upon
the place, it is fair to presume that they will be met.
The present business of the town is as follows : three stores, three hotels,
three livery stables, one meat market, two blacksmith shops, three churches,
one planing and grist mill, and one saloon. The population of the place is
probably one hundred and fifty.
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — Upper Lake Lodge, No. 241,
1. 0. O. F., was organized January 8, 1876, with the following charter mem-
bers : Dexter Witter, D. T. Taylor, Orrin Smith, M. Asher, C. Johnson, C.
C. Grove, L. Gurnett, W. Ballinger, R. P. White, W. H. Woodward, G. K.
McMath, F. M. Gully and H. Parmer. The first officers were D. Witter, N.
G; R. P. White, V. G.; G. K. McMath, Secretary; A. W. Brown, Treasurer.
The following named 'gentlemen have had the honor of filling the Noble
Grand's chair : D. Witter, R. P. White, D. T. Taylor, C. McMath, J. W. Doty,
J. B. Robinson, W. H. Woodward, William Kerr and M. Asher. The present
officers are M- Asher, N. G.; J. N. League, V. G.; J. B. Robinson, Secretary,
and Benjamin Dewell, Treasurer. The present membership is sixteen, and
the lodge is in a very prosperous condition. They have a nicely furnished
hall over Mr. J. N. League's store.
Upper Lake Township. 203
Elliott's Mill. — To William Elliott belongs the honor of having the
first grist mill in that section of the country. In 1858 he erected a water-
power mill, with a single run of stone, and no boult, on Clover Creek. It
ground very slowly indeed, and while the patrons would be waiting for
their grist they would busy themselves with whittling, and in time the mill
came to have the queer cognomen of " Whittle-busy." Another version is,
that Elliott used to say of his mill, that it kept it busy whittling away all
day to get a stipulated amount ground. The mill remained in use till 1867.
Planing and Grist Mill. — The Upper Lake planing and grist mill
was erected in 1875, by Thomas Keatley. The building is located in the
northern portion of town, and is 100x32 feet in size. The proprietor is
prepared for planing, grinding grain, manufacturing doors, sash and furni-
ture. The power iss team, and the engine eight and one-half horse-power.
Mr. Keatley is the present proprietor.
MILLS. — As lumbering is not one of the principal industries of Lake
County, it is not expected to find many mills within its borders, never-
theless there are quite a number. In Upper Lake Township are found the
following :
Pine Mountain Mill. — In 1865, J. Bateman and M. N. Young built a
saw mill on Pine Mountain. They sold their property to H. A. Humphrey
and 0. Smith in 1866. These parties conducted the business till 1874, when
they disposed of it to W. H. Manlove. He sold a half -interest to L. A.
Young. A part of the machinery was moved to Elk Mountain, and is now
owned by L. A. Young & Co. This mill on Pine Mountain was steam-
power and had a capacity of ten thousand feet.
The Denison Mill. — This mill was moved from Mendocino County
by A. J. Stroup, and located on Little Horse Mountain, about fourteen miles
north-west of Upper Lake. It was moved from there to Pine Mountain in
1872, and Mr. Uenison became proprietor in the following year. The mill
is now owned by G. H. Haynes.
Hanson's Mill. — This mill was built by J. F. Hanson, at the head of
Long Valley, in 1875. A run of buhrs was added to the mill in 1876. The
power is steam, and it is a fine mill, though small.
Bartlett Springs Mill. — J. J. Andray built a mill at the head of the
caiion, a short distance above Bartlett Springs, in 1875. It was only run
for two years, and the buildings are all going to decay very fast. The power
was steam, but its capacity is unknown. Owing to the fact that the town-
ship lines are so very vague that even the settlers do not always know
in what township they reside, we will be pardoned if we have located any
of the above mills in this township when they belong to some other.
204 History of Napa and Lake Counties — IIake.
SPRINGS. — There are several mineral springs in this township, all of
which are more or less valuable for medicinal purposes, and all are quite
popular as pleasure and health resorts. The following list include them all.
Pearson Springs. — Beginning at the north-west corner, as it were, of
the township, the first springs that we come to are the Pearson, which are
located at the head of a lovely little valley which puts out from the north
side of Scotts Valley, east of its union with the Blue Lake Canon. They
lie about one mile from the road along Scotts Creek, and a road passes by
them and on to Witter Springs. These springs were located by J. W. Pear-
son in 1874, and the present proprietor, Mr. J. J. Kebert, purchased them in
May, 1878. There are four springs at this place, and all of entirely differ-
ent water. They proceed from a strata of rock about forty feet above the
valley, on the eastern range of mountains, and are all within a distance of
one hundred yards. Beginning at the south, the first one is an iron spring,
and its presence is manifested strongly. There are no other minerals with
it, in any quantities at least, and it is comparatively free from carbonic acid
gas. The next to the north is a soda spring, but it is not so strong as many
of the springs in the county. It is very palatable, having a goodly quan-
tity of carbonic acid gas in it. Iron is one of the principal elements in this
water, although it is characteristically a soda spring. The next one ap-
proached as we pass to the north is a magnesia spring, the water of which
is very palatable indeed. Carbonic acid gas and iron are present in this
spring to quite a degree, also. The fourth and last spring is one of the great-
est curiosities in Lake County. It is a white sulphur spring, the water of
which is heavily charged with carbonic acid gas, and hence is tart and pleas-
ant to the taste, and is, moreover, free from the characteristic gas of sulphur
waters generally — sulphuretted hydrogen — which usually gives to this class
of water the " rotten-egg smell " which most every one complains of. This
water is a delightful beverage, and is enjoyed and appreciated by all the
guests at the place.
There are five cottages here and a main hotel, also a barn that will accom-
modate forty head of horses. The springs are thirteen miles north-west of
Lakeport, and two miles east of Blue Lakes, and are reached by excellent
roads from Lakeport, Upper Lake, Witter and Bartlett Springs, and from
Ukiah. It is claimed for these springs that the water is good for catarrh,
paralysis, kidney and liver troubles, rheumatism, dyspepsia, neuralgia, and
scrofulous diseases. There is much level ground here, and many wide arch-
ing shade trees, which furnishes an excellent camp ground. Game is
abundant near at hand, while fish sport in the brook which courses through
the grounds. Fruit and vegetables in a plentiful supply are near at hand.
The hotel was erected in 1874. There has never been any analysis made
of the waters of these springs.
Upper Lake Township. 205
Witter Springs. — Passing on to the northward from Pearson Springs,
we begin the ascent of the grade at the very door of the hotel, which leads
over the ridge of mountains that divides Scotts Valley from Bachelor Val-
ley. Up and up we go, every new turn in the road revealing increased
beauty in the prospect. To the left of us lies the canon, whose almost per-
pendicular sides extend from the base of the valley to the mountain tops.
As we swing around on some curve in the road we get a full view of the
valley lying below us, and a goodly portion of Scotts Valley in addition.
It is beautiful to behold, and we fain would linger to let it be impressed
upon the tablets of our memory so that time could not erase it. The sum-
mit is reached, and on the other side the scene is more enchanting if possible
than on the one we have just been gazing upon. It is larger and grander
at least, and embraces Bachelor and Upper Lake Valleys, with their beautiful
farms and cottages, orchards, barns, and all that goes to make up a lovely
rural landscape filled with happy and prosperous homes. Beyond them lies
the lake shimmering in the sunlight, and beyond it all the grand mountains,
range upon range, which just now are bathed in the radiant flood of sun-
shine, mellowed by the lateness of the hour into sweet tinted bars of gold
and amber. And far to the south-east, and closing up the vista in that
direction, stands old Uncle Sam, proud monarch of them all. From our
lofty vantage ground we see a hundred themes for the painter's skill and
the poet's muse. Sweet land of radiant beauty !
Descending the grade, we come to the justly celebrated Witter Springs,
which are located six miles from Upper Lake, on the stage road from Ukiah
to Lakeport, in the most healthful part of Lake County, surrounded by
romantic scenery, in full view of Clear Lake, and can be reached either by
way of Cloverdale and Ukiah or by way of Calistoga and Lakeport. By
way of the former route, the distance to San Francisco is one hundred and
thirty-four miles. The springs are at the head of the south arm of Bachelor
Valley and five hundred feet above the level of it and two thousand feet
above the sea level.
These springs were discovered by Benjamin Burke in 1870, and in 1871
Dr. Dexter Witter and W. P. Radcliff purchased them of him. In 1872 they
constructed the road leading to the springs, and during the following year
they erected the hotel and opened the springs to the public. There are
thirteen cottages here for the accommodation of guests, while the hotel,
which has lately been enlarged, will accommodate sixty more. It is a
delightful place for a resort, even if one is not sick. The scenery is grand,
the atmosphere light and bracing and the cottages are sequestered in a grove
of trees, which affords ample shade for all who may come to the springs.
A noisy brook goes prattling by, and day and night its sweet song makes
melodious music for all — one of nature's harps.
206 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
The water at these springs is chiefly soda. There are four springs in all :
Two soda, one magnesia, and one iron. None of these amount to very
much, except the stronger one of the two soda. Below we give a qualita-
tive analysis of the water of this spring. One gallon contains seven hundred
and thirty-three and a half grains of solid constituents, as follows :
Carbonates of soda ; chlorides of sodium and potassium ; small quanti-
ties of sulphates ; traces of lime and magnesia, and a considerable quantity
of borax.
The chlorides are strongly predominant, as is soon made evident to the
drinker, the water tasting almost like brine till one is accustomed to it. It
requires but a very little of this water to be efficacious, as but three glasses
a day is the regular allowance. These waters will effect a cure of what is
known as fits, which is a relief not afforded by any other mineral waters in
the world. This water is excellent for the following complaints : Scrofula,
cancer, salt rheum, tetter, scald head, white swelling, rheumatism, neuralgia,
dyspepsia, fits and all affections of the heart, kidneys and liver. These
springs are now the property of S. R. Emerson.
Whiskey Spring. — This is apparently one of nature's still-houses. The
water has the reputation of causing the drinker to become tipsy, or rather,
as it is expressed locally, and a term that all Californians will better appre-
ciate, it makes them " rattle-weeded." It is quite probable that there is
some rank mineral poison held in solution in this water, which, when intro-
duced into the system, acts very much as does genuine whiskey, hence the
name. This spring is located somewhere in the mountains, between Witter
Springs and Blue Lakes. No analysis has ever been made of the water.
Mitchell Springs. — These springs lie north-west of Witter Springs
about six miles, and at the head of the north arm of Bachelor Valley.
They have never been really opened to the public, though they have many
attractions naturally, and the water is excellent. They are visited yearly
by parties of hunters, who wish to push further away from civilization
than the ordinary places of resort.
Bartlett Springs. — This is doubtless one of the most favorite of all
the health and pleasure resorts in Lake County. These spi-ings are located
on what is known as the middle fork of Cache Creek, in the north-eastern
portion of the county. In 1870 Mr-. Greene Bartlett, an old hunter, in pass-
ing up this fork of Cache Creek, came upon the spring, and was attracted
to it by its volume, and some characteristics of the taste of the water. He
was suffering from a severe and prolonged attack of rheumatism, and he
concluded to stop awhile and see if there were any virtues in the water.
At the end of a couple of weeks he found that he had made rapid improve-
ment. He then went out to the settlements, and got a party of fourteen,
Upper Lake Township. 207
all afflicted one way or another, but mostly with rheumatism, and piloted
them to his newly-found Bethesda. To their surprise they found the
waters did all and even more than Mr. Bartlett in his enthusiasm had
claimed for them.
Mr. Bartlett had now found out to a certainty that there were real
virtues in the water, and he proceeded at once to locate upon the property.
There are several springs in this vicinity, but not all on the Bartlett
property, but all are accessible to guests at the hotel. The one farthest
from the hotel is a gas spring, as it is called. Great volumes of carbonic
acid gas escapes from this spring continually, causing the water to have
every appearance of the ebullition of boiling water, yet no water runs
away from this spring. This gas is so strong that birds and animals fall
dead in passing over it, and it would soon kill a man. Visitors place their
feet in to remove corns, bunions, etc.
To the south from the hotel a distance of two hundred yards, there are
two ordinary soda springs, an iron and a magnesia spring. There is more or
less of carbonic acid gas in all of this water. The soda and other springs
in this series is quite palatable. Near by is a sulphur spring. It is cold,
and not as much a favorite as the others are with the visitors. The main
spring is a wonderful phenomena, and is well worthy a visit to the place
just for the sake of seeing it alone. It is near the head of a lateral canon,
putting into the mountain to the east of the main canon. It is now walled
up with composition stone, and a pavement of the same material is laid
around it for a distance of several feet. A jar-shaped chamber, about two
feet in diameter and three feet high, is constructed directly over the spring,
having outlets similar to the great fountains in the cities of the world. The
volume of water is so great that quite large streams are flowing out of three
sides of the chamber at once, while a pipe leads to the hotel, and one to the
barreling and bottling house. It is estimated that the stream of the spring
will flow fully three inches miners' measure.
This water is peculiar in that it does not taste much differently from
ordinary spring water, and the presence of the mineral is hard to detect.
The iron that is in it is shown by the colored deposit, but that is very
small. The tufa formation is very light, but more of a borax nature than
soda. The taste of the water is rather pleasant, but not strongly mineral at all
hence it is generally a favorite with all who visit the springs from the first.
This main spring is known as the Bartlett Spring, the others being only
mere contingencies, as it were, and it is from this one that the most of the
visitors use water.
There is quite a village around the spring comprising in all about one
hundred buildings. Of these seventy-five are cottages, and the remainder
are used for hotel, store, saloon and other purposes. In the hotel building,
208 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
which is a handsome structure, there are sixteen rooms, and in the cottages
that are reserved for hotel purposes there are thirty-nine rooms, making
fifty -five in all. Thus, with the cottages and hotel, a very large number of
guests can be accommodated. Mr. Gordon had charge of the springs at first,
and he was followed by Mr. W. W. Greene, now of Lakeport, who remained
in charge for one year. Messrs. Long & Brown then had them for three
years, and they were followed in 1876 by Mr. D. Alexander, who remained
there till 1881, when Hon. J. C. Crigler assumed control.
The property belongs to Messrs. Greene Bartlett, Greene McMahon and
C. R. Clarke. There is a store, a hotel, a saloon, livery stable, meat market,
Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office and post-office at the place. The springs are
reached either via Williams, in Colusa County, and thence by stage, or via,
Cloverdale in Sonoma County, and thence by stage. Visitors generally
come in by one route and go out by the other, thus gaining a view of some
of the finest scenery in California. Parties may reach Lakeport by way of
Calistoga, and thence by stage, or come in to Upper Lake by way of Ukiah
and there meet the Bartlett stage. The springs lie in a most lovely valley,
surrounded on all sides with gigantic mountains. Game and fish are
plentiful and the climate delightful.
Allen Springs.— These springs are situated on the south fork of Cache
Creek. They were located in 1871 by George Allen, and are owned at
present by James D. Bailey, who purchased them in January, 1881. These
health-giving fountains are situated about fifty miles west of Colusa, and
three east of Bartlett Springs. They are accessible from the east by way
of Williams, and from the west by way of Lakeport and Upper Lake by a
daily line of stages, which passes over a romantic and beautiful country.
For the accommodation of guests, twenty-one cottages have been erected on
the grounds of the premises, and a hotel with a frontage of one hundred
and twelve feet and two stories high graces the place.
This charming retreat has its walks shaded by native forest trees, through
which meanders the cool and limpid waters of a mountain stream, teeming
with trout, while the adjacent hills abound in game to tempt the conva-
lescing invalid to healthful exercise. The air is pure, light and balmy, con-
stantly reminding the sick that they are no longer in the noisome city or
the malarial valley, and that this soft air with the healing waters are the
choice gifts of God.
There are three mineral springs here — one soda, one white sulphur, and
one chalybeate. The soda spring has been analyzed and found to contain
the following ingredients :
Chloride of sodium ; chloride of magnesia ; chloride of potassium ; bi-
carbonate of magnesium ; bicarbonate of sodium ; bicarbonate of calcium ;
sulphate of sodium ; phosphate of iron ; silica, and carbonic acid.
Upper Lake Township. 209
This water is strongly aerated with carbonic acid gas, with the salts of
sodium and magnesium predominating, while the relative amount of calcium
present is small. The two other springs differ very materially from this
one. One of them contains a larger amount of iron, less of the magnesium
salts and the bicarbonate of sodium, and also less strongly aerated.
It is claimed for these springs that their water is good for kidney affec-
tions, dyspepsia, rheumatism, dropsy, general debility, skin diseases, female
complaints, ague, paralysis and erysipelas. It is also good as an appetizer
and tonic. The altitude is one thousand eight hundred feet. There are
mineral steam baths, mineral hot baths, and warm and cold baths in connec-
tion with the hotel. There is a large dancing hall, billiard room, barber
shop, and stable connected with the hotel. Postal, express and telegraphic
facilities are provided right upon the premises. It is certainly a delightful
place for one to spend a season either in search of pleasure or health.
BLUE LAKES. — This beautiful pleasure resort is located about twelve
miles north-west of Lakeport, on the Ukiah road, in what is known as
the Blue Lakes Canon. This canon forms a junction with Scotts Valley.
Just at that point where the latter swings around to the east, the creek
takes its final bearings for its course to the lake. We can give no better
description of these gems of beauty than the following, written by Miss
Frankie Jepson, who visited them in 1880 :
" The lower one is separated from the other two like an estranged sister.
The middle and upper ones are linked together, like the melodies of
Beethoven, in deep, shoreless harmony. The banks are mountains standing
up on nearly all sides straight and steep from their feet to their crests.
The almost bottomless fathoms send up their sapphire and their blue ; the
haughty mountains throw down their royal green ; and above the reflection
and refraction of shadow and sheen, we skim with dallying oar the smooth,
bright romance up and down."
The lower one is small and shallow, except in places. There has been
nothing done in the way of improvements around it. The upper ones are,
perhaps, a mile and a half long, by from a quarter of a mile to a few rods
in width. They are joined together by a narrow pass. The depth of these
lakes is very great in places. The waters abound in fish of almost every
representation of the finny tribes. At these upper lakes there is a fine
hotel, which affords superior accommodations for visitors. A number of
row boats are provided ; and to be upon the bosom of those lakes in a boat
is to be afloat in a sea of liquid pearl. Mr. Theodore Deming is the present
proprietor.
There is a queer old Indian legend which attaches to the upper two of
these lakes, but does not affect the lower one. The old Indians will tell
14
210 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
you that a long time ago there resided in the mountains near these lakes a
white fawn, which was the goddess of purity and innocence, and the people
around the lake worshiped her, and that she dwelt here because of the re-
markable purity of the waters of these lakes, of which she was accustomed
to drink daily. The evil spirit saw this white fawn, and desired her to be
his wife, but she, knowing how full of evil he was and how unhappy she
would be living in his lodge with him, refused to unite her destiny with his.
This enraged the evil spirit, and so he set about to revenge himself for the
slight. He watched and saw that she always drank of the waters of the
lake every day, so he assumed the form of a huge sea serpent and hid in
the waters of the lake, and when the white fawn went down, as was her
daily custom, to slake her thirst with the crystal waters of the limpid lake,
she was startled to see the coiling, writhing form of a great monster in the
water near her. She stopped to take one look at the hideous sight ere she
fled to the mountain fastnesses for safety ; but that was a fatal look, for ere
she could spring the serpent had lashed his tail out upon the shore and dealt
her a deadly blow. Another and another followed in rapid succession, until
the beautiful fawn lay dead upon the shore of the lovely lake. It is the
old, old story of the Garden of Eden in another form, and strange that it
is, yet it is so, all these stories represent the Evil One as coming off victo-
rious, and he accomplishes it by subtlety. Who shall say where the fountain
head lies whence sprung all of these legends, having such a remarkable
similarity in almost all respects ? From that day to this no Indian has
ever encamped upon the banks of those lakes, nor has he fished out of its
waters. In fact all the generations agone have held those bodies of waters
in holy horror. The early white settlers became quite strongly imbued
with the idea of there being a sea serpent in these lakes, for it is stated in
a paper published in Lakeport about 1866, that a man had had hooks of
enormous proportions made and fastened with log-chains to a tree on the
shore, which he had baited for the purpose of catching it.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ALTER, ISAAC. This worthy pioneer of Lake County was born in
Pennsylvania, March 5, 1821. Here the boy grew up and reached man-
hood's estate, receiving, in the meantime, a very liberal education. At the
early age of nineteen he sundered the ties which bound him to his boyhood's
home, and bade a long farewell to the dear associations of the happy days
of his youth. Striking out boldly for himself at this time, he pushed west-
ward into the State of Ohio, which was then in the rude condition of
pioneerism. Here the youthful adventurer engaged in school teaching in
winter and farming in summer, until 1846. Again the spirit of unrest came
over him, and he pushed one step farther into the great and nearly bound-
less empire of the then almost unknown West, taking up his residence in
Indiana. Here he followed farming for the next four years, when the old
desire came upon him to follow up the star of empire, and another step west-
ward was made. This time he planted the stakes of his tent on the broad
and fertile prairies of Iowa, where he again engaged in farming which he
followed until the spring of 1852. Long had he heard the marvelous stories
concerning this wonderful land of gold — California, and long had he with-
stood the almost consuming desire to be himself among the band of hardy
pioneers, who were destined to change the wilds of nature into the blooming
gardens of civilization, and at this time he fully resolved to push across the
plains and reach this wonderful Mecca, concerning which such goodly reports
continued to fill the air. Accordingly in the spring of 1852 he made the
necessary arrangements for the long and tedious, as well as dangerous trip
across the plains, and set sail in a " prairie schooner " for the land of gold.
After quite a wearisome, though comparatively expeditious journey, he
arrived at the Indiana diggings, in El Dorado County, August 26th of that
year. Once arrived in the State he began mining, and continued this occu-
pation in connection with hotel-keeping for the following two years. In
1854 we find that he purchased a farm in the same county, and that he
moved upon it and prosecuted that occupation until August, 1858. He then
began casting about for a suitable place to make for himself and family an
enduring abiding place, and fortunate circumstances directed his steps to
Lake County. After viewing it over he decided to locate in a lovely and
well sheltered little dale on the northern side of that most lovely sheet of
214 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
water, Clear Lake, which he has so very appropriately designated by the
name of Paradise Valley. Here he has a beautiful home, and is surrounded
with all that goes to make up the sum of human happiness during his
earthly existence. His fine farm consists of five hundred acres of excellent
land, and he devotes his attention to farming and wool growing. His son
Henry has a beautiful steam yacht that he built himself, which brings them
into easy communication with the outside world at any point on the lake,
and his charming place is the surprise and admiration of all who pass by or
visit it. Mr. Alter is one of those solid, substantial citizens who are the
very bone and sinew of a new country, and his vast experience in pioneer
life well fits him for assuming the duties of a citizen in any new country.
He was united in marriage, February 3, 1842, with Miss Catharine Brund-
ridge, a native of New York, and by this union they have one son, Henry.
ASHLEY, JOEL G. Was born in Pennsylvania August 2, 1831. When
he was six years of age he, with his grandfather, moved to Wisconsin, where
thirteen years were spent. While here he learned the carpenter's trade. In
1850 he came to California, and spent about four years in the mines ; then
engaged in butchering, which he followed at different places until 1860. He
then went to the Humboldt Mines in Nevada, where mining was followed
for about two years. We next find Mr. Ashley engaged in butchering in
Folsom, Sacramento County, for about one year. He then engaged in car-
pentering at Colfax, Placer County, until 1869, when he came to Lake
County. After residing on rented farms for about four years, he settled on
his present place, consisting of one hundred and seventy-eight acres, located
about seven and one-half miles south of Lower Lake. Here he is engaged
in farming and wool growing. Mr. Ashley married January 1, 1860, Miss
Catherine S. Whiteside, a native of Illinois. They have four living chil-
dren : William I., Alice M., Charles R., and Ida M., and have lost one,
David B.
ALLEN, HIRAM. Was born in Wood County, Ohio, January 21, 1822.
When eleven years of age he engaged as clerk in a commission house in
Erie County, which occupation he followed until 1849, when he crossed the
plains with mule teams to California, and arrived at Placerville September
1 2th of the above year. After mining for one year we find Mr. Allen
engaged in clerking in Jackson, Amador County, which he followed one
year. He then returned via Nicaragua, to the East, where he remained
until 1853, when he again crossed the plains, bringing with him this time
his wife. After a slow and tedious journey Jackson, Amador County, was
reached October 12, 1856. Here he engaged in hotel- keeping and other
occupations until 1861, when he came to Lake County and located at Lake-
port, where he conducted a livery and feed stable for a few months, after
Biographical Sketches. 215
which he engaged in farming for three years. We next find him in Sutter
County, where one year was spent, when he returned to Lake County and
engaged in farming in Big Valley, which he followed for two years. In
1866 he settled at Lower Lake, and in 1871 was elected Assessor, which
office he held for eight years. He next engaged in merchandising at Lower
Lake, which he followed until the spring of 1881, when he sold his stock to
H R. Bolter. Mr. Allen married, February 15, 1849, Miss Henrietta M.
Bill. Their children are, Fannie C, Maria J. and Mollie. They have lost
Seneca, Mary C. and Nellie.
ARMSTRONG, CHARLES W. Was born in Washington Territory,
November 5, 1858. He resided on a farm with his parents, during which time
he received his primary education at Vancouver. In the year 1869 he came
with his parents to California, and spent the following winter in Tehama
County. In the spring of 1870 they went to Chico,. Butte County, where
the subject of this sketch attended the High School. Moved to Lower Lake,
Lake County, the following year, after which he spent a few months in a
printing-office. He then began the drug business in the store of F. Delmont,
where he continued for several years. Afterwards became manager for J.
Ivancovich. He then came to Middletown, and spent the summer of 1875
in brickmaking, with his father. His father then bought the Pioneer Drug
Store of Messrs. Whiting & Smith, and the son took the management of it.
In June, 1878, the business was sold to William Amesberry, Charles still
remaining manager; and in March, 1879, he became sole proprietor. The
business has rapidly improved under his ownership, and is now very pros-
perous. In 1879 he became manager of the telegraph office at Middletown,
and still retains the position. He was married August 7, 1878, to Miss
Amanda M. Poulson, a native of Napa County, and they have one bright
little girl, Evelina, born June 16, 1879.
ALEXANDER, DAVID. Was born in Pennsylvania March 15, 1830.
When he was eighteen years of age he went to Ohio and engaged in the
milling business for four years. He then returned to his native State and
engaged in farming until 1855, when he came to California via Nicaragua,
arriving at San Francisco May 10th. He engaged in mining, which he fol-
lowed at different places until 1863, when he went to Humboldt County
and followed staging for one year. A year was then spent in Nevada,
engaged in prospecting. In 1865 he returned to Nevada County, California,
and followed mining for eleven years. In 1876 he came to Lake County
and leased the Bartlett Springs property, which he conducted until the spring
of 1881. He was married December 30, 1866, to Mrs. Pauline Twiggs, a
native of Missouri. She has, by her first marriage, one son, Milton E.
216 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
BOGGS, HENRY C. The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson
County, Missouri, June 1, 1820, and is the second son of ex-Governor Boggs
of that State. He remained in his native State until 1850, receiving in the
meantime his education, and being engaged in farming. In May of that
year he set out with his family across the plains for California, arriving in
Sacramento August 20th of the same year. He proceeded at once to Napa
County, and settled about six miles north-west of Napa, where he engaged
in farming. In 1864 he came to Lake County and purchased land in Big
Valley, and from this time on till 1869, he divided his attention between
the two counties, as he had interests in both of them. In the last named
year he returned to Missouri, spending the summer in that State and New
York, and in the fall he returned to California. In the spring of 1870 he
located permanently in Lake County, making Lakeport his home, and has
since resided at that place. In 1878 he was elected a delegate to the Con-
stitutional Convention. He is president of the Farmers Savings Bank of
Lakeport. Mr. Boggs is one of those quiet, unassuming gentlemen of whom
the world at large hears but little, but who, through his energies and strict
attention to business, and to the advancement of the best interest of the
community in which he resides, has made his presence felt, and in no feeble
manner, either. Such men, and not the noisy ones, are the people who
build up a community and add much to its material prosperity. Mr. Boggs
was united in marriage October 13, 1840, with Miss Martha J. Young, a
native of Kentucky. They have two children living, James W. and Lilburn
H., and have lost one, Julia L., wife of W. W. Pendegast.
BASSETT, WILLIAM D. Was born in Ohio February 4, 1842. Here
farming was prosecuted until 1853, when, with his parents, he came to Cal-
ifornia. They crossed the plains with ox-teams, and arrived in Tehama
County in October of the above year. Farming was followed in that
county for three years, after which they moved to Sonoma County, and
resided near Santa Rosa until July, 1858, when they came to Lake County,
and settled about four miles south from Milddletown. Here they resided
until 1867, when they bought what is known as Glenbrook, in Cobb Valley,
where they are engaged in farming and stock raising, as well as keeping a
summer resort.
BUTLER, W. J. Was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, October 29,
1842. When but a child his parents moved to Iowa, where they settled on
a farm. At the age of twenty the subject of this sketch crossed the plains
to California, and arrived at San Francisco June 19, 1863. After about two
months, which were spent in the city, he went to Solano County, where he
worked at farming until the fall of 1866, when he came to Lake County,
where he still resides. Mr. Butler settled on his present place in Big Valley
Biographical Sketches. 1\1
consisting of five hundred acres, in 1869, and is engaged in stock raising.
He married, November 5, 1866, Miss Annie C. Ryan, by whom he has six
children : James, William, John, Edmond, Elizabeth and Frances A.
BRITT, E. W. Was born in Cass County, Missouri, December 25, 1855.
He received his education at the North Missouri State Normal School, and
at the Missouri University at Columbia. In December, 1877, at the age of
twenty-two, he began the study of law at Harrisonville, the county seat of
his native county, in the office of Messrs. Wooldridge & Daniel, and was
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Missouri in April, 1878. In
the same month he came to California, and to Lake County in May follow-
ing. Here he entered into partnership with Hon. S. K. Welch, where he
has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Britt is an
exceptionally close student, and by strict attention to his work in hand has
built for himself a reputation that is second to none in Lake County. A
very prominent attorney once remarked to us that Mr. Britt came the nearest
to being a natural born lawyer of any man he had ever met, and we are
sure that he but stated a truth which is observed by all who are brought
into contact with him.
BUTLER, S. G. Was born in Pennsylvania, August 29, 1830. Here
he resided on a farm with his parents until 1854, when, with his family,
consisting of wife and one child, he moved to Hamilton County, Iowa.
Here he followed farming until 1869, when he came to California and set-
tled in Coyote Valley, where he followed farming for one year. He then
moved into Loconoma Valley, about one and one-half miles from Middle-
town, where he still resides, being engaged in farming. Mr. Butler married
February 28, 1854, Miss Angeline Simpson, a native of Pennsylvania. By
this marriage they have five living children : Alta U, William E., Rhoda E.,
Stella M., and Margaret S.; and have lost two, Theodore M., and Eva.
BOWER, JACOB. Was born in Stockstadt, Bavaria, Germany, on the
river Main, March 31, 1821. When eleven years of age he, with parents,
moved to Maryland, and after three years settled in Knox County, Illinois.
Here farming was followed until 1843, when they took up their abode in
Iowa. In 1847 the subject of this sketch crossed the plains to Oregon.
Here he spent eighteen months on the Columbia River, part of the time in
the employ of a Columbia River bar pilot. In April, 1849, Mr. Bower came
to California and engaged in mining until 1853, when he engaged iu dairying
near Smiths Flat, Sierra County. This he followed until 1855, when a
change was made to stock raising and farming, which was continued until
1881. In 1857 he came to Napa County and settled where Lower Lake
wharf landing stands, but was driven away from there by the Clear Lake
Water Company's dam of 1867 and 1868. In 1867 he settled on his present
218 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
place, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, located in Burns Valley.
He also owns about three hundred acres at the Lower Lake landing. Mr.
Bower married, March 9, 1855, Miss Clarinda Thomas, a native of Illinois,
by whom he has two living children, Henry T. and Allen V., and has lost
two, Sophia and Ada F.
BURTNETT, PETER. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will
be found in the body of this work, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio,
March 20, 1822. His mother died when he was quite young, and he resided
at his birthplace with his father until 1840, when he, leaving his father,
went to Richland County, same State, where he learned the millwright's
trade. In 1842 he went to Knox County, Illinois, where he worked at his
trade for seven years. He then filled the office of deputy sheriff and sheriff
alternately, until 1860. He then came overland with horse and ox-teams
to California, arriving in Napa County September 22d of that year. He at
once engaged in his former occupation in connection with farming, which he
followed until 1867. He then moved to Lake County and located about two
and one-half miles from Kelseyville, where he built a flouring mill for other
parties, but he finally bought them out and still owns the mill, it being
under the management of his son, Charles G. In the fall of 1879, the
subject of this sketch was elected to the office of Sheriff on the Repub-
lican ticket, which position he still holds. This fact alone is a fair indication
of Mr. Burtnett's popularity in the county in which he resides, as it is
Democratic by quite a large majority. In March, 1880, he moved to Lake-
port, where he at present resides. While living in Napa County he was
honored with the office of Supervisor for five years, and is well and favor-
orably known all over the county. Mr. Burtnett was married March 20,
1843, to Miss Christiana Speck, a native of Ohio. They have five living
children : William C, Sarah, Marvin L., Charles G., and Emma L., and one
adopted daughter. They have lost one, Annie.
BALLINGER, WILLIAM. Was born in South Carolina, November
22, 1823. When twelve years of age his parents moved to Boone County,
Missouri, and settled on a farm. The subject of this sketch resided with
his parents until 1857, when he " came the plains across " with ox-teams,
arriving in Placer County September loth of the above year. After a rest
of a few days he continued his journey to Sonoma County and located on a
farm near Healdsburg. Here he followed farming until the fall of 1870,
when he come to Lake County and settled in Big Valley, where he resided
about eighteen months, after which he settled on his present place, consist-
ing of one hundred and twenty-three acres, located in Bachelor Valley,
where he is engaged in farming. Mr. Ballinger married, February 18, 1847,
Miss Elizabeth A. Payne, a native of Missouri. Their children are, Mary J.,
Laura C, Susan F., Julia A., Celia I., Alice E., and Hattie L.
Biographical Sketches. 219
BOND, HENRY. Was born in England March 12, 1832. In 1848 he
immigrated to New York and engaged in farming until 1854, when he
came via Nicaragua to California, and arrived at San Francisco April 1st
of the above year. Mr. Bond went at once to Mormon Island, where he
followed mining for three years. In 1859 he came to Lake County and
located in Coyote Valley, where he followed stock raising until 1860, when
he settled on his present place, consisting of one thousand acres, located in
Morgan Valley, where he is engaged in stock raising and wool growing. He
was married, June 20, 1860, to Miss Martha Capps, by whom he has two
children : John and Joseph. He married secondly, February 21, 1871, Miss
Mary Gentry. By this marriage there are four children: Mary, Frank,
Mattie and Maud I.
BOLTER, H. R. Was born in Oneida County, New York, May 17,
1825. Here he attended school until 1844, when he went to Iowa, where
about four months were spent. He next went to Missouri, where he taught
school one term and then returned to Iowa. The following two yeai-s were
spent at clerking in a store. We next find Mr. Bolter in New Orleans,
where he remained one winter and then again returned to Iowa. In the
spring of 1849 he started across the plains for California, and, after a long,
tedious trip with ox-teams, arrived at Sacramento in September of the above
year. The succeeding eleven years were spent in mining at different places,
and in June, 1860, he came to Lake County, where he has since resided.
He first located in what is known as Cold Valley, where he followed farm-
ing and stock raising until the fall of 1880. At that date he sold out and
returned East on a visit, where he remained about five months; then returned
to Lake County, and is at present engaged in general merchandising at
Lower Lake.
BARTLETT, GREENE. This worthy gentleman, whose portrait will
be found in the body of this work, was born in Louisville, Kentucky,
October 2, 1835. When he was but a child his parents moved to Hot
Springs, Arkansas. Here the subject of this sketch resided on a farm until
1856, when he crossed the plains to California, bringing a drove of cattle.
He arrived in the fall of that year, and spent the time till 1858 in Solano
County. He then returned via Panama to the East, and in 1859 he again
crossed the plains, bringing a drove of cattle as far as Salt Lake City,
where he sold them, and then came to California, bringing a few mules.
He then purchased a band of sheep, and in July, 1860, settled in Berryessa
Valley, Napa County. While here he did his own herding, and contracted
the rheumatism so badly that he was obliged to go to the mountains for his
health. In June, 1870, while hunting and camping, he happened to dis-
cover the wonderful medicinal and healing qualities of the water in what
220 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
is now known as the Bartlett Spring, by the effect it produced upon
him. He at once located one hundred and sixty acres of land on which the
spring is situated, and has since made that place his home.
BOLE, E. B. Was born in Morgan County, Ohio, June 12, 1825.
When eleven years of age he, with his parents, moved to Elkhart County,
Indiana, where they followed farming. In 1852 the subject of this sketch
crossed the plains with ox-teams to California, arriving at Placerville
August 15th of the above year. The first three months after his arrival
were spent in mining, after which he settled on a farm on the Cosumnes
River, in Sacramento County. Here he farmed until February, 1858, when
he came to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of one
hundred and sixty acres, located about two miles south from Kelseyville, in
Big Valley, where he is engaged in the nursery and fruit business. Mr.
Bole married November 12, 1846, Miss Phoebe D. Corpe, by whom he had
three children, Emma A., Henry W. and Newton S., of which the two last-
named are dead. He married, secondly, August 22, 1858, Miss Mary J.
Hammack, a native of Missouri. They have five living children : Albert
G., Harriet A., Mary E., Frances A., and Martha J., and have lost one,
Willie.
BURGER, J. F. Was born in Warren County, Tennessee, August 4,
1825. When about three years of age he, with his parents, moved to Mis-
souri. In 1847 the subject of this sketch went to Iowa, where he engaged
in farming, which he followed until the spring of 1850, when he started
across the plains for California, arriving at Placerville August 10th of the
above year. He engaged at once in mining, which he followed until Feb-
ruary, 1852, when he returned via Nicaragua to Iowa, and the following
season again crossed the plains with a drove of cattle. He kept his cattle
in Solano County until the spring of 1853, when he sold them and again
returned East via Nicaragua. He remained this time in Iowa and Mis-
souri until 1856, when he once more crossed the plains with a drove of
cattle. On arriving he bought a ranch in Napa County known as " Atlas
Peak," where he resided until 1858, when he sold his stock and ranch, and
moved to Solano County and settled in Suisun Valley, where he followed
farming one year. He then, in 1859, went to Oregon, where he resided
about fourteen months. We next find Mr. Burger again in Solano County,
engaged in farming, which he continued until October, 1863, when he came
to Lake County, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming and
dealing in stock. He married in February, 1850, Miss Sarah A. Reynolds,
who died in February, 1852, leaving one child, Ephraim. He married,
secondly, February 19, 1854, Mrs. Maria Nostrich, by whom he has four
living children : George F., Mary A., Evaline, and James C. They have
lost one, John T.
Biographical Sketches. 221
BURKE, W. P. Was born in Gentry County, Missouri, July 29, 1850.
In 1854 his parents crossed the plains to California. After spending about
five years in the mines in Tuolumne County, they moved to Santa Cruz
County, where three years were spent in farming. In the fall of 1862 they
came to Lake County, rented land for two years, and then settled in Bach-
elor Valley, where the father still lives, being engaged in farming. In 1867
the subject of this sketch began farming on his own account in Bachelor
Valley, where he resided until the fall of 1880, when he settled on his
present place, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located about two
and one-half miles west from Lakeport, where he is engaged in company
with D. V. Conner in wool growing. Mr. Burke is a strong believer in the
doctrine of Seventh Day Adventists, especially in the observance of the
seventh day of the week as the. Sabbath. He thinks labor honorable and
work ennobling. Was married March 7, 1867, to Miss Massena A. Reese, a
native of Texas.
BUCKNELL, GEORGE. Is a native of England, and was born Feb-
ruary 13, 1813. When twenty years of age he came to America and spent
the first three years in Michigan, being engaged in farming. We next find
him in the Rocky Mountains, where he spent two years trapping and hunt-
ing. He then settled on the frontier of Missouri, where he followed farming
until 1849, when he crossed the plains to California, and settled at Stockton,
where he engaged in stock raising until October, 1855, when he came to
Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of three hundred
and twenty acres, located near Upper Lake, where he still resides, being en-
gaged in farming. About three months of every year he spends in hunting
deer and beaver in the Klamath Mountains in Siskiyou County. Mr.
Bucknell married in September, 1838, Miss Mary Clemens, who died in
1843, leaving four children: Caroline, Henry, Charles and George. He
married secondly, in 1844, Miss Frances Maxwell, who died in 1862, leaving
ten children: Robert, Frances, Sarah, Virginia, Edward, Margaret A., Lewis
W., Lucy, Thomas and James. He has lost seven : Henry, Charles, Thomas,
Margaret A, Lewis W., Lucy and James.
BYNUM, JOSEPH, M. D. Was born March 5, 1820, in Howard County,
Missouri, and was educated in college at Fayette, that State. He was married
in 1842 to Elizabeth Adams, and on the 3d day of February they moved to
Sheridan County, where he commenced practicing medicine, for which he
had his diploma two years previous to that time. He engaged in stock
raising and merchandising for two years and paid but little attention to his
practice. He then concluded to come to California and left his beautiful
home April 7, 1853, and arrived in Yolo County in the same year, and es-
tablished himself in Cacheville, and retained a lucrative practice for twelve
222 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
years. During this time he was Couaty Physician for eight years. After
practicing medicine in Yolo County for twelve years he moved to Lower
Lake, Lake County, on account of the advice of friends. He settled in that
place in 1864, and there were only three or four houses in the town when
he arrived there. Herrick & Getz had a store. The population was so
small that he could not make a living by practicing medicine, and he con-
cluded to build a hotel, which was the first hotel that was ever at Lower
Lake. It has been his misfortune to lose three of his children in Missouri
and two in California, and he has five children living — three sons and two
daughters, all residents of Lake County excepting one, who resides in Santa
Clara.
BOGGS, J. W. Was born in Jackson Count}', Missouri, August 10,
1843. When he was six years of age he came to California with his parents,
arriving at Sacramento in August, 1850. After spending a few months in
Sonoma County, the family settled in Napa County. In 1858 the subject
of this sketch entered the Collegiate Institute at Benicia, which he attended
until 1861. In 1872 he went to the Esmeralda District, where he was
employed in a quartz mill for four months. He then returned to Napa and
remained there till July, 1864, when he came to Lake and took charge of
his father's ranch. In 1868 he returned to Napa and had charge of his
father's farm. In 1869 he returned to Lake County and settled on his
present place, about five miles south of Lakeport, where he is engaged in
farming. He was married, July 19, 1870, to Miss Josephine Boggs, a native
of Missouri.
BROWN, JAMES W. Was born in North Carolina, September 16,
1832. When but a child he, with his parents, moved to West Tennessee,
where they followed cotton growing until 1841, when they moved to Mis-
souri. Here the subject of this sketch followed farming and lead mining
until 1857, when he crossed the plains to California, arriving in Santa Rosa,
Sonoma County, in October of that year. Two years wei-e spent near
Petaluma, engaged in dairying, after which he followed the same business
the same length of time near the mouth of Russian River. In May, 1862,
he made a trip to Salmon River, but on account of sickness stayed but a
short time. Returning he settled near Santa Rosa, and engaged in farming
for a while. We next find Mr. Brown in Sebastopol, engaged in the
livery business, which he conducted for four years. In 1867 he bought a
ranch in Blucher Valley, and farmed until 1870, when he came to Lake
County, where he has since resided. He is engaged in farming, about three
miles south from Lower Lake. He married December 21, 1864, Miss Sarah
J. Wood. Their children are, Harry, Joseph W., Charles W., James T.,
Walter M., Frank, and Mattie E.
Biographical Sketches. 223
CRUMP, CAPTAIN R. W. Present District Attorney of Lake County,
was born in Greenville County, Virginia, September 25, 1828, and is there-
fore now about fifty-three years of age. At the age of about fifteen years,
he moved with his mother and her family, his father having died several
years before, to Shelby County, Tennessee, near Memphis. Here he resided
until the fall of 1851, when he moved with his wife, having been married
to Miss Caroline Pierce, of Halifax, North Carolina, in 1850, to Poinsett
County, Arkansas. He was admitted to the practice of law in that county
in 1855. In the early part of the year 1860, he moved to Panola County,
Mississippi, where he resided until June, 1875, when he moved with his
family to Santa Rosa, California, and thence to Lakeport, in the fall of
1877. Captain Crump was admitted to practice law in all the counties
of Mississippi in 1860, and again in the District Courts of California in
Santa Rosa in 1875. Having impaired his voice seriously before coming to
California, he did not make the law a specialty after coming to this State
until he was elected District Attorney of Lake County in 1879. In the
meantime he was engaged on the staff of the Santa Rosa Daily Democrat
as city editor for about two years, and then took charge of the Lake
County Bee, and was the principal editor of that paper until the spring of
1880. Captain Crump has been twice married, having married his present
wife, Mrs. Lenora B. Clanton, in Sardis, Mississippi, in the fall of 1871. He
has living seven children. Though engaged in the practice of law since
1858, he was also engaged in cotton planting from the time of his majority
until the close of the war, when his negroes were emancipated. He is a
Democrat in politics, and made a strong fight for the adoption of the new
Constitution of California, by speeches and through the columns of his
paper, the Lake County Bee. Lake County having voted for its adoption
by a large majority, he was elected as a New Constitution Democrat over
very strong opponents to the office he now holds.
CRAWFORD, WOODS. Was born in Richland County, Ohio, Decem-
ber 8, 1829. When he was nine years of age he, with his parents, moved
to DeKalb County, Illinois, where he received his education. At the age
of eighteen he began teaching vocal music, which he followed until March,
1850, when he went to Missouri, where he engaged in the same vocation
until 1853. He then crossed the plains with ox-teams, and brought a drove
of cattle. He followed mining in Shasta County for one winter, and in the
spring of 1854 came to Lake County with the Hammack party, arriving
where Kelseyville now stands, April 16th. He settled in Big Valley, and
engaged in farming and carpentering for about four years, and then turned
his whole attention to farming until 1864. He then moved to Lakeport,
and engaged in the practice of law, which he has since followed. Since his
residence in Lakeport he has filled the position of District Attorney for
224 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
about five years — once by appointment and twice by election. He was ap-
pointed by the Legislature as one of the commissioners who organized Lake
County. He was married, October 13, 1852, to Miss Margaret A. Hammack,
daughter of Martin Hammack. They have six living children — Florence
H., Crockett M., Susan R., Mary L., Emma, and Frank -W.; they have lost
one, Elizabeth R.
CARVER, JAMES H. Was born in Kentucky, May 3, 1840. When but
an infant his father, his mother being dead, moved to Missouri. In 1859 the
subject of this sketch returned to Kentucky and attended school for two
years. He then went to Missouri again, where he remained until the spring
of 1863, at which time he crossed the plains to Virginia City, Nevada.
Here mining was prosecuted until 1864, when, on account of failing health,
he came to California. He was engaged in butchering in Vacaville, Solano
County, and farming near Dixon until 1875, when he came to Lake County
and settled about four miles south from Lakeport. Here he followed farm-
ing and stock raising for three years. He then moved to Lakeport and
engaged in butchering one year. In the fall of 1879 he settled on his present
place, consisting of two hundred and fifty acres, located in Coyote Valley,
where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Carver married
August 22, 1869, Miss Gertrude Myers, a native of Missouri. They have
one child, Emmett E.
CANNON, W. G. Is a native of Illinois, and was born December 12,
1831. Here he resided on a farm with his parents until 1852, when he
crossed the plains to California. He came with ox-teams and arrived at
Placerville in September of the above year. After spending about four
months here he went to Solano County, where three years were spent,
after which he went to Sonoma County. Here he followed teaming in
the redwoods until 1863, when he went to Nevada, where he kept hotel for
one year. In December, 1865, he came to Lake County and engaged in
farming and stock raising in Coyote Valley until the fall of 1870, when he
settled on his present place, about one mile north from Middletown, where
he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Cannon married, March
17, 1861, Miss L. S. Berry, a native of Illinois. By this marriage they have
seven living children, Robert B., William F., Luenma, Alzada E., Baxter B.,
Oroville, and Charles R. They have lost two, Ora and Rowena L.
CRUMPTON, H. J., M. D. Was born near Charleston, South Caro-
lina, in 1828. At an early age he was apprenticed to learn the "art pre-
servative," and while serving as a " printer's devil," he resolved to work his
way through a medical education. He was thus engaged when gold was
discovered in California. He at once determined to visit the new El
Dorado, and started out in 1848 to " tramp it " across the continent, and
Biographical Sketches. 223
reached the " diggins " the following year. He began operations at Cald-
well's store, now Nevada City, and followed that business with varying
fortunes the ensuing ten years, by the end of which time he had amassed
a handsome competency. He then returned to the "States" for the purpose
of completing his medical education. He returned to California after finish-
ing his medical course, and engaged in the practice of his profession. Having
visited the territory now forming Lake County on a hunting excursion some
thirty years ago, and being charmed with its natural beauties, he determined
to make his residence permanent here. He has a pretty little home on one of
Lakeport's " seven hills," an extensive practice, and stands well in his profes-
sion, being at this time an officer in the State Medical Society. In 1880 he
was elected to the State Legislature, and in that body he stood squarely and
nobly by the people, and his voice was ever raised against stock-jobbing
and tax-shirking. He is a gentleman of unimpeached integrity, generous
to a fault, and a citizen of whom the people of Lake County may justly
feel proud.
COLLINS, J. M. Was born in Indiana. When he was but a child
his parents moved to Clay County, Missouri, and settled on a farm. In
1853 the subject of this sketch came across the plains to California, and
arrived in El Dorado County in August. Here he engaged in mining until
the spring of 1860, when he went to Suisun, Solano County, where he re-
sided until the fall of 1863, when he came to Lake County. Here he
bought what is now known as the Howard Springs property, where he
resided one year. We next find Mr. Collins engaged in farming near Lower
Lake, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he settled on his
present place, consisting of two hundred and one acres, located about one
mile west from Middletown. He married Mai-ch 19, 1865, Miss Lizzie
Farmer, a native of Missouri. By this union they have eight children,
William M., Edward, Robert, Annie, Emma, Augustus, Eldorado, and Gracie.
COX, CALVARY M. Was born in Virginia January 23, 1833. When
about seven years of age his parents moved to Missouri, where farming was
prosecuted until 1854, when the subject of this sketch left his parents and
crossed the plains to California, and arrived at where Woodland now stands,
September 17th of the above-mentioned year. After a short rest he hied
himself to the mines, and engaged in digging for the precious metal until
June, 1856. In October of that year he came to Lake County, and set-
tled in Morgan Valley, where, in company with his brother Thomas, he is
engaged in farming and stock raising.
CRIGLER, HONORABLE J. C. This worthy pioneer of Lake County
was born in Kentucky December 21, 1819. When he was five years of age
his parents moved to Missouri, where his father engaged in hotel-keeping.
15
226 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
At the age of twenty-three Mr. Crigler was employed as collector by Dr.
Luflington, for whom he traveled for four years. At the end of that time
he was appointed sheriff of the county in which he resided, and continued
in office for a period of four years. In March, 1849, he started across the
plains with ox-teams, bound for California, arriving in Hangtown (Placer-
ville) in August of that year. He engaged at once in mining, which he
followed until the spring of 1852. He then engaged in the stock business
and followed it till the fall of that year, when he returned East via Nicara-
gua. In the spring of 1853 he, in company with B. J. Payne, purchased a
drove of cattle and brought them overland to California, arriving at Sacra-
mento about September 1st of that year. Mr. Crigler located in Colusa
County, where he followed stock raising until 1857. He then moved to
Napa County and settled near Berryessa Valley, engaging in his former
occupation until 18G2, when he moved to Lakeport. That fall he was
elected to the office of Sheriff, to which he was re-elected in the fall of
1863 and 1865, holding the office till 1867. At the election of that year
he was chosen to represent Napa and Lake Counties in the Assembly and
was again elected to the same position in 1869. He then returned to the
life of a civilian, making his home at Lower Lake, until called to public life
again by the voice of the people by being elected Sheriff in the fall of 1877.
He then returned to Lakeport, where he made his home during the term of
his office, and continued to reside there till the fall of 1880. He then moved
to Middletown, where he remained about four months. In March, 1881, he
moved to Bartlett Springs, where he is acting as agent for Mr. Greene
Bartlett. Mr. Crigler has always been characterized as an enterprising,
honorable and genial citizen, always having the best interest of the com-
munity in which he resides at heart. That he made a popular and efficient
officer is evinced by the fact that the people called upon him so often to
serve them in an official capacity. It is safe to say that no man in Lake
County enjoys a greater amount of confidence and esteem by the people at
large than does Mr. Crigler. In Colusa County he held the office of Asso-
ciate Justice for about eighteen months, also Supervisor for one term. He
was married March 8, 1855, to Miss Amanda Adams, a native of Missouri.
They have three children, Octavia, Katie and Jennie.
CLENDENIN, E. P. Was born in Illinois April 2, 1858. When eleven
years of age his parents immigrated to California and settled in Napa County.
Here they resided until 1872, when they moved to Scotts Valley, Lake
County, where the parents still reside. In March, 1880, the subject of this
sketch, in company with his brother, William P., engaged in general mer-
chandising in Kelseyville, which business they are still conducting. Mr.
Clendenin married, May 7, 1881, Miss Amanda Gard of Kelseyville.
Biographical Sketches. 227
CONNER, D. V. Is a native of Napa County, California, and was
born August 16, 1853. When but a child his parents moved to Lake County
and settled near Lower Lake. Here the father was engaged in dairying
until 1858, when he moved to Bachelor Valley and prosecuted farming until
1868, when he moved to Colusa County, where he engaged in the same
business. In 1874 the subject of this sketch engaged in wool growing in
Colusa County on his own account. In 1877 he returned to Lake County
and followed the same business in Bachelor Valley until the fall of 1880,
when he settled on his present place about two and one-half miles west
from Lakeport, where, in company with W. P. Burke, he is engaged in wool
growing. Mr. Conner also owns about forty acres located in Scotts Valley.
He married October 22, 1879, Miss Sarah A Donigan, a native of Illinois.
By this union they have one-child, George E.
COBB, JOHN. Was born in Henry County, Kentucky, May 19, 1814.
His father was a farmer. When John was but a child his father moved to
Indiana, where they remained for six years, when they returned to Ken-
tucky. When John was sixteen years of age they returned to Indiana, and
his father resided in Jefferson County about five years and then moved to
Arkansas, where he died. In 1832 John went to Vigo County, Indiana, on
the Wabash River, where he followed keel-boating, carrying freight to all
the towns on the river. In October, on one of his down trips, he laid up for
the night at the foot of Coffee Island, eight miles below the Grand Rapids,
and two miles below Mount Carmel. About eight o'clock he noticed quite
a commotion taking place with the stars ; they all seemed to be falling
towards the earth ; they seemed to increase thicker and faster until about
midnight, when all of them seemed to part in the center above, falling to-
wards the earth in all directions. They resembled many balls of fire, each
leaving a brilliant light behind it; one would not get out of sight till
another would be coming on the same line. The whole firmament seemed to
be in a blaze of fire ; it was the most beautiful sight he ever saw in
his life. The stars seemed to gradually decrease in motion until about four
o'clock in the morning, when all was quiet and every star was in its proper
place. He then proceeded down the river into the Ohio, and down
that stream to Paducah, at the mouth of the Tennessee River ; he then went
up the Tennessee with the keel-boat to Florence, in Tennessee; then
he returned to Indiana — to the Grand Rapids, on the Wabash River. There
he put in a crop of corn, sold it out, and went to Lafayette, Tippecanoe
County, Indiana, where he got a team and went back to Madison, in Jeffer-
son County, after his mother and her family, and moved them to Tippecanoe
County, where he still followed keel-boating and farming until the spring of
1836. He then took his mother, two sisters and brother, and moved to
Hf History- of Sapa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Iowa Territory. They stopped at a place called Bloomington, which had
one house in it, owned bj John Vanater the proprietor of the place. It
soon grew up, however, to be quite a village and place of trade. It is located
on the bank of the upper Mississippi River, thirty mile* below Rock Island,
and sixty miles above Burlington. The name has since been changed to
Muscatine City, Muscatine County. He then resided in that place, where
he followed farming and trading, for three years. In 1S39 he took his
mother on a visit to her mothers, who resided in Madison, Indiana ; left
her there, and went south to New Orleans February 29. 1S40. His mother
died during his absence. He returned to Madison, Indiana, in April of that
year. From there he returned to Iowa : stayed there until fall, and started
for Texas: got as far as Arkansas, and was taken sick with the white swel-
ling, which left him a cripple for life. Gave up the trip to Texas and
returned again to Iowa in the spring of 1841, and remained there until
1S43. He then went to Quincy. Illinois. Was married to Miss Jane Ann
Leypold, April IS. 1544. who was a native of Ohio. Their first child, a
son, was born February 18, 1S45, died August 15, 1845. The next, a
daughter, was born January 13. 1S47. Lost his wife January 12. 1S4S, and
his dauguter died January 16, 1848. August 17, 1S48, he was married
to his second wife, Miss Esther E. Deming, who is still living. She is a
native of Ohio, and the mother of six children, whose names are as
follows: John R, George 0., Joseph D., Mary H, William T. and Hester E..
who are all living. The first one. .John R., was born September 22 1S4C'
and the sixth one, Hester E, was born July 8, 1858. In the spring of 1850
he started across the plains with an ox-team en route for California, bringing
his family, consisting then of wife and one child, with him. They reached
Salt Lake, August 17, 1850, but owing to the delicate health of Mrs. Cobb,
they remained there until the spring of 1851, when they crossed the moun-
tains, and arrived at Ringold, near Placerville, California, July 1st of that
year. He then engaged in mining for about three weeks, when he bought
into a 2Tocery store and kept boarding-house, which business he followed
until September. He then sold out and moved to Napa Valley, Napa
County, and rented a place of John S. Stark, about four miles below Calis-
toga Springs, which he farmed one year. He sold his crop and went to
Oregon in September, 1852, and spent one year there, and then returned to
Napa County in August, 1853. He then rented a place of John Tucker
and Peter Teal for farming purposes. In October of the same year he went
out north of Napa Valley, towards Clear Lake, and took up a place, in
what is now known as Cobb Valley, which took its name after him, he
being the first settler there. He then moved his family there, in November
1853, a wild wilderness of a place, inhabited by various kinds of wild game
and animals, elk, deer, bears, panthers, wolves, wild cats and foxes. In
hical Sketches.
1854 he was solicited to run for the office of County Assessor, and
was elected. He assessed Napa County in 1855. He lived about five
years in Cobb Valley, then sold out and moved to Napa Valley again ;
bought a tract of land in the said valley of M. D. Ritchie, and remained on
it about eighteen months, and sold it out. He then moved out to Calyomi
Valley, and settled near where Middletown now is. He farmed and
raised stock on that place about three years. About that time Lake
County was segregated from Napa County. He was then put in charge
of the Calyomi and Guenoc grants, and moved to the Stone House. He
was put in charge of the grants by Robert Waterman. He farmed that
ranch two years, and leased out the farms on the grants to the settlers. He
then moved to Sonoma County ; remained there two years educating his
children, and then returned to Lake County with his family to his place
that he had previously entered, containing five hundred and twenty acres.
He resided on this farm about four years, improving it ; then moved to
Healdsburg ; resided there about eighteen months, completing the education
of his children. He then returned with his family to Lake County, to his
farm, where he has resided ever since. By referring to the dates, it will be
found that Mr. Cobb is about the first white settler, or the oldest settler,
now in Lake County.
CLENDENIN, SAMUEL. Was born in Randolph County, Illinois,
October 29, 1826. He was reared on a farm, which occupation, together
with milling, he followed till 1869, when he came to California, bringing
his family, consisting of wife and six children, with him. He settled in
Napa County, where he followed farming till 1872, when he came to Lake
County and settled on his present place, consisting of eighty acres, located
in Scotts Valley, where he is engaged in farming and fruit raising. Mr.
Clendenin was married December 27, 1854, to Miss Persis Porter, a native
of Ohio, and by this union there are six living children : William P., Flora
B., Edward P., Luther P., Samuel H, and George A.
DALY, P. M. This early pioneer of Lake County was born in county
Galway, Ireland, July 20, 1831. Here he grew up and received a common
school education, equal to the facilities which that day and age of the
country afforded. He remained with his parents on a farm until 1848,
when he boarded the Scotch ship " Marine Plant," and sailed for New York,
at which city he arrived July 3d of that year. After spending about five
months here he changed his base of operations to New Orleans, where he
spent the succeeding six months. His next move was to go to Yucatan,
Central America, and engage in fighting Indians. He remained there for
about ten months, when he returned to the United States and located in
Kentucky, engaging in work in a general mercantile establishment, where
230 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
he remained during the following three years. He then went again to the
city of New York, from which place, after a short time, he shipped on
board the ship " Yorktown," bound for California. He rounded Cape Horn,
and arrived in San Francisco in the fall of 1852. He went to the mines at
once, and engaged in that business for a period of ten months. He then
returned to San Francisco, and engaged in draying for about six months.
He then sold out that business and engaged in bottling porter and ale, and
continued in this occupation until October, 1857. He then came to Lake
County and settled on his present place, which is located in the heart of the
beautiful and fertile Big Yalley, three and a half miles south of Lakeport.
This farm consists of two hundred and fifteen acres, while another farm, one
mile farther up the valley, contains two hundred and forty acres. This
land is all very rich, and they make two as fine farms as are to be found in
Lake County. He is now engaged in stock raising and speculating in
stock. He was married April 20, 1854, to Miss Mary O'Hare, a native of
Ireland. They have, as the fruits of their union, eight living children, as
follows : Jane, Mary, Arthur, James, Thomas, William, Dennis and Mar-
garet. They have lost one, Mark.
DEWELL, BENJAMIN. Was born in Ohio October 27, 1823. In 1840
he, with parents, moved to Indiana, where he resided until 1845, when, in
company with several others, he crossed the plains to California, arriv-
ing in Napa Valley in October of the above year. The first winter was
spent where Calistoga is now located ; and in the spring of 1846 he went
to Sonoma and served in the Bear Flag War, and then joined Fremont's
regiment, and in the fall the regiment was ordered below, but only got as
far as Los Angeles when a treaty was made and the war ended. The subject
of this sketch then returned to Sonoma and in the spring of 1847 settled in
Guilicos Valley, where he followed farming and stock raising until May,
1854, when he came to Lake County and settled on his present place, con-
sisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located just above Upper Lake(
where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Dewell
was one of the parties who made the Bear Flag which was raised at Old
Sonoma June 14, 1846, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. W. B. Elliott, furnished
part of the cloth of which the flag was made. Mr. Dewell married May 5,
1850, Miss Celia H. Elliott, by whom he has eight living children : Samuel
L., Luella, Orlena, Elmer E., May, Lottie, John K. and Charles W. They
have lost two, Sarah E. and Jane.
DEMING, THEODORE. Was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana,
April 13, 1836. Here he received his education and resided until 1855,
when, with his parents, he came to California via Panama, arriving at San
Francisco, December 15th of the above year. After spending the winter in
Biographical Sketches. 231
Sacramento the family settled in Yolo County, and engaged in farming.
Here the parents both died, and in the fall of 1870 the subject of this
sketch came to Lake County. Mr. Deniing owns and conducts the Blue
Lakes Hotel, as well as a farm in Scotts Valley. He married January 12,
1867, Mrs. Charlotte W. Holliday, a native of Indiana. By this union they
have four living children, Mary E., Fannie E., Dasie, and Mabel C.
DAVIS, JEFF. Was born in Tennessee, December 4, 1819. Here he
resided on a farm until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Arkansas
and engaged in stock raising until 1848, when he went to Illinois. There
he followed farming for two years, then moved to Missouri where the same
business was prosecuted until 1863, when he crossed the plains to California
and arrived in Solano County in November. In the spring of 1864, he
came to Lake County and settled in Scotts Valley, and after a few months
moved to Lakeport, where he remained until June, 1865, when he went to
Napa County and followed stock raising two years. The following four
years were spent in hotel-keeping at Monticello. He next engaged in stock
raising, and in November, 1875, disposed of his interests in Napa County
and returned to Lake and settled on his present place, consisting of four
hundred and sixty-six acres, located in Coyote Valley, where he is engaged
in wool growing. Mr. Davis married, September 1), 1840, Miss Nancy
Brooks. Their living children are, Polly A., James, George W. and Dixie.
They have lost William, Benjamin F., Lillie L. and Thomas J.
DENISON, JAMES M. (deceased). Was born in Lawrence County,
Ohio, November 24, 1818. When he was eighteen years of age he went to
Iowa, where he followed farming until 1852. He then crossed the plains
to California with ox-teams, bringing his family with him, and arrived in
Placer County in October of that year. He followed mining there until
1857, when he came to Lake County and settled on Middle Creek near
Upper Lake, and engaged in farming till 1861. He then returned East, and
served as First Lieutenant of Company B, 20th regiment Iowa Volunteers,
for three years. His family remained on their farm during his absence,
and he returned in 1866, and remained there till 1875, when he constructed
the toll-road from Upper Lake to Bartlett Springs. He was married April
26, 1843, to Miss Mary Jewell, a native of New York. He died December
8, 1876, leaving a widow, and eight children, as follows : Margaret E.,
Merritt L., Alice, Mary A., Victoria, Laura, James H, and Olive G; and
they have lost one, Daniel W.
DOWNES, J. S., M. D. This worthy old pioneer of Lake County was
born in New Hampshire, April 14, 1831. When he was fourteen years of
age he went to Michigan, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Edward
Cox, at Battle Creek, where he remained for five years. He graduated at
232 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
the McDowell Medical School in St. Louis, in March, 1848. In April, 1849,
he started for California across the plains, and arrived at Sacramento in
July. He practiced medicine in that city for ten years. In 1859, on account
of ill-health, he came to Lake County and settled in Lakeport, where he
practiced till 1862. His health being much improved then, he went to Napa
and engaged in practice with Dr. W. W. Stillwagon until 1864. His health
failed again, and he then returned to Lakeport, where he has since resided
and followed his profession. He was married, August 16, 1858, to Miss
Katie Shindon, a native of Pennsylvania. Their children are George F.,
Charles and Ernest.
EMERSON, S. R. Was born in Cortland County, New York, March
28, 1820. Here he remained until 1849, being engaged in farming and
stock raising. He then went to Crawford County, Pennsylvania, where he
remained until 1857, being engaged in the stock business. In the last named
year he came to California via Panama, and arrived at San Francisco April
27th. He engaged at once in farming and dairying in Sonoma County,
which was followed until 1859, when he turned his attention to wool grow-
ing. This he continued until 1860, when he engaged in hotel-keeping in
Windsor, Sonoma County, which was followed until 1869. In 1870 he made
a trip East and spent the summer, returning to California in the winter of
1870-71. He came at once to Lake County and engaged in wool growing,
which he has since followed. Mr. Emerson owns the Witter Spring property,
a history of which will be found in this volume.
ENGLISH, B. F. Was born in Madison County, Kentucky, September
8, 1815. When he was but a child, he, with parents, moved to Howard
County, Missouri. After a short residence there they moved to Salem
County, and from there to Clay County. August 16, 1833, the subject of
this sketch married Miss Pauline Durbin, and in 1835 they moved upon the
Piatt Purchase. In 1843 they moved into Atchison County, and emigrated
to Oregon in 1846. Here farming was followed until 1863, when they
came to California and settled in Green Valley, Solano County. While
there the same occupation was followed as while in Oregon until 1870, when
they moved to Lake County and settled on the road leading from Middle-
town to Lakeport, near Anderson Springs, where they now reside. They
have six living children: Charles H, Benjamin F., Harmon H, Eugene, Lane
B. and Lucretia ; and have lost five.
FEES, JOHN W. Was born in Iowa, February 15, 1837. In 1864 he
crossed the plains to Nevada, where he followed mining and carpentering
until the fall of 1867, when he came to Lake-County and settled in Scotts
Valley, on his present place, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres,
Biographical Sketches. 233
located about five miles from Lakeport, where he is engaged in farming. Mr.
Fees married in October, 1856, Miss Rebecca M. R. Ogle, a native of In-
diana. Their children are Thomas J., Sarah, Albert, Alfred, Nancy A.,
Mary A., John and Mabel.
FLIPPEN, W. J. Is a native of Tennessee, and was born October 24;
1826. In March, 1852, he moved to Missouri, where he followed farming
until the spring of 1854, when he crossed the plains with ox-teams to Cali-
fornia. After spending about three years at mining in Butte County, we find
him in Contra Costa County, where he resided until September, 1866, when
he came to Lake County. In the fall of 1867 Mr. Flippen settled on his
present place, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, located in Scotts
Valley, about six miles from Lakeport, where he is engaged in farming. He
was married, December 21, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Palmer. By this union
they have three living children : Mary H., William and Lizzie. They have
lost three : John H., James B. and Jefferson.
FRITTS, H. R. Was born in Indiana June 9, 1838. When he was but
a child his parents moved to Arkansas. Here young Fritts grew up on a
farm, residing with his parents until 1860, when he crossed the plains with
ox -teams to California. He arrived in Chico, Butte County, in Septem-
ber, and engaged in teaming for one year. He then went to Nevada, where
the same business was followed until the fall of 1865, when he came to Lake
County, and, after a residence of about twelve years on Middle Creek, set-
tled on his present place, consisting of six hundred and twenty-nine acres,
located in Bachelor Valley, where he is engaged in farming and wool grow-
ing. Mi-. Fritts married, May 6, 1866, Miss Alice Denison, a native of Iowa.
Their children are, Mattie A., Mary E, Fannie V., Laura E., Ollie M. and
Maud B.
GETZ, SOLOMON. Was born in Prussia, January 29, 1850. When
fourteen years of age he started for America, and in March, 1866, we find
him in San Francisco, and soon after in Lower Lake, where he engaged as
clerk for his brother Joseph, in a general merchandise store. After follow-
ing this occupation for one year he went to South America, where he
engaged in the fur trade until 1870. The succeeding two years were spent
in traveling, and in 1872 he returned to Lower Lake, where he still con-
tinues to run the store so early established by his brother. Mr. Getz
married, March 1, 1874, Miss Dora Tobias, a native of New York. By this
union they have four children : Albert, Edgar, Jacob and Mabel.
GARD, G. W. Was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 2, 1826.
When he was but a child his parents moved to Rush County, Indiana, and
after about rive years moved to Delaware County. Here about the same
234 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
length of time was spent as in Rush County, when they took up their resi-
dence in Atchison County, Missouri. In 1849 the whole family, consisting
of the father and mother of the subject of this sketch, nine brothers and
sisters, and his wife and one child, crossed the plains to California. They
settled in San Joaquin County, near Stockton, and engaged in farming. In
September, 1859, G. W. moved with his family to Sonoma County and en-
gaged in farming until January, 1860, when he went to Yuba County and
spent the winter in mining. In May, 1861, he came to Lake County and
settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres,
located in Big Valley, about two miles from Kelseyville, where he is en-
gaged in farming. Mr. Gard married, March 5, 1848, Miss Eliza J. Hand, a
native of Tennessee, by whom he has seven living children: Isaac N., Martha
E., Joel R., James A., Annie M., Arthur G. and Mary E. ; and have lost
seven.
GREENE, W. W. Was born in Howard County, Missouri, January
22, 1827. Here he grew up on a farm and resided until 1850, when he
crossed the plains to California, and arrived at Hangtown July 28th of that
year. He engaged in mining in El Dorado County for about one month, and
then went to Placer County and engaged in merchandising in company with
two others, for about six months. He then went twelve miles below Sac-
ramento and engaged in farming. At the end of four months he disposed
of his interest there and went to Rough and Ready, in Nevada County, and
again embarked in merchandising, where he continued until June, 1851.
He then moved his stock of goods to Auburn, Placer County, and continued
merchandising for about eight months. He then closed out and followed
teaming until January, 1853, when he returned to Missouri via Panama. He
started from San Francisco in company with Judge Wallace, now of Napa
County, but at Acapulco they separated, Wallace going through Mexico and
Mr. Greene via Panama. In April, 1853, he started from Missouri, accom-
panied by his father, two sisters and three brothers, his wife and two child-
ren, bound to California with ox-teams, and arrived in El Dorado County in
the following October. He settled at Auburn, Placer County, and engaged
in hotel-keeping and teaming until the fall of 1858, when he moved to
Colusa County and engaged in the stock business, which he followed until
1865. He then moved to the town of Colusa and engaged in hotel-keeping
until the spring of 1868. He then went to Oregon and bought horses and
sold them in San Francisco. In the fall of 1868 he engaged in merchan-
dising in Colusa under the firm name of Greene, Murray & Co., which he
continued for one year. He then sold out and built what is known as the
Eureka Hotel, which he conducted until the spring of 1871. He then moved
to Lake County and engaged in merchandising in company with his brother,
A. D. Greene, at Kelseyville. In April, 1872, he leased the Bartlett Springs
Biographical Sketches. 235
and conducted them for one year. During this time he purchased the Lake
View Hotel at Lakeport,~and in October, 1872, he moved to that place, where
he has since resided, being engaged in hotel-keeping. He has changed the
name of the house to Greene's Hotel. He was married, July 23, 1846, to
Miss Mary A. Moody, a native of Kentucky. The children are, Martha A.,
Willis E., Isabell M., Alice G. and Frank A.
GESSNER, WILLIAM. Was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 27,
1821. Here he received a collegiate education, and in September, 1839, set
sail for America aboard the " Oceana," which was wrecked near Jamaica,
where the crew was detained, about one month. They then got relief by
the Government, and finally arrived at New Orleans about the 23d of
December, 1839. Mr. Gessner went at once to Illinois, where he taught the
German language two winters, working in a brick-yard in the summer. In
the spring of 1842 he engaged as clerk in the hardware store of Charles
Wolf & Co., in St. Louis. Here he remained until July, 1844, when he went
to New Orleans, where he followed clerking until January, 1845, when he
enlisted in the 2d Dragoons of the regular United States service, and was
engaged in the war with Mexico, serving through the war. He was dis-
charged January 20, 1850, at Sonoma, Sonoma County, California. Mr.
Gessner was engaged for three months in the quartermaster's office at
Benicia, after which he went to the mines, and after spending about three
months came to Solano County and engaged in farming in Suisun Valley,
where he remained until the spring of 1864, when he sold his farm
and went via Panama to Pennsylvania, where he remained but a short
time. He returned across the plains with horse and mule teams, and ar-
rived in Suisun Valley in August. In October, 1864, he came to Lake
County and settled on his present place, consisting of two hundred and forty
acres, located at the head of Scotts Valley, where he is now engaged in
farming. Mr. Gessner was elected Supervisor in September, 1879, which
office he still holds.
GILLETT, CHARLES. Was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1838.
When he was seventeen years of age he engaged as apprentice to the tin-
ner's trade, which he followed in his native county until 1861, at which time
he enlisted as a private in the Civil War in the 1st Ohio Regiment. After
four months he returned home, and in October, 1861, started for California.
He came via Panama, and arrived at San Francisco November 28th of the
above year. The first winter was spent in Yolo County, and the following
spring he went to Virginia City, Nevada ; and after a short time he returned
to Woodland, Yolo County, and opened the pioneer tin shop in that place.
Here he remained until the fall of 1864, when he went to Solano County,
where well-boring was prosecuted for about two years. We next find Mr.
236 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Gillett in Berryessa Valley, Napa County, where about one year was spent.
He then went to the Zem Zem Springs, and spent about two years, when he
returned to Suisun, where he engaged in the livery business for about six
months. He then took charge of the Roberts House in that place for about
one year. He then returned to Napa County, and spent about two and a
half years at Zem Zem Springs, after which he followed an engineer's life
at the California Mine, near Knoxville, for one year. He then went to the
Buckeye Quicksilver Mine in Colusa County, where he was employed as
engineer until the spring of 1875. The following three years were spent
on Cache Creek, in Lake County, engaged in wool growing. In the fall of
1879 he settled on his present place, located in the lower end of Long Val-
ley, which he calls "Live Oak Nook." Mr. Gillett married, in November,
1875, Miss Caroline Pierce, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Henry Pierce,
then chief engineer of the San Francisco Mint. She died November
18, 1878, leaving two living children, Elizabeth and Caroline. Caroline died
November 27, 1878, aged one month and twenty days.
GOLDSMITH, WILLIAM C. Of all the old pioneers of Lake County
no one is more generally and favorably known than the subject of this
sketch. Mr. Goldsmith was born in Knox County, Indiana, April 2, 1830.
In 1830, with his parents, he moved to Morgan County, Illinois. Here he
learned the saddler's trade, which he followed until 1852, when he came to
California. He crossed the plains with ox-teams, and arrived at Hangtown
(Placerville) August 8th of that year. Of course, he dashed into mining —
everybody did that, then — and followed it until the spring of 1853, when
he went to Santa Clara County and engaged in farming for the next two
years. He then went to Grass Valley, Nevada County, and resided there
until August, 1857. He then came to Lake County and located where
Lower Lake now stands, and engaged in farming and stock raising for the
next six years. He then engaged in hotel and saloon keeping, which he
followed till 1881, since which time he has been unemployed. No lauda-
tory words are necessary at our hands, for Mr. Goldsmith is too well known
by all the good people of Lake County. He was married, May 31, 1860, to
Miss Martha C. Asbill, and their living children are, John H., Elizabeth J.,
William L., Arthur H. and Edna M. They have lost three, Willie, Charles
and Ernest.
GOODWIN, CHARLES. The subject of this sketch was born in
Ontario County, New York, October 8, 1816. When he w/is eight years of
age his parents moved to Detroit, Michigan, whither young Goodwin
accompanied them. Here the boy was not idle but set himself vigorously at
work to obtain an education, and how well he succeeded is evidenced by the
fact, that at the very early age of sixteen we find him engaged in teaching,
Biographical Sketches. 237
which profession he followed for the succeeding seven years, when, on
account of failing health, he connected himself with E. and J. Wilber & Co.,
wholesale hardware dealers, as a traveling salesman, and remained in that
position for the following two years. In the spring of 1850 he started for
California across the plains, coming as far as the Truckee River with horse
teams. At that point they met with the misfortune of having all their
horses stolen by the Indians. Mr. Goodwin then set out to accomplish the
remainder of the trip on foot, and arrived at Nevada City, California, Octo-
ber 10, 1850, without a dollar in his pocket. Like all other old timers Mr.
Goodwin was engaged in various pursuits, among which may be mentioned
mining, auctioneering and teaming, until the spring of 1856, when he came
to Lake County and settled in Big Valley, where he has since continued to
reside. He now owns about three hundred acres of land, located at the
extreme lower end of Big Valley and near Clear Lake, where he is engaged
in farming and wool growing. Mr. Goodwin is one of those active, stirring
men who pushed out to the very vanguard of civilization, and has always
given his best energies to the advancement and upbuilding of the community
in which he resides. He was united in marriage, March 24, 1880, with Mrs.
R. J. Arnold, a native of Missouri.
GALLATIN, ABRAHAM. Was born in Pennsylvania, September 18,
1818. Here he followed farming and boat-building until 1842, when he
went to Illinois. After spending two years there he returned to Pennsyl-
vania, where he resumed his former business until 1852, at which time he
came to California via New Orleans and Panama. We find him at once in
the mines, where he remained until 1S68. He then made a trip East and
traveled in several of the different States for about two years, but finally
settled in Napa City, Napa County. Here he resided until 1874, when he
moved to Pope Valley, where he resided until December, 1878, when he
moved to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of three
thousand acres, located in Coyote Valley. Here he is engaged in farming
and stock raising. Mr. Gallatin married, October 18, 1870, Mrs. Slonecker,
a native of Pennsylvania.
GRUWELL, L. H. Whose portrait will be found in the body of this
work, was born in Quincy, Illinois, November 22, 1836. When still a child
his parents moved to Iowa, where his father was engaged in farming till
the spring of 1849. In that year the father of Mr. Gruwell, with his family,
crossed the plains with ox-teams to California, coming in on the southern
route from Salt Lake City, arriving at Los Angeles in December of that
year. Soon after arriving the father, with his family, moved to El Dorado
County, and remained until the fall of 1851, when they went to San Jose',
where they engaged in farming. In the meantime young Gruwell attended
238 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
the Pacific University for one year. In 1857, then a young man of twenty-
one, he came to Lake County, then a part of Napa County, and speculated
in stock until 1861, when he went to Mendocino County, and bought a ranch
in Sherwood Valley, continuing to purchase stock for market in the coun-
ties of Sonoma, Marin, Lake and Mendocino ; also, making trips to the
southern counties, buying and driving cattle to San Francisco. In the fall
of 1863 he sold his place in Mendocino County, and returned to Lake, where
he married Miss Lizzie Lyons, daughter of Judge Lyons, who is still a res-
ident of this county, and formerly a resident of Pennsylvania, where the
daughter was born. In the fall of 1866 he moved, and settled on Stoney
Creek in Colusa County, where he followed stock raising and speculating
for a number of years. In 1872 he removed to Siskiyou County (now Mo-
doc), where he successfully followed the same business till the spring of
1873. On the 15th of January of that year his wife died, leaving four small
children, the youngest but a few weeks old. In a few months thereafter
he returned to Lake County with his little family, locating at Lower Lake.
In 1874 he married Miss Mattie McClintock, a native of California, and
daughter of J. T. McClintock, of Scotts Valley, where he now resides.
Soon after locating at Lower Lake he became interested in the stage lines
from that place to Calistoga, which he followed for three years, when he
sold out his interest, and has since given his attention to the livery business.
He owns at present three hundred and seventy-four acres of farming land,
one and a half miles from Lower Lake, and his livery stable and house and
lot in town. Mr. Gruwell served for three months as Supervisor under ap-
pointment by the Superior Judge. The able manner in which he discharged
his duties secured his election to the position November 2, 1880, by a ma-
jority clearly showing the high estimation in which he is held by the public.
He has also manifested a lively interest and taken a very active part in the
organization of the Lake County Agricultural Society, giving the use of
the grounds for the exhibition free, and was elected its first president, which
office he now holds for the second term. He has had a family of six chil-
dren, four by his first wife : Millie, Robert L., Calla and Lizzie, the last-
named dying at the age of four years and four months. By his second wife
he has two children, both girls : Alia and Katie. Mr. Gruwell has a well-
knit form, indicating great physical power, weighing some two hundred or
more pounds. It will be observed by reference to his portrait that he is a
man of an iron will and determination of purpose, with a vital force suffi-
cient to accomplish successfully whatever he undertakes.
HERNDON, N. This old and respected pioneer of Lake County was
born in Sumner County, Tennessee, September 15, 1809. He resided on a
farm until nineteen years of age, when he engaged as apprentice to the
Sketches. 239
cabinet trade. In the fall of 1833 he went to Texas, and in the spring of
1834 went to Missouri, where farming was followed until 1856. In that
year he crossed the plains to California, and arrived in Lake County in
October. He settled near where Lower Lake now stands and engaged in
farming and stock raising. In 1877 he moved upon his present place, con-
sisting of about nine hundred acres, located about five miles east from Lower
Lake, where he is engaged in wool growing. He also owns his original place
near Lower Lake, consisting of three hundred acres. Mr. Herndon married,
July 4, 1831, Miss Caroline Sweeney, who died September 20, 1840, leaving
five children : Lafayette, Frank, "Mary, William and Patsey A.
HUSTON, J. H. Was born in Callaway County, Missouri, May 3, 1841.
In April, 1864, he started across the plains for California with mule teams,
and arrived in Lake County in November. Here he engaged in farming
and speculating until 1873, when he went to Colusa County, where the
same business was prosecuted for two years. He then returned to Lake
County, where he has since resided. He at present resides about four miles
south from Lakeport. Mr. Huston married, October 11, 1871, Miss Cora L.
Boggs, a native of Missouri.
HANSON, J. F. Was born in Coles County, Illinois, June 11, 1833,
where he resided with his parents on a farm until he was fourteen years of
age, when the family crossed the plains to California, with ox-teams, arriving
in the Sacramento Valley in October, 1848. The father's family spent the
winter at the Lassen Ranch, while J. F. and his brother, Nathan E., engaged
in mining on the Feather River. In the spring of 1849 J. F. went to Yuba
City and ran a ferry across the Feather River for about four months. He
then engaged in teaming to the mountains for four months, and in the fall
he went to Santa Clara, where he attended school till about July 1, 1854.
He then returned to Yuba City, and at the end of two weeks came to Lake
County in company with his father, D. Branson, — Washburne, D.
Hamblin, and Daniel Hanson, a brother. This party settled on different
places in the vicinity of where Upper Lake now stands. At the end of
eighteen months J. F. returned to Yuba City and spent about six months ;
and in February, 1856, he returned to Lake County and settled where he
now resides, in Long Valley, where he owns five hundred and twenty acres.
He also has an extensive sheep range in Weldons Valley, near the Sulphur
Bank, comprising between one thousand eight hundred and two thousand
acres. On his place in Long Valley there is a fine grist and saw mill, which
will be found described elsewhere.
HAYCOCK, THOMAS. Was born in New Brunswick August 31, 1824.
When but a child his parents moved to Maine. When the subject of this
sketch was about thirteen years of age they moved to Canada. In 1854
240 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Thomas went to Minnesota, where he spent about four years and then came
to California via Panama, arriving at San Francisco November 30, 1858.
The first six months after arriving were spent in the mines of Nevada
County. He then went to Plumas County, where he followed the same
business until 1863, when he bought a hotel and ranch at Meadow Valley,
which he conducted until 1867. He then again engaged in mining, which he
prosecuted until 1874, when he returned East, where he remained a few
months, returning to Plumas County in the fall of the above year. The
next three years were spent in Plumas and Butte Counties, and in March,
1877, he came to Lake County and settled in Scotts Valley, where he now
lives. Mr. Haycock married, November 22, 1852, Miss Sarah E. Turner,
who died July 28, 1855, leaving one child, Sarah E. He married secondly,
November 10, 1874, Mrs. Isabelle Sweazy, a native of Canada.
HENDRICKS, GREENBURY (deceased). Was born in Tennessee,
December 9, 1827. When but a young boy his mother died, and he with his
father went to Missouri, where he followed brick-making until September,
1853, when he went to Texas, where he followed farming until April, 1859,
when, with his family, consisting of wife and two children, he crossed the
plains to California. After a long and tedious trip they arrived in Tulare
County, in September, 1859, where they resided until December, 1861, at
which time they came to Lake County and settled on a farm in Scotts
Valley. Here he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred
April 22, 1876. Mr. Hendricks was married, June 26, 1853, in Cape Girar-
deau County, Missouri, to Miss Mary A. Stepheson, by whom he had seven
children : Lafayette, Amanda E., Lydia, William G., Joseph W., John B. and
Robert E.
HARRIS, THOMAS M. Was born in Pennsylvania December 19, 1828.
Here he resided on a farm until 1853, when he crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia. Like all early comers, Mr. Harris engaged in mining, which he fol-
lowed until December, 1859, at which time he located one hundred and
sixty acres in Yolo County. From this land the first lots were sold for
building purposes in the town of Woodland. In June, 1862, having disposed
of all his interests in Yolo County, he came to Lake County, where he has
since resided. Since his advent into Lake County, Mr. Harris has been
engaged in several' different pursuits, among which might be mentioned
stock raising, farming and hotel-keeping, and at one time, while keeping
hotel at Lower Lake, lost his all by fire. He is at present engaged in wool
growing, about six miles south from Lower Lake. Mr. Harris was married,
May 24, 1849, to Miss Prudence Simpson, a native of Pennsylvania. Their
children are, Laura, Alpheus, Ella and Thomas M., Jr. They have lost
Alonzo, Prudence and Bruce.
Biographical Sketches. 241
HENDRICKS, J. D. Was born in Henry County, Tennessee, April
24, 1833. In October, 1855, he went to Missouri, where the winter was
spent, and in the spring of 1856 started across the plains for California.
In September of the above year, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, was reached.
Here he spent two years at different occupations, and then went to Oregon,
where farming was prosecuted for eight years. In December, 1866, he re-
turned to California, and settled on his present place, consisting of six
hundred and forty-seven acres, located about one mile south of Lower
Lake, in Lake County. Here he is engaged in farming and wool growing.
Mr. Hendricks married, October 21, 1857, Miss Mary F. Dillard, a native of
Missouri. Their children are, Charles E., born July 26, 1858 ; Frank, born
October 4, 1860; Addie, born January 9, 1863; Vina, born November 24,
1864; John, born May 1, 1870; Flora, born March 3, 1875; and Grace,
born April 9, 1880.
HUDSON, DAVID. Whose portrait appears in the body of this
work, was born in Lexington, Missouri, October 15, 1820, where he
resided with his parents until he was about seventeen years of age. He
then moved with his parents to Dade County, where they died in 1840.
David remained there engaged in farming and stock raising until 1844,
when he returned to Lexington and remained there until May, 1845,
when he, in company with his brother William, and his sister and her
husband, John York, now of St. Helena, started across the plains for Cali-
fornia, and arrived at Johnsons Ranch October 15th of that year. They
arrived in Napa Valley about the first of November, and spent the
first winter where Calistoga now stands. In the spring of 1846 he en-
gaged in the Bear Flag War, and then joined the Mexican volunteer service,
being in it until 1847. In the spring of that year he returned to Napa
Valley and bought land near St. Helena. He went to the mines in El Dorado
County, upon the discovery of gold, where he operated with good success,
often digging out $125 a day. In the fall of 1848, on account of failing
health he returned to Napa Valley and settled on land which he had pre-
viously bought, and engaged in farming and stock raising until 1873. He
found that his health was failing, his trouble being asthma, hence he moved
to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of one thousand
two hundred acres, located in Coyote Valley, where he has since resided,
being engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Hudson was married,
December 9, 1847, to Miss Frances Griffith, a native of North Carolina.
They have six living children: Rodney J., Livonia, Elbert, Luella, Ada and
Robert L. ; and have lost one, Bertha.
HARRIS, JAMES A. Is a native of Butler County, Pennsylvania,
and was born October 30, 1839. When he was thirteen years of age his
16
242 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
parents moved to Iowa. Here farming was prosecuted about five years,
when he engaged in teaching school for about three years. We next find
Mr. Harris in the gold mines of Colorado, where he remained about eighteen
months, when he returned to Iowa and engaged in dairying. In July, 1862,
he enlisted and served as a private for three years in the Northern ranks.
At the end of this time he returned to Iowa and resumed his dairying busi-
ness about one year ; then, on account of failing health, he came to Cali-
fornia. He came via Panama and arrived at San Francisco November 4,
1866. As health was the chief object, he sought the desirable climate of
Lake County, and settled about three miles south from Lower Lake, where
he now resides, being engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Harris
married April 22, 1862, Miss Louisa C. Parker. She died January 2, 1873,
leaving three children: Eugene, Erwin and Katie. He married secondly,
April 14, 1875, Miss Lina Powell, by whom he has three children : Ralph
A., Carl N. and Martha. She died September 5, 1881, leaving three children,
as above named.
HUDSON, JUDGE RODNEY J. Whose portrait it affords us pleasure
to present in the body of this work, was born at St. Helena, Napa County,
February 20, 1850, and is the son of David and Frances Hudson. Judge
Hudson springs from a fine family, his father being a scion of the well-known
and highly esteemed Catron family of Tennessee, one of whom, for a pei-iod
of thirty years, was a highly distinguished Justice of the Supreme Court of
the United States. His mother was a native of North Carolina, and is
allied by blood to one of its best families. Young Hudson gi-ew up at his
birthplace, and made "the best of the imperfect advantages for obtaining a
primary education, which the then inefficient conditions of the schools
offered. At the age of fifteen he entered an academy at Sonoma, which
was conducted under the auspices of the Presbyterians, where Latin and
the higher mathematics were taken up. At the end of the term he wrote
and delivered his maiden oration, which was highly complimented by the
Professors of the Academy, and served to show clearly the bent of the boy's
mind, the latent powers that lay within him awaiting proper development.
He then returned to his father's farm, but books had a much greater attrac-
tion for him than the humdrum, prosaical avocation of tramping up and
down a furrow behind a plow, and a book was generally carried to the field,
which received much more attention than the work in hand. He then spent
three years in attendance at the St. Helena public schools, which were then
of high grade, and here he learned to read Latin fluently and made consider-
able progress in the higher mathematics. During his attendance at this
school, and while yet only eighteen years of age, he made his debut into the
political arena. In 1868, during the campaign of Seymour and Blair on
-^^^O^a^a
Biographical Sketches. 243
the one side and Grant and Wilson on the other, a political meeting was
held in St. Helena. The late Hon. W. W. Pendegast was the speaker of the
evening, and among those present were young Hudson and his father and
mother. At the close of Mr. Pendegast's speech the audience began to call
loudly for Rodney Hudson, whose abilities as an orator were even then well-
known among his friends and acquaintances, and by them fully recognized.
When the calls for the young man became so persistent that it became
evident that the crowd would not hear a refusal, his father departed, either
thinking that his presence would embarrass the boy, or not desiring to be pre-
sent to witness what he considered inevitable failure. His mother, too, felt
that a crisis in the boy's life was just at hand, and with her womanly sensitive-
ness shrank instinctively from witnessing it. But the father's flight and the
mother's fears were unnecessary, for the youthful orator was equal to the
occasion, and for the space of half an hour he held the audience with his
fluent and graceful oratory, and surprised even his best friends by his knowl-
edge of the political issues of the day. Owing to his youth, the effort was
regarded with a great deal of favor by all who heard it, and created quite a
sensation, and from that time on he has always sustained a high reputation
as a public speaker. His next move was to take charge of the St. Helena
public schools, having a scholarship of about two hundred, and two assistant
teachers. In 1869 he entered the University of Michigan. In a short time
his health failed, and he was forced to quit school and return to California.
He then entered the law office of Thomas P. Stoney, then County Judge of
Napa County, as a student, where he remained for one year. On the occa-
sion of the Fourth of July celebration at St. Helena in 1872, young Hudson,
then only twenty-two years of age, was called upon to deliver the oration
for the occasion. An extract from the Napa Register, then edited by G. W.
Henning, will give an idea of the merits of the effort produced by Mr.
Hudson on that occasion : " The oration was by Rodney J. Hudson, whom
St. Helena may be flattered to call her ' boy.' Rodney — -he will excuse the
familiarity — looks the orator. He has a talent which, if cultivated, will place
him in the very front rank of public speakers. His personelle and the fact
that he was their own, created an interest in him which was not diminished
in the least by his finely turned and patriotic periods. * * * We hope
he will not go into politics. There is a crown awaiting him in his legitimate
professional career which will set more lightly and gracefully upon his head
than ever j:>olitician's will." In the fall of 1872 he entered the Law School
at Lebanon, Tennessee, then presided over by the venerable Judge Carothers.
While there he delivered an oration on Washington, which was compli-
mented very highly by the Nashville Union, an extract from which we
include in this connection : " His audience was thrilled with delight, ex-
cited alike by the spirit and eloquence of his words. The Golden State
244 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
may well be proud of her representative in the Law School of the
University." He graduated at this school and returned to California
in 1873. In 1874 he formed a law partnership with the leading prac-
tioner in the southern part of the State. After having been there for four
or five months he was called upon to make a Fourth of July address, of
which the Los Angeles Star says : " The oration was the most superb effort
of the kind ever made in Los Angeles. It was beautiful in all its points,
and may be considered an oratorical gem of the first water. We have heard
the oration spoken of everywhere as excellent, but not more so than its
delivery, which was very fine." In 1875 he was nominated and elected by
the Democratic party to the position of District Attorney of Los Angeles
County. His first case was for murder, and the man was defended by Col.
J. G. Howard, confessedly the ablest criminal lawyer in Southern California.
The accused was convicted, and when the District Judge came down from
the bench he said : " Mr. Hudson, you have conducted this case as well as
any lawyer." He retained the office for two years, when, on account of
failing health, he came to Lake County and opened a law office. Here he
began at once to build up and maintain a good practice, rarely losing a case
before a jury. Mr. Hudson sprang boldly and nobly into the great fight made
for the new Constitution, urging its adoption by the people with the great-
est vigor and eloquence. He took the field and made several brilliant and
telling speeches, and was called the captain of the new Constitution forces
in Lake County. In 1878 he was put in nomination for the position of
Superior Judge of Lake County. It was a matter of serious doubt with
his best friends whether or not he could win in the contest, his youth and
limited acquaintance militating much against his chances of success. As
for himself, he saw that only energy and determination could make success
possible, and he made a thorough and personal canvass of the county, and
then just upon the eve of the election addressed the people of the county
in almost every voting .precinct, which was evidently the great element of
his success, as he was able to bring out the merits of his own case with a
master hand. He was elected by a large plurality, showing that good work
had been accomplished. Once elected, the problem of convincing the people
of his judicial fairness and integrity confronted him. Upon taking the
bench he announced to the bar that he would endeavor to be impartial and
upright, and that he knew that he would be independent, as he did not owe
his election to any corporation or powerful influence, but to the people.
That he has kept his promise is attested by all the bar of Lake County.
He has the reputation of observing a uniform courtesy to the bar while
presiding, of being positive in his rulings, and swift to retreat when shown
to be in error. Of Judge Hudson the Bulletin of Lake County says :
" His ridings exhibit fine legal acumen, and he is one of the best judges in
Biographical Sketches. 245
California, and after a while Lake County will be proud to help place him
in Congress, where his singular abilities as an orator may have a fitting field
in which to display their powers." Rodney J. Hudson is the youngest, but
one, of the Superior Judges in this State; and who can read this sketch and
see how he has climbed up the ladder, round by round, until he reached
that high position when only twenty-nine years of age, without feeling
proud of our grand American principles of liberty which give to worth,
merit, and real labor, their just meed of reward. He was united in mar-
riage in April, 1881, to Miss Panthea Boggs, daughter of A. G. Boggs, of
Napa City.
HAMILTON, J. M. Was born in Philadelphia, December, 1820. His
parents died when he was quite young, and most of his early years were
spent at school. After finishing a collegiate course preparatory to applying
himself to the study of medicine, he visited a brother-in-law in Delaware,
who was farming near New Castle, where he became so much pleased with
the life of a farmer, he determined to adopt that as his own vocation. He
lived with this gentleman, D. W. Gemmill, until his marriage in 1841, when
he began farming on his own account. In June, 1846, he left Delaware for
the purpose of visiting Texas, and spent the remainder of that year until
December in traveling through the western part of the State, from Galves-
ton to the Rio Grande, and returned to New York by sea. After his return
to Delaware he decided upon reading law, and for a time was a student
with Hon. J. M. Clayton. In 1850 he was appointed Assistant United
States Marshal for Delaware. The succeeding winter he accepted a propo-
sition from another brother-in-law, the late Captain A. A. Ritchie, to come
to California and engage in farming on the Suisun Rancho in Solano County,
then just purchased by Ritchie and Waterman. In April, 1851, he left
Philadelphia with his wife and two children for California ; and after a
pleasant voyage of one hundred and thirty-five clays around Cape Horn in
the ship " Tartar," Captain Webber, arrived in San Francisco August 22d.
On his arrival, learning that settlers had taken possession of most of the
land in Suisun, and not wishing to be drawn into any controversy with
them, he bought a farm in Napa Valley, a short distance from Napa City,
settled there, and engaged in farming until the fall of 1860, when he became
interested in quicksilver mining in Pope Valley. In the fall of 1865 he
moved with his family over to the stone house in Coyote Valley, and
engaged in farming and general stock raising. At the organization of the
State Grange Patrons of Husbandry, in Napa City, July, 1873, he was
elected to the office of Overseer. At the meeting of the State Grange in
San Jose*, in October of the same year, he was elected by an almost
unanimous vote to the position of Worthy Master for two years. As repre-
sentative of the Patrons of this State, he attended the meetings of the
246 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
National Grange in St. Louis, in 1874, and Charleston, South Carolina, in
1875. In March, 1854, he assisted in the formation in Napa City of the
first agricultural society in California, and was elected as its president. He
came into what is now Lake County (then a part of Napa) for the first
time, October, 1851. At that time there was not a white person making
this his home. The old Kelsey adobe, and a log house near where the
present stone house in Coyote Valley now stands, were the only buildings
that had been reared by white men. Until the time he came into the
county to make it his permanent home, business or pleasure called him here
frequently, and he has not been absent from it for more than a few months
at any one time since his first visit. He claims to be the oldest living resi-
dent of Lake County. In the fall of 1858 he was appointed County Super-
intendent of Schools for Napa County, which then included the whole of
this territory. This position he held for several years. He divided this
portion of the county into school districts, examined applicants, and gave
certificates of qualification for teachers, and set the machinery of the public
school system into operation. For more than twenty -five years he has been
in some office of trust and responsibility, frequently holding several at the
same time, in Napa and Lake Counties ; and the satisfaction he has given
in the discharge of his duties is evidence of his ability and integrity. He
now lives near Guenoc, and is engaged in the practice of law.
HANSON, DAVID M. Was born in Coles County, Illinois, December
21, 1840. He came to California with his parents in 1849. He received
his education at the Pacific University, Santa Clara County, and at the
Emery and Henry College, Washington County, Virginia. He studied law
in the office of Zach. Montgomeiy, in Marysville, California, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1861. He was appointed Clerk of the United States
District Court, under Judge G. N. Mott, and filled that position at Virginia
City, Nevada, for three years. He then began the practice of law, asso-
ciated with Judge Jesse S. Pitzer. In 1864, he moved to Clear Lake, pur-
chasing the property now known as the Ritchie ranch in Long Valley. In
1866, in partnership with I. C. McQuaid, Esq., he went to Idaho and engaged
in the practice of law. In 1867, he engaged in the publication of the Clear
Lake Sentinel, at Lower Lake, and for a number of years, associated with
his father, he continued in the newspaper business, publishing successively
the Clear Lake Sentinel, Sutter County Sentinel, Marysville Evening
Telegraph, and Gilroy Advocate. He then retired from the business and lo-
cated permanently at his home in Lake County, where he engaged in sheep
raising and the practice of law. In 1878, he was elected to the position of
District Attorney, which he filled with due credit to himself and the entire
satisfaction of the people. Mr-. Hanson is well and extensively known in
Lake County, having canvassed it in the discussion of public questions. He
Biographical Sketches. 247
now resides on his place which he has appropriately named the " Valley-
Ranch," in Lake County, three miles east of the celebrated Sulphur Bank.
From his residence a grand view is afforded of Clear Lake and Lakeport.
He has a wife and two children, and with the favor of Providence lives
contentedly with the promise of happiness and contentment in future store.
HANSON, HON. GEORGE M. (deceased.) The life of this gentle-
man was a long and eventful one. His California history is familiar to
many of the first immigrants to this State. As he was not only one of the
early immigrants to this coast, but also a pioneer of the Clear Lake region,
we cannot give a complete chronicle of the early history of Lake County
without the assistance of Mr. Hanson's experiences here. George M. Han-
son, whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born
in Tazewell County, Virginia, March 13, 1799. In the year 1819 he
married Miss Polly Ellington, at Lebanon, Russell County, Virginia,
and became the father of seven sons and three daughters, all of whom
reached the age of maturity, and six of whom survive him. His oldest and
only living daughter is Elizabeth, the wife of Captain J. G. Allender, of
Watsonville. His sons now living are, William P., an early settler of this
county, now a resident of Willows, Colusa County ; Nathan E., James
Francis, Daniel A. and David M., all of whom are at present and for
many years have been living among the scenes of Clear Lake. For twenty-
six years Frank has lived on his present ranch at the head of Long Valley.
Two years after his marriage the subject of this sketch moved to Kentucky
and engaged in the mercantile business for a short time; thence he emi-
grated to Clark County, Illinois, at that time a wild, unsettled country,
and there lived for twenty-five years, much of that time being spent in
public life. Being a man of exemplary habits and scrupulous integrity, his
worth was soon recognized in his community, and he was directly called to
serve as a' legislator. He soon became prominent, and was regarded by all
as one of the leading men in the halls of legislation. He served twelve
consecutive years in the House and Senate of Illinois, and was intimately
acquainted and associated with the men who subsequently became so famous
in the history of that State and of the nation. He was in the Senate of
Illinois at the time Abraham Lincoln made his first appearance as a legis-
lator, and his reminiscences of the Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Doug-
las of that day were of peculiar interest. During the year 1847 Mr. Hanson
visited Texas, and traveled all over that State on a tour of inspection with
the view of moving there and making a permanent settlement should the
country suit him. Not being favorably impressed with it, however, he re-
turned home, and the following year began preparations for a trip across
the continent with his family, having then in view the territory of Oregon,
248 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
which country at that time was attracting considerable attention. Before he
started, however, the news of the discovery of gold in California came and
changed his plans. In April, 1849, Mr. Hanson drove out of Coles County,
Illinois, with three ox-teams, and a family carriage drawn by horses, headed
for the new El Dorado of the Pacific. His ox-teams were loaded with an
assorted stock of goods of several thousand dollars' value which he thought
would be suited to the requirement of the miners of '49. Emigrants of that
day rendezvoused at Independence, Missouri, where they formed themselves
into companies consisting generally of thirty or forty teams, which were
called trains, each train electing a captain, whose duty it was to take gen-
eral rule and direction of all matters connected with the interests of the
company, and to facilitate as much as possible their journey to the land of
gold and anticipated fortunes. The train with which Mr. Hanson cast his
lot consisted of about one hundred persons, having only three women — Mrs.
George M. Hanson, his daughter Mrs. Sidney Linder, and Mrs. John Arm-
strong— and about one dozen children, with an aggregate of some thirty-five
wagons and teams, and a few extra oxen and milch cows, which were driven
in front of the train of wagons that followed at specified distances apart as
regulated by the captain. John G. Allender, who after his arrival at Cali-
fornia became a son-in-law of Mr. Hanson, was duly elected captain of this
train. Owing to his experience with teams, his peculiar social qualities and
unrivaled memory of past events, he became very popular and never failed
to interest and entertain his company around the camp-fires. The objects
the emigrants had in thus traveling in companies was protection against
hostile and predatory Indians, and mutual assistance when difficulties had
to be met and overcome. We will not attempt to follow Mr. Hanson across
the Rocky Mountains, the burning desert sands, and over the lofty Sierras,
and relate the thrilling incidents of that early emigration, or portray the
trying vicissitudes that so frequently beset his path. Suffice it to say that
after untold trials, hardships and suffering he arrived at Yuba City, Sutter
County, in the month of November, 1849, in destitute circumstances, hav-
ing lost and left everything in the mountain fastnesses and snows of the
Sierras. At Yuba City he, for a short time, kept a hotel ; then built a fern-
boat, connecting Yuba City and Marysville across the Feather River. Within
two or three years he built a bridge across the river at a cost of $30,000,
which was carried away by the floods a few years thereafter. He then sold
an interest in his toll franchise to John C. Fall, of Marysville, and together
they built, at a very heavy cost, another bridge. This was very valuable
property, the receipts of toll being from $75 to $150 per diem. A few
years after this, by an Act of the Legislature, the authorities of the
county were authorized to erect a free bridge, in the face of the fran-
chise held by Mr. Hanson, which was granted him for a period of twenty
Biographical Sketches. 249
years, guaranteeing him protection of the same. Politically Mr. Han-
son had ever been an old line Whig, and when the Republican party
came into existence, and held its National Convention in 1856, at Phila-
delphia, at which John C. Fremont was nominated for President, Mr. Hanson
attended that body as a delegate from California. At that convention Mr.
Hanson paid the lamented Lincoln a tribute of respect by putting his name
before that body as a candidate for Vice-President, at the same time ad-
dressing a pleasant compliment towards him. The following National
Convention of that party having nominated Mr. Lincoln for President, Mr.
Hanson was a warm and active supporter of that ticket. He made his
influence felt upon the stump and in the columns of political papers. Mr.
Hanson was a very effective, ready debater, and clear and forcible writer.
But few men of his day were better read in general politics, and who more
clearly understood the system and ideas of our form of government. After
Mr. Lincoln's election Mr. Hanson was notified by that distinguished gentle-
man that he was wanted to discharge the duties of some governmental
office on this coast by the incoming administration. Notwithstanding his
repeated assertions to the President that he was not desirous of official
position, Mr. Lincoln, unsolicited, sent him a commission as Superintendent
of Indian Affairs for the Northern District of California, which office he
entered upon and discharged the duties of during that administration.
After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln Mr. Hanson retired to private
life again, and although his accumulated years admonished him to forsake
the pursuits of active life, his restless spirit and indomitable energy induced
him to again resume business. He then, in company with his youngest son,
David M., a- lawyer, went into the newspaper business, publishing the Clear
Lake Sentinel, Sutter County Sentinel, Marysville Evening Telegraph,
Daily Appeal, and finally the Gilroy Advocate, which publication ended
his long and active career in business. Mr. Hanson was among the first
white men who penetrated the Coast Range Mountains as far as Clear Lake.
Having a large family of sons, most of whom had grown to man's estate,
he was desirous of finding homes for them and settling them down to some
steady pursuit. In 1853 or 1854, it was, that Mr. Hanson came in sight
of the waters of Clear Lake, and after thoroughly prospecting the country,
concluded that this was the very place he was looking for to find homes
for his boys. He first settled them at Upper Lake, on Middle Creek and
its vicinity, stocking their several places with horses, cattle, and hogs. While
en route to the lake over the pathless mountains just west of Wilbers Sulphur
Springs, one evening; Mr. Hanson shot and killed an enormous grizzly bear.
This was near the head of what has ever since been known as " Grizzly
Canon," through which an excellent county road now passes, and from which
incident that canon and road derives the name of "Grizzly < 'aiion." In those
250 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
early times large game was very abundant in this country. The pioneers
could at all hours of the night hear the savage snarling and deep growling of
the grizzly, with the piercing scream of the panther or California lion. The
Hanson boys have seen as many as fifty deer in a drove, hundreds of elk in
a band, and the killing of grizzly bears and California lions was of such
common occurrence as to attract no attention whatever. Since the year
1854, Mr. Hanson's sons have lived on and in the vicinity of Clear Lake,
and this county has had for him in consequence thereof, all the attractions
of a home. His visits hither, when not permanently settled, were of yearly
occurrence until 1 874. After he had retired from business, he came to Lake
County, the scene of his many early and exciting adventures, to live among
his children and grand-children, and in its salubrious climate pass the few
remaining days of his life. In 1877, the great affliction of his life in the shape
of physical infirmity befell him. He lost his eyesight and became almost
absolutely blind from cataract. This to him was an inconsolable bereave-
ment, as it deprived him of the ability to read and write, in which occupa-
tions he had taken hisgreatest pleasure. This affliction so worked and wore
upon him that his health rapidly began to decline. He became helpless,
and that fact so embarrassed him that life almost became a burden. His
spirit of independence that had been a characteristic with him, and sustained
him throughout his long life, was now utterly crushed, and he regarded his
fast approaching dissolution with calm, Christian resignation. He had been
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a respected member of
the Masonic fraternity for more than fifty years, and we might safely say
that no man ever lived more in consistence with his religious professions
and fraternal tenets than did George M. Hanson for a half century of time.
In July, 1879, he was taken with pneumonia which baffled the skill of his
physicians. In a very few days it was evident that his career on earth
must end. His children and grand-children were quickly summoned to at-
tend that awful and solemn event. He was at the house of one of his sons
in Long Valley, surrounded by weeping relatives and friends, and at about
9 o'clock p. M. on the 1st day of August, amid the heart-sobs of his devoted
children and grand-children, the spirit of this good old man went back to
the God who sent it to earth.
INGRAM, J. C. W. Is a native of Gallatin County, Illinois, and was
born April 4, 1829. Here he received his education, and resided on a farm
until 1844, when he went to Missoui'i, where he spent about two years. The
next two years were spent in Iowa and Wisconsin ; after which he returned
to Missouri, and in the spring of 1849 he turned his face towards Oregon,
where he arrived, after a six months' journey with ox-teams, the last of
October. Here he followed lumbering until the spring of 1851, when he
Biographical Sketches. 251
came to California and followed mining at different places until September,
1857, when he came to Lake County and located in Big Valley, where
he followed farming and stock raising until 1867, when he settled on
his present place, consisting of two hundred acres, located in Scotts
Valley, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Ingram,
during the years 1858-9, held the office of Constable, and in the fall of 1873
was elected Sheriff of Lake County, which office he held four years. He
married, August 28, 1858, Miss Mandana A. Musick, a native of Missouri.
They have six children : Luella C, John L., Mary R., Sarah A., Ruth and
Maud. Have lost two : William R. and Preston.
JONES, C. W. Was born in Carroll County, Arkansas, April 26, 1840.
In 1857 he, with his parents, crossed the plains with ox-teams, and arrived
in Stanislaus County in October of the last mentioned year. Here they
spent one year farming, and then moved to Sutter County, and after spend-
ing one winter they moved to Plumas County. After a residence here of
about seven years the subject of this sketch came to Lake County and
settled in Scotts Valley, where he has since resided, being engaged in
farming. He settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and
sixty acres, in October, 1868. Mr. Jones married, October 24, 1867, Miss
Narcissus A. McCabe, a native of Texas. They have four living children :
Mary C, Charles W., James H. and Herbert M.; and have lost three:
Thomas C, Walter M. and Annie B.
JAMISON, JAMES H. Was born in Missouri September 26, 1830.
Here he received his education and resided until 1854, when he, with his
family, consisting of wife and one child, crossed the plains with ox-teams,
and arrived at Bidwells Bar, in Butte County, August 20th of that year.
Mr. Jamison engaged at once in mining, which he followed about four years.
He then engaged in keeping a public-house on Feather River, which he fol-
lowed about six months. We next find him in Vallejo, Solano County,
where he resided until June, 1859, when he came to Lake County and set-
tled on a stock ranch, located on the road leading from Lower Lake to
Kelseyville. Here he followed stock raising and keeping public-house for
about fourteen years, since which time he has lived in Kelseyville. Mr.
Jamison has held the office of Supervisor for three terms, first in 1861,
second in 1863, and third and last in 1875. Mr. Jamison married, March 9,
1852, Miss Mary Annett, a native of Virginia. By this union they have
four living children : Sarah A., James B., Rosa S. and Lizzie.
JONES, J. W. Was born in Missouri February 27, 1836. When but a
child his parents moved to Arkansas. In 1856 the subject of this sketch
crossed the plains to California. He spent the first seven years of his Cali-
fornia life in Plumas County, following different occupations. We next
252 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
find him in Marysville, Yuba County, where he remained but a sohrt time.
He next went to San Joaquin Valley, where he spent one year, and then
returned to Marysville and spent two years, and again returned to Plumas
County, where he spent about six months, and then came to Lake County
in the fall of 1867. Here he remained a short time and returned to Plumas
County, and in 1868 again returned to Lake County and settled on his
present place, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres, located about
three miles from Upper Lake, on the Bartlett Springs road. Mr. Jones
married, in 1867, Miss Mary E. McCabe, by whom he has seven living
children: William, Edward, Franklin, Lucinda, Catherine, Phillip and Zeno;
and have lost one: Aaron.
KESEY, WILLIAM. Was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania,
February 22, 1819. When he was seventeen years of age he became appren-
ticed to the cabinet-maker's trade. When he was twenty years of age he
went to Lancaster County, that State, where he worked at his trade one year.
He then returned to Franklin County, where he worked at his trade until
the spring of 184"), when he went to Wyandotte, Ohio, and there worked at
his trade for one year. He then returned to his native county and volun-
teered for the Mexican War. He was taken sick at once, and after six
months he returned to Franklin County, where he remained until 1847. He
then went to Ohio with his father, where he clerked in a store until Feb-
ruary, 1849, when he started for California, crossing the plains with mule
teams. He arrived at Sutter's Fort September 19th of that year. Here he
engaged in packing and trading, which he followed until 1851. He then
engaged in keeping a hay-yard at Sacramento City, and also owned and
conducted a farm a short distance down the river. In ] 852 he lost all his
city property by fire, and all his farm products by flood. In 1853 he went
to Los Angeles, and was engaged in the stock business until 1858. He then
went to Yolo County, where he dealt in stock until 1862. He then went to
Washoe, where he remained only a few months. He then went to Calaveras
County and prospected until the spring of 1863, when he came to Lake
County and located at Lower Lake. Here he engaged in carpentering until
fall, when he went to Borax Lake and remained there for about four years,
engaged at his trade. In the meantime he purchased a tract of land which
he moved upon in 1867, and engaged in farming until the spring of 1871.
He then sold out and moved to Lower Lake, where he has since resided,
being engaged in wool growing since then to some extent. In 1872 he was
appointed Postmaster and Notary Public, which positions he held till 1875.
He was appointed Deputy Assessor in 1873, and has held that appointment
ever since. He was married, May 26, 1864, to Miss Margaret Adams, a
native of Missouri, and they have one child living, James, and have lost one.
Biographical Sketches. 253
KENNEDY, JAMES. Was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire, July
12, 1796. Here he resided on a farm with his parents until 1823, when he,
in company with three other men, built a pail factory at New Boston.
Just as this institution was proving a success it took fire and burned to the
ground. Mr. Kennedy then turned his attention to milling, and was fore-
man in different grist-mills for about twenty-seven years. Then, on account
of failing health, caused from the dust, he changed his labors to saw-mills,
which he followed until 1849, when he sailed from Boston in the bark
" Chester," and rounded Cape Horn, arriving at San Francisco, after a rough
passage of one hundred and ninety days, in April, 1850. Mr. Kennedy
engaged at once in mining, which he followed at different places until June,
1859, when he came to Lake County and settled in Long Valley, where he
has since resided. He married, in June, 1823, Miss Phosbe Robie, who died
in the spring of 1856 in New Hampshire, leaving six children : Clarinrla,
Diantha,*Roberta, Hiram, Almus and Esther.
KENNEDY, HIRAM. Was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire, No-
vember 20, 1835. His early days were spent in a saw-mill with his father,
and in 1849 the father came to California, and Hiram engaged as appren-
tice to the mechanic's trade. This he followed until 1854, when he came
via Panama to California, and joined his father at Dicksburg, a mining-
camp in Yuba County. Here he followed mining until 1859, when, with
his father, he came to Lake County and settled in Long Valley, where he
now resides. Mr. Kennedy married, August 20, 1872, Miss Rosa Wilson, a
native of Pennsylvania, by whom he has three children : Alexis, Milo and
Albert.
- KERR,|WILLIAM. Was born in Tennessee, September 12, 1832. In
1849 hewent to Missouri, where he followed farming until the spring of
1853,jwhen_he crossed the plains to California with ox-teams, and arrived
at Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, on the 22d of October of the above year.
Here he was engaged in farming, sheep raising, clerking, and working in a
wagon shop until 1874, when he came to Lake County and settled at Upper
Lake, where he has since resided. Mr. Kerr married, February 16, 1862,
Miss Catharine Bradshaw, a native of Missouri. Their children are, Ida,
Isaac and Bell. They have lost five : Eva, Lulu, Willie, Cora and Nellie.
KEATLEY, THOMAS. Was bom in St. Louis County, Missouri, April
19, 1826. When eighteen years of age he went to Houston, Texas, where he
followed surveying for about one and a half years. In 1846 he volunteered
and served in the war with Mexico eight months, after which he returned to
Houston and worked in a cabinet shop and saw-mill for two years. He
then went to St. Louis, where he remained until the spring of 1850, when
254 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
he crossed the plains to California. After spending about one year in Sacra-
mento he went to the southern mines, and after about six months went to
Trinity County. Here he followed mining until the fall of 1852, when he
made a trip through Lake County to San Francisco, where he remained,
being engaged in different business, until 1859, when he returned to St.
Louis. Here he remained until 1861, when he again came to San Francisco,
where he engaged in contracting and building until 1873, at which time he
went to Cloverdale, Sonoma County, where he spent one year. He then
came to Lake County and settled at Upper Lake, where he owns and con-
ducts the Upper Lake planing and grist mill. Mr. Keatley married, June 14,
1860, Miss Amelia Gibson, a native of Missouri. They have three children :
William T., Fannie P. and Ella F.
KEAN, JOSEPH B. Was born in New Jersey, November 17, 1817.
When but a small boy he sailed on board the ship " North Star," of which
his uncle was captain, as cabin-boy. After four years he returned home,
where he spent one season. He then shipped before the mast as an able
for about four years, aboard of different ships. He then took
of a brig on the northern lakes for about five years. He then went
to New Orleans, where he had charge of the schooner " Belle Union " for
one year, after which he commanded the " N. B. George " for about seven
months. Mr. Kean then returned home, where he remained until the spring
of 1847, when he went to South America, and engaged in mining until
1849, when he came to California, arriving at San Francisco May 12th of
the same year. He went at once to the mines on the Yuba River, where
he followed mining about two years, when he was taken sick with moun-
tain fever. He then went to the Sandwich Islands, where he remained
about four months ; then went back to his birthplace, and after making a
short visit settled in De Kalb County, Illinois, where he remained until
1854. He then crossed the plains to California, bringing a drove of about
seventy-five cattle. He arrived in Siskiyou County in October of the
above year, where he settled, and engaged in dairying for three }'ears, when
he sold out, and moved to Petaluma, Sonoma County, where he embarked
in the forwarding and commission business until April, 1867, when he came
to Lake County, and settled on his present place, consisting of two hun-
dred acres, located about three miles south from Upper Lake, where he is
engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Kean married, in 1837, Miss
Bessie M. McKane, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union they have
three living children : Sylvester, Laura A. and Sarah J. ; and have lost one :
Levy M.
KOUNS, A. Was born in Kentucky, December 6, 1843. In 1859 he,
in company with his mother, one brother and two sisters — his father being
Biographical SketcJies. 255
dead — crossed the plains to California. They arrived at Smith Ferry in
October of the above year, and resided there until July, 1861, when they
came to Lake County. In November, 1871, the subject of this sketch set-
tled on his present place, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres,
located about ten miles south-east from Lower Lake, where he is engaged
in wool growing. He married, July 5, 1868, Miss Rosette A. Copsey, who
died October 21, 1873, leaving two children : Sarah L., and Jacob, who died
March 16, 1874. He married, secondly, March 12, 1876, Miss Emma A. De
Wolf, foster-child of C. L. Wilson, by whom he has two living children : Ira
M. and Charles L.; they have lost one : Lucy M.
KEBERT, J. J. Was born in Pennsylvania, February 7, 1839. In Feb-
ruary, 1856, he came via Panama to California. The first year was spent in
the mines of Nevada County, and the next four were spent at the same
occupation in Placer County, He next went to Virginia City, where a few
months were spent, and then returned to California and spent about six
months in the mines at Esmeralda, after which we find him in Yolo County,
farming, which he continued until 1864. In 1865 he went to Mexico, and
after mining for eight months returned to Yolo and followed dairying and
butchering until May, 1878, when he came to Lake County and bought the
Pearson Springs property, located about two miles east from Blue Lakes.
Mr. Kebert married, January 25, 1881, Miss Antha Holstead, a native of
Ontario.
KENYON, SAMUEL W. Was born in Schuyler County, New York,
May 12, 1856. In 1870 he, with his parents, emigrated to Kansas, and after
a residence of about one year returned to Schuyler County, where they
resided until 1875. At this date the subject of this sketch left his parents
and came to California. The first six months were spent at the Great East-
ern Quicksilver Mine in Lake County, after which he engaged in farming,
which he followed for about three years. We next find him engaged in the.
livery business in Lakeport for about six months, when he changed his res-
idence to Middletown, where he is now engaged in keeping a livery stable.
Mr. Kenyon married, June 20, 1878, Miss Ella Hudson, a native of Cali-
fornia, and daughter of David Hudson of Middletown.
KIPHART, CHARLES. Was born in Clark County, Indiana, June
9, 1828. When he was but a child his parents moved to Johnson County,
and after a short residence here they moved to Morgan County. Here
farming was prosecuted until 1853, when the subject of this sketch left his
parents and crossed the plains to California, arriving in Yuba County in
October of the above year. In the fall of 1854 he went to the mines, and
followed a miner's life until March, 1855, when he engaged in farming in
Suisun Valley, Solano County. Here he remained until December, 1857,
256 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
when he came to Lake County and settled about one mile south from
Lowe?- Lake, where he still resides. Mr. Kiphart married, April 11, 1850,
Miss Emmarine Henderson, a native of Indiana. By this marriage they
have five children: Zerelda, Sarah E., Milton, Ebenezer and Gynthia.
"MITCHELL.— Near Mountain House, Napa County,
July 18th, I. E. Mitchell, of heart disease, aged fifty-
live years.
" Obituary. — As a pioneer of Lake County, and the first to erect a
house in the village of Lower Lake, the deceased is justly entitled to more
than a passing notice. Mr. Mitchell was born in the township of Hensley,
Johnson County, Indiana, August, 1826, where he married a daughter of a
Mr. Henderson — a sister of Mrs. Calvin Reams and Mrs. Charles Kiphart.
In 1853, in company with his father-in-law and family, Mitchell and family
left Indiana for California, arriving here near the autumn of that year. In
December, 1857, he came to Lower Lake, then a part of Napa County, in
company with Reams and Kiphart, and erected the first house in Lower
Lake, on the ground on which stands the building now occupied by
Luke Evans. In 1859 he sold his claim to E. M. Dajr, Esq., and after
several years' moving over the State returned to Lake County. Mr.
Mitchell leaves a wife and three sons, on whom his sudden death falls with
crushing weight. In his domestic relations Mr. Mitchell was kind, in-
dulgent, and always cheerful. Possessing warm and generous feelings, he
made and retained his friends through life, and the writer, with an ac-
quaintance of over twenty years, bears testimony to the generous impulses
of his heart, now stilled in death. Let us remember and practice his
virtues. The dead have no vices."
KENNEDY, ROMULUS. Was bom in Seneca County, New York,
December 22, 1818. In 1829 his parents moved to Michigan and located
in Detroit, where his father followed the business of contractor and
builder until 1836, when he moved to Canada and engaged in the distilling
and brewing business. Young Kennedy remained in Detroit, attending
school, and living with Stephen T. Mason, the Governor of the Territory.
About 1837 he began the business of carpentering, and worked in Buffalo
and Detroit till 1840, when he went to New Orleans, where he followed
trading on the Mississippi River for about one year. He then engaged in
clerking in a store in New Orleans until November, 1848, when he went to
Memphis and opened a boat store. In February, 1850, he started for Cali-
fornia, crossing the plains in a company of which Dr. Benjamin Bryand, now
of Santa Clara, was captain. They arrived at Sacramento in August of that
year, and spent about four months in the mines, when he went to Sacra-
mento and began carpentering. At the end of four months he went to Vaca-
ville, Solano County, and built the first house ever erected in the place, for
Biographical Sketches. 257
Mason Wilson. He remained there until 1852, when he returned to Sacra-
mento and worked at his trade till April, 1855, when he met with an acci-
dent which made him a cripple for life. He was disabled by this accident
so that he was confined to his bed most of the time till 1858. He then
went to Vacaville and took charge of the Wilson House, where he remained
till 1864. He then came to Lake County and located at Lakeport, where
he still resides, and is engaged at his trade. Since his residence here he
has held the office of Justice of the Peace, by election and appointment, for
about eight years. He was married, September 6, 1880, to Miss Bell Hurl-
but, a native of New York.
KELSEY, JOHN. Was born in Kentucky, July 17, 1819. At the age
of eighteen he went to Tennessee, where he engaged as apprentice to the
gunsmith trade for four years. We next find him in Ray County, Missouri,
where gunsmithing was followed until 1867, when he was elected to the
position of County Treasurer, which office he held for six years. In 1873 he
came to California, and to Lake County, settling in Kelseyville, where he
still continues to reside. Mr. Kelsey married, in 1839, Miss Emma Jones, a
native of Tennessee. Their children are, William, Alvin, Solomon and
Linnia A.
LYNCH, JOHN. Was born in Ireland in 1829. Here he resided with
his parents on a farm until nineteen years of age, when he came to America
and spent the first two years in New York City. The next fourteen months
were spent in Auburn in a woolen factory. He then went to New York,
and took passage aboard the ship " Racer," and came around Cape Horn,
arriving at San Francisco about October 20, 1852. He went at once to the
mines in Tuolumne County, where he remained until the fall of 1856, when
he returned to San Francisco and engaged in the milk business until Sep-
tember, 1858. He then came to Lake County and settled in Scotts Valley,
where farming and stock raising were conducted until the fall of 1864, when
he settled on his present place, consisting of two hundred and forty acres,
located in Big Valley, about two miles north-east from Kelseyville, where
he is engaged in farming and dairying. Mr. Lynch married, October 6,
1857, Miss Rosa Kearns, a native of Ireland. They have one living child,
David J., and have lost three : Catharine, James E. and John.
LAWRENCE, RICHARD H. Was born in Caroline County, Virginia,
September 10, 1828. At the age of sixteen he entered the office of Richard
Hill, Jr., at Richmond, as clerk. Here he remained three years. The next
year was spent in teaching school in King George County. March 24, 1849,
he sailed aboard the ship " Mananna " for California. Rounding Cape
Horn, he arrived at San Francisco September 24th of the above year. He
at once proceeded to the mines on Yuba River, where lie followed mining
17
258 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
two years ; after which he went to Solano County, and settled in Suisun
Valley, where he followed farming one year. We next find him in Sonoma,
where he remained until May, 1854, when he came to Lake County, and
settled in Bachelor Valley. Here he engaged in stock raising until 1861,
when he was appointed under sheriff, and removed to Lakeport. This office
he held two years. In 1865 he moved to Mendocino County, and had
charge of the toll road leading from Lakeport to Cloverdale for about fifteen
months. He then moved back to Lake County, and engaged in hotel-
keeping at Lower Lake, which he continued until 1876. He then engaged
in farming in Big Valley for about two years, after which he moved to
Lakeport, where he has since resided. Mr. Lawrence has held the office of
Justice of the Peace two terms, being elected first in 1856 and again in 1864.
In 1878 he was again appointed under sheriff, which position he held two
years, and in 1871 he held the office of notary public. He married, in
August, 1861, Miss Eliza Worsley, a native of Delaware.
LEVY, MORBIS. Was born in Russia August 15, 1852. When thirteen
years of age he went to England, where three years were spent. In 1868
he came to California, and after spending three years in San Francisco,
came to Lake County and engaged in general merchandising at Lower Lake,
which business he still continues to follow. Mr. Levy married, July 6, 1879,
Miss Selina Wolf, a native of England. By this marriage they have one
child, Solomon.
LEAGUE, JAMES N. Was born in Hannibal, Missouri, June 29, 1845.
At the age of sixteen he entered the Confederate service and served about
eighteen months. He then went to St. Louis, where he attended Com-
mercial College for one year. We next find him in Ralls County, Missouri,
engaged in merchandising, which he followed about two years. In the
spring of 1868 he came via Panama to California, and, after spending one
year in Lake County camping, returned East and established a boot and
shoe store in Glasgow, Missouri. This he conducted until June, 1870, when
he again came to California and to Lake County. He located at Lakeport,
where he engaged in merchandising until June, 1876, when he changed his
residence and business to Upper Lake, where he has since resided. Mr.
League married, November 20, 1872, Miss Jennie Marr, a native of Mis-
souri. By this union they have two children : Ida and Thomas L.
LEVIN, DAVID. Was born in Germany, November IS, 1853. When
he was about eight years of age he, with his parents, came to New York,
where they remained about eight months. The family then proceeded to
California, coming by way of Panama. The subject of this sketch received
his education at the South Cosmopolitan School in San Francisco. In 1868
he engaged in the hat trade which he followed until 1878, when he came to
Biographical Sketches. 259
Lakeport, and engaged with Mr. Aaron Levy in the general merchandise
business, where he has since resided. He was married April 29, 187S, to
Miss Minnie Levy, and their children are Golda and Ellis.
LYON, GEORGE A., Sr. Is a native of Canada, and was born August
8, 1821. When about ten years of age his parents moved to Pennsylvania,
and after one year's residence there they moved to Ohio. At the age of
nineteen the subject of this sketch entered the Alleghany College at Mead-
ville, Pennsylvania, which institution he attended for two and one-half
years, when, on account of failing health, he was compelled to discontinue.
The next two years were spent in teaching school in Canada. He then re-
turned to Pennsylvania and engaged in the manufacture of pig iron, which
he followed for two years, when the building and machinery were destroyed
by fire. Mr. Lyon was then appointed deputy sheriff of Mercer County,
which office he held until March, 1849. He then started across the plains
with ox-teams for California, and arrived at Sacramento September 1st of
the above year. The first winter was spent in mining in Amador County.
He then established a store at Jackson and after about six months, in com-
pany with two men, established a store in Sacramento, which they conducted,
as well as that in Jackson, for about one year. The subject of this sketch
then sold his interest to his partners, and engaged in hotel-keeping in
Placer County, which business he followed for six years. He then moved
to Sacramento, where he resided until September, 1858, when he removed
to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of nine hundred
acres, located at Black Point, between Lakeport and Upper Lake, where he
is now enaged in farming and wool growing. In 1859 he was elected
Justice of the Peace, which office he held three years. Mr. Lyon married,
March 18, 1846, Miss Prudence McKean, a native of Pennsylvania. She
died June 12, 1873, leaving eight children: George A., Sarah E., Carlos A.
Clara M., James M., Edward E., Ada A., and Mabel C. He married secondly
June 10, 1874, Mrs. Emma L. Ranard. By this union they have two
children, Edith and Walter S.
LEVY, AARON. The subject of this sketch was born in Russian
Poland, September 15, 1830. In 1851 he, with his brother Louis, came to
New York, where he remained for two years. In 1853 he came to California,
via Panama, arriving at San Francisco in the fall. There he engaged in the
dry goods business, which he continued until 1857, when he went to Napa
and remained until 1859. He then engaged in merchandising writh H. Cohn,
about one mile below the present site of Lakeport, to which place they
moved their stock of goods at the end of a year. In about a year they
admitted H. Charmark as a partner in the firm, and kept him in charge
of the business. Mr. Levy then went to Virginia City, and engaged in the
260 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
clothing business, where he remained until 1865. He then returned to
Lakeport, and purchased the interest of Mr. Cohn, and the business was
then conducted under the firm name of Charmark & Levy. At the end
of two years he bought Mr. Charmark's interest in the Lakeport store, and
the latter took the branch store at Kelseyville, which they had established
in that place. From that time until 1878 he conducted the business alone,
when Mr. David Levin was admitted as a partner, and the firm name is now
Levy & Levin. Mr. Levy is among the pioneer merchants of Lake County,
and has remained continuously in the business. He was married June 21,
1856, to Miss Bertha Levison, and by this union there are six living
children : Minnie, Joseph, Solomon, Lena, Rebeckie and Celia.
MOORE, J. H. Was born in Jackson County, Missouri, May 13, 1842.
When but a child his parents crossed the plains and located in Sonoma
County, where they resided until 1858, when they came to Lake County
and settled in Scotts Valley. The subject of this sketch engaged in the stock
business until 1871, when he opened a saloon at Lakeport, and in 1873
moved to Lower Lake and engaged in buying and selling stock until 1879,
when he opened a saloon in Lower Lake, which business he has since fol-
lowed. In the fall of 1879 he was elected to the office of Constable, which
he still holds. Mr. Moore was married, July 24, 1867, to Miss Jennie
Bynum, a native of Missouri, daughter of Joseph Bynum, M. D., of Lower
Lake. By this marriage they have two children : Crigler and Warren.
MORRISON, ZENO. Was born in Arkansas June 7, 1833. Here he
followed farming until 1852, when he crossed the plains with ox-teams to
California. On arriving he settled in Sutter County and followed farming
until 1866, when he came to Lake County and located in Scotts Valley.
Mr. Morrison owns one hundred and sixty acres of land and is engaged in
farming and stock raising. He married, July 17, 1859, Miss Louisa Jones,
a native of Arkansas. Their children are, Robert A., Sarah J. and John
W. A nephew, Charles A. Parish, also resides with the family.
MILLER, ISAAC. Is a native of Ohio, and was born May 10, 1831.
At the age of seven years he, with his parents, moved to Indiana, where
they resided about seven years, and then moved to Illinois. In 1854 the
subject of this sketch, leaving his parents, settled in Iowa, where he fol-
lowed farming and milling until 1864, when he came to California. Crossing
the plains with a train of emigrants, he arrived in Siskiyou County October
10th of the above year. Here he followed farming for about two years,
and then moved to Mendocino County, wrhere he prosecuted the same
avocation six years. We next find Mr. Miller in Lassen County, engaged in
stock raising. Here he remained about five years, then returned to Men-
docino County, where he spent one year. In October, 1878, he came to
Biographical Sketches. 261
Lake County, and settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred
and sixty acres, located in Scotts Valley, where he is engaged in farming.
Mr. Miller married, March 18, 1852, Miss Louisa J. Weller, a native of
Kentucky. By this union they have four living children, Elizabeth R.,
John H., Mary F. and Minerva J. They have lost five.
McBEE, W. Was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, in April, 1843.
When but a child his parents moved to Page County, Iowa, where farming-
was prosecuted until 1863. At this date they crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia, and arrived in Green Valley, Solano County, August 8th of the
above year. In October, 1869, the subject of this sketch moved to Lake
County, and settled on his present place located in the lower end of Long
Valley, and about five miles from Sulphur Bank, where he is engaged in
wool growing. Mr. McBee married, June 1, 1867, Miss Silva True, a native
of Missouri. By this union they have four living children : Nettie, Addie,
Henry and Archie ; and have lost one, Hattie.
MILLS, WILLIAM H. Is a native of Jefferson County, New York,
and was born March 3, 1841. When fifteen years of age, he, with his
parents, moved to Minnesota, where he followed farming until June, 1873,
when he came to California, and settled in Cobb Valley, Lake County.
Here he spent one year, and then moved upon the place where he now lives,
about five miles from Lakeport, in Big Valley, where he is engaged in farm-
ing. Mr. Mills married, May 22, 1866, Miss Lucinda Mason, a native of
Pennsylvania. They have four living children : Willie Jay, Charley E.,
Daisy L., and Ida L.
MORLAND, THOMAS. Was born in Indiana, March 12, 1829. In
1855 he moved to Missouri, where he followed farming and raising stock,
until 1857, when he crossed the plains to California, arriving in Yolo
County in November of the above year. Here he followed farming until
1869, when he came to Lake County and settled on his present place, con-
sisting of three hundred and twenty-three acres, located near Rice's mill,
where he is engaged in farming and stock raising.
MANLOVE, WILLIAM H. Is a native of Virginia, and was born
July 3, 1817. When about sixteen years of age he engaged as clerk in a
general merchandise store at Petersburg. This occupation he followed until
1847, when he returned home and remained with his parents on a farm
until 1849, when he sailed, aboard the ship " Marianna," for California.
After making the trip around Cape Horn, he arrived at San Francisco in
September of the above year. Mr. Manlove went at once to the mines in
Amador County, where he prosecuted mining and merchandising for two
years. He then went to the northern mines, where about six months
were spent. We next find him engaged in farming in Sacramento County
262 History of Napa a?id Lake Counties — Lake.
where he remained until 1855, when he came to Lake County and located
in Coyote Valley, where he resided until 1861, when he was elected Sheriff
of Lake County. This office he held two terms by election and a portion
of another by appointment. At the close of his official term he settled in
Big Valley, where he has since resided. He owns three hundred and fifty
acres, located about four and one-half miles south from Lakeport, where he
is engaged in farming. Mr. Manlove married, in November, 1862, Miss
Susan Thompson, a native of Missouri. They have eight living children,
Louisa F., James J., Virginia B., Minnie L., Katie, Hattie H., William D. and
Navara.
McINTIRE, CHARLES. Was born in Dublin County, North Carolina,
February 10, 1812. Here he resided until 1840, the latter part of which
time he spent in clerking in a store. At the above date he went to Holmes
County, Mississippi, where farming occupied his time until 1849, when he came
to California via Mexico. After spending about one month in San Fran-
cisco he went to the mines, where he followed a miner's life until 1851,
when he went to Napa County. Here he followed farming until the fall of
1865, when he came to Lake County and settled on his present place, con-
sisting of three hundred and twenty acres, located about six miles from
Kelseyville. Here he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr.
Mclntire married January 6, 1857, Mrs. Margaret B. Starr, from Quincy,
Illinois, by whom he has six living children : William R., Murdoch, Clara,
Sarah J., David F., and Ann A.; and have lost one, Oscar E.
McCULLOUGH, ROBERT. Is a native of Missouri, and was born
March 13, 1837. Here he resided with his parents until 1854, when he
crossed the plains to California, ai'riving on Feather River September 6th of
the above year. ^He engaged at once in mining, which occupation he fol-
lowed fourteen years. In 1868, he commenced teaming and farming in
Plumas County which he followed until 1871, when he sold out and came
to Lake County, and in 1874, settled on his present place, consisting of two
hundred and ten acres, located on Scotts Creek, about four miles from Lake-
port. He is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. McCullough married
March 25, 1869, Miss Margaret McClintock, a native of Indiana. Their
children are : Martha E., Henry H, Etta M., Samuel G. and Millie E.
MURDOCK, GAWN. Was born in Ireland July 4, 1823. In 1844 he
came to America and located in Arkansas, where he spent about two years
in pork packing. He then went to Ohio, where he followed farming until
1852, when he returned to Arkansas, and after spending a short time, started
across the plains for California. After a tedious trip with ox-teams Sacra-
mento was reached September 10, 1852. The subject of this sketch engaged
in mining, which he followed at different places until 1855, when he bought
Biographical Sketches. 263
a hotel in Placer County, which after about eight months, he sold, and in
January, 1856, moved to Sutter County, where he followed dairying until
the fall of 1857, when we find him in Butte County engaged in stock raising
and farming. This he followed until 1874 when he moved to Lake County,
and at present is engaged in farming about two miles from Upper Lake. Mr.
Murdock married March 21, 1852, Miss Ellen Shields, a native of Ireland.
They have three living children : George G., Elizabeth and Annie ; and have
lost two, John S. and William.
MITCHELL, T. A. K. Was born in Ohio, June 5, 1848. When he
was seven years of age his parents moved to Iowa. In 1867, the subject of
this sketch returned to Ohio, where he served as an apprentice to the black-
smith trade for two and a half years. He then went to Kentucky where
he was under instructions for one year. The succeeding year was spent in
Tennessee at his trade, when he returned to Iowa and after following his
trade there for one year he engaged in farming for one year. In 1873, he
came to California, and after spending about four months in Lake County
he went to Yolo County and worked at blacksmithing at the Reed Quick-
silver Mine for about four months He then returned to Lake County and
was foreman of a blacksmith shop at Sulphur Bank for two and a half
years, since which time he has been engaged in blacksmithing at Lower
Lake. Mr. Mitchell is an industrious, good, and clever machinist, and is
reaping the reward of industry. He w-as married July 10, 1872, to Miss
Sarepta D. Bingham, a native of Illinois, by whom he has four children :
Rosana D., Sarah G., Gregory W. C, and Mary E.
MILES, R. F. and JAMES S. The first named was born in Chester
County, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1826. When he was but a child his parents
moved to Ohio, and from Ohio to Wisconsin, where they settled on a
farm In 1852 Robert F., in company with his brother, James S.,
started across the plains with ox-teams, bound for California. After a trip
occupying five months and eight days, they arrived at Nevada City Septem-
ber 8th of that year. They began mining operations at once on Kentucky
Flat, and in the spring of 1853 they went to Goodyears Bar, where they
remained until the fall of 1854. They then went to Camptonville, where
they remained until the fall of 1856. They then went to Nevada City,
where they mined about one year. We next find them in Brandy City,
where they were engaged in the meat business for about three years. In
January, 1858, they came to Lake County and located in Coyote Valley,
where they engaged in the stock business. In the spring of 1862 James
went to Idaho, where he mined until the fall of 1867, Robert remaining in
Coyote Valley in the meantime. Upon the return of James, they proceeded
to erect a saw mill above Middletown, known as the Miles & Amesbury Mill.
They retained their interest in this mill until about 1870, when they came
264 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
to Lower Lake, where they now reside, being engaged in the butchering and
saloon business. Robert F. was married, August 14, 1863, to Miss Josephine
Harbin, a native of Missouri, and they have six living children, Varena,
Sarah J., Mark M., Ida L., Robert F. and Thomas M. James S. was married
October 18, 1876, to Miss Laura Simmons, of St. Helena, daughter of Col-
onel Simmons. They have one child, Charley S.
MATHEWS, MACK. The subject of this sketch was born near Shel-
byville, Indiana, April 4, 1840. He moved with his father's family to
south-west Missouri, where he remained till he was sixteen years of age ;
and in 1856 he came to California. He has lived in Lake County since its
organization, and has held the position of Superintendent of Schools for
several terms, being elected at the last general election held in 1879, and is
the present incumbent, filling the office with great credit to himself and to
the full satisfaction of the people. He is a thoroughly energetic man and
fully identified with the interests of the county in which he resides.
MAXWELL, THOMAS P. Was born in Virginia February 11, 1831.
When but a child he, with his parents, moved to Indiana, but after a short
stay they took up their residence in Illinois, and remained there seven
years. They then moved to Missouri, where they remained until 1849,
when they crossed the plains to California and settled near Stockton.
The subject of this sketch went to the mines, where he spent the winter
in mining, and in the spring returned to Stockton and engaged in stock
raising until 1864, when he came to Lake County and settled near Upper
Lake, where he is engaged in farming.
McKINLEY, GEORGE E. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
appears in the body of this work, was born in New Brunswick, August 9,
1837. When he was five years of age, he with his parents moved to Iowa.
They resided in Burlington, that State, until 1849, when they moved upon a
farm and remained until 1852. In that year the subject of this sketch came
across the Rocky Mountains and spent four years in Utah in the stock
business. In 1856 he came to California, and after spending a few months
in Plumas County, he came to Lake County, arriving in December of that
year. After remaining here a short time he went to Napa Valley. In the
summer of 1857 he returned to Lake County and settled on his present
place in Loconoma Valley, about three miles north-west of Middletown,
where he has since resided, being engaged in farming and stock raising.
He has always lived an active and earnest life of usefulness, and is now en-
joying the highest regard and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. He
was married December 10, 1862, to Miss Caroline Springston, a native of
Pennsylvania. They have seven living children : Sidney, George, Eva,
Ada, Lillie, Mary and Charles ; and have lost one, Ella.
Biographical Sketches. 265
MERRITT, RUFUS D. Was born in Franklin County, Maine, March
24, 1834. Here he received his education and resided with his parents on
a farm until he was sixteen years of age. He then engaged in school
teaching, which he followed during the winter season until 1857. In the
meantime he worked on his brother's farm during the summer, and attended
school during the spring and fall. On account of failing health he was
obliged to change climate, hence he came to California via Panama, arriving
at San Francisco about May 12, 1857. After about two weeks he went to
Tuolumne County for the purpose of mining, but finding water very scarce
he engaged in wood-chopping for about six weeks. He then engaged in
mining which he followed till the fall of 1860. He then rented a ranch in
the same county and followed farming for about one year. He then engaged
again in mining through the winter, and in the spring of 1862, he engaged
in the meat business, supplying the miners with that article of food. In
the fall of 1863, he went to Alameda County and spent the winter on a
farm. In the spring of 1864, he bought an interest in an express line be-
tween Oakland and San Francisco, which he conducted until the spring of
1866. He then started a hay and grain store on Broadway, Oakland, which
he conducted for three years. In the fall of 1869, he went to San Jose and
opened a hay, grain and coal store, which he conducted till the fall of 1871.
He then came to Lake County and settled at Kelseyville, where he has since
resided, being engaged in farming and raising sheep. He was married April
28, 1860, to Miss Caroline D. Wheeler, a native of Maine. By this union
they have five living children : Mabel E., Marion E., Carrie A., Fred and
Harry. They hove lost one, Annie M.
MATHEWS, WILLIAM RANDOLPH, M. D. (deceased.) Was of
English, Scotch and German descent, his English and Scotch ancestors
having settled in the Southern Colonies before the Revolution, and taken
part with the rebels in the wild warfare of that period. His father was a
Baptist minister, and William Randolph, the second son, was born at Cov-
ington, Kentucky, opposite Cincinnati, November 10, 1809. He afterwards
moved to Ohio, lived awhile at Chillicothe, and was a foreman in the work
on the Wabash and Erie Canal. Removing to Indiana, he taught school
near Rushville, and located at Shelbyville, where he was married to Martha
Jane Meloy. Having engaged in a course of study with Dr. Morris at
Shelbyville, he procured a medical library and moved west, settling in south-
west Missouri, where he engaged in the practice of medicine in Green and
Polk Counties. Dr. Mathews was among the early settlers of Lower Lake.
Having crossed the plains in 1854, and imported some thoroughbred stock,
he procured a band of California horses and formed a partnership with his
nephew, C. N. Copsey, for raising draft horses, a business which they
266 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
continued .for many years. ' The land claim on which he lived at the time of
his death was bought in 1854, and he brought out his family from Missouri,
in 1856. As no regular schools were then organized in the Clear Lake
country, he removed with his family to Yountville, Napa County, where he
engaged in the practice of medicine. He represented Napa County, then
including Lake, in the Legislature of 1858, and was the Democratic candi-
date for the Senate from this district at the following term, but Henry
Edgerton, his opponent, was elected. Having removed to Lake in 1860,
he was at the special election in 1861 elected County Clerk, and assisted
in organizing the most economical county government in the State. Dr.
Mathews always owned and conducted a farm, and gave much of his
time to agricultural pursuits, and was at various times engaged in commer-
cial and manufacturing enterprises, but with indiffernt success. He never
graduated from any college, commencing life in the Western States when
educational facilities were limited, and depending on his own resources for
a livelihood. From a sense of honor and a peculiar idea of propriety he
refused the degree of M. D., which was tendered him by Dr. McDowell's
Medical College. He at one time conducted a private class in the study of
medicine, and his students passed their degrees at the medical college at St.
Louis. He always held the highest regard for the authority of the medical
schools, and was himself always a hard student, keeping abreast with the
medical literature of the day, but he regarded the distinction of being a
a self-made man as an honor equal to any which could be conferred by an
institution of learning. He never sought for or desired any higher recog-
nition of his professional skill than was afforded by his own abundant
success as a practitioner. He was generally on intimate terms and friendly
relations with his acquaintances in the faculty, and only abandoned the
practice of medicine as a business when his years and infirmities called for
rest. In the duties of his professional life a generous and charitable dispo-
sition ever stood in the way of his financial success, and he always regarded
it as an honorable privilege and duty to minister to the wants of the poor
and friendless. Politically, Dr. Mathews was a Democrat, having always
worked earnestly for that organization since the dissolution of the Whig
party at the election of Harrison and Tyler. He took a deep interest in
all local enterprises, educational, charitable, and political, and too often
made a personal sacrifice to promote the success of such undertakings.
He was possessed of strong passions, but made it a rule of life and honor to
keep them within due bounds. He was of a steady, muscular temperament,
and capable of great endurance. Having a resolute disposition he was a
vigilant foe, and a true and faithful friend. The traits of his character
were moral, but not distinctively religious. Of a dignified demeanor, urbane
and sociable, he placed a high value on a good reputation ; and elevation
Biographical Sketches. 267
and refinement of feeling, dignity and honor, 'were among the personal
qualities which he most admired and esteemed among men. In his last
years he was affected with paralysis. Dr. Mathews died at his homestead
near Lower Lake, October 6, 1880, after a lingering illness.
MUNZ, MARCUS. Is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and was born
April 21, 1835. When he was but a child, his parents moved to Iowa. At
the age of fifteen Marcus engaged with the American Fur Company, with
whom he remained until 1857. He then went to Fort Laramie, and acted
as interpreter and did trading with the Indians for two years. He then
went to the Indian Nation, where he remained until 1862, when he went
to Kansas and engaged in farming until 1875, when he came to California,
and after spending a short time at Dixon, came to Lake County, and located
at Middletown, where he is engaged in the brewing business. Mr. Munz
married, March 6, 1864, Miss Mary Robertson, a native of Indiana. Their
children are, Andrew, Chrysanthea, William, Alice and Emma. They have
lost one, Rosie.
OLIVER, H. A. The subject of this sketch was born in Pekin, Taze-
well County, Illinois, April 12, 1843. When he was but a child, his
parents moved to Chicago, where his mother died when H. A. was only six
years old. In 1850 the father came to California, leaving the boy with his
grandparents for a short time, when they died. He then attended school,
and worked out at times, until April, 1861, when he was found among the
first who " went at their country's call," and enlisted as private in Com-
pany "E," 16th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Although entering the service
as a private, he was in a short time promoted to the office of Sergeant, then
Orderly Sergeant, and finally was chosen as Captain of Company "G," 154th
Illinois Volunteers. In all he served about four and a half years, and at
the close of the war was mustered out of the service at Spi'ingfield, Illinois.
He then returned to Carthage, Illinois, and engaged in clerking in a store
in Hancock County. At the end of sixteen months he went to Kansas, and
was engaged in farming and merchandising until 1871, when he came to
California. He came to Lake County in October of that year, and engaged
in farming in Coyote Valley until 1875, when he was elected to the position
of County Clerk, which office he still holds, giving entire satisfaction to the
people of the county. In his official and social relations Mr. Oliver is a
pleasant and genial gentleman, and in his office no more accommodating
man can be found. He was married February 22, 1867, to Miss Sarah J.
Howard, a native of Ohio, and their children are Lizzie, Mettie, Bertha
and Charles E.
PINER, C. A. Was born in Callaway County, Missouri, December 6,
1827. When about ten years of age his parents moved to Dade County,
268 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
that State, where they resided until 1849, when they concluded to visit the
land of gold, and accordingly set sail in a " prairie schooner," and after a
tedious journey across the plains arrived at Lassen Ranch October 6th of
the above year. The subject of this sketch engaged at once in mining,
which he followed for one year ; then went to Sonoma County and engaged
in dairying near Santa Rosa until 1858, when, on account of failing health,
he moved to Mendocino County and settled about three miles south from
Ukiah. Here he followed farming and stock raising until 1861, when he
came to Lake County and prosecuted his former occupation for about eight
years, just west from Kelseyville. He then settled on his present place,
consisting of two hundred and forty acres, located about one mile from
Kelseyville, at the foot of Uncle Sam Mountain, where he is engaged in
dairj'ing and wool growing. Mr. Piner married, March 2, 1848, Miss Sarah
A. Hand, a native of Tennessee. By this union they have nine living chil-
dren: George W., Eliza J., Sarah C. Mary E., Charles S., John S., Matilda
L., William H. and Rosie M. They have lost one, Anna V.
PHILLIPS, C. W. Was born in Iowa, October 12, 1S50. When four-
teen years of age he, with parents, crossed the plains to California, and
arrived in Contra Costa County in October, 1864. Here they engaged in
farming which business they prosecuted until 1871, when they came to Lake
County and settled on a farm near Pearson Springs. His father is at pre-
sent residing at the toll-house on the road leading from Lakeport to Middle-
town, which road he has leased. The subject of this sketch is conducting
the farm above mentioned. He was married, September 16, 1878, to Miss
Ettie Smith, a native of California.
PALMER, JASPER V. Was born in Steuben County, New York, Sep-
tember 29, 1836. When eleven years of age his parents moved to Illinois.
Here young Jasper resided with his parents on a farm until 1854, when he
concluded to go West, and accordingly set sail in a " prarie schooner," and
crossed the plains, arriving in California sometime in October of the above
year. The first year was spent in mining and the second in farming at
Yreka. He then returned via Panama to New York, and after a short time
went to Illinois, where farming was prosecuted until 1860, when he again
crossed the plains and arrived late in the fall. The winter was spent at
Marysville, and in the spring of 1861 we find him engaged in the wood busi-
ness in Silver City, Nevada, which he followed for about eighteen months.
He next engaged in farming in Yolo County until 1870, at which time he
came to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of four
hundred acres, located in Morgan Valley. Farming, stock raising and wool
growing comprise his business. Mr. Palmer man-ied, October 22, 1859, Miss
Deboi'ah Wing, a native of New York. By this union they have five living
Biographical Sketches. 269
children : Carrie, Alice, Frances Nettie, and Jasper ; and have lost one,
Eddie.
POSTON, DALLAS. Was born in Virginia, January 9, 1844. When
he was fifteen years of age he, with his parents, moved to Missouri. Here
they followed farming until the spring of 1870, when the subject of this
sketch went to Crawford County, Kansas, where he prosecuted farming
until 1874. At this date he came to California and located at the Great
Western Quicksilver Mine, where he still resides, being engaged in butcher-
ing. Mr. Poston married, January 29, 1864, Miss Mary J. Funk, a native
of Missouri. By this union they have six children : William, Cora, Charles,
Emery, Ira and Evan ; and have lost two, Vina and Sarah.
PHELAN, N. Is a native of Ireland, and was born in the city of Kil-
kenny in 1832. In 1845 he came to the United States, and in 1850 he came
via Panama to California. He came to Lake County in August, 1857, and
in 1864 was elected to the position of County Assessor, which office he held
by re-election until 1868. From 1874 to 1878 he held the office of deputy
sheriff, and was deputy clerk from 1878 to 1880. In 1879 he was elected
County Assessor, which office he now holds.
QUIGLEY, R. V. S. Was born in Jefferson County, West Virginia,
December 7, 1833. His father was a physician. Young Quigley attended
school till he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Hagerstown, Mary-
land, and engaged at clerking for two years. He then returned home and
began reading medicine under his father. Finding this too confining, he
went to Norfolk and began his former occupation, which he followed till he
came to California. He crossed the plains, and arrived in Sutter County in
September, 1853. In the fall of 1854 he began work on a ranch, and fol-
lowed it for about six years. He was then in the sheriffs office as deputy
and under sheriff for about eight years. He then spent a short time in the
livery business in Yuba City. In 1870, on account of ill-health, he came
to Lake County and settled on his present place in the lower end of Long
Valley. He represented Lake County in the Legislature in 1875-6. He
was married, June 13, 1864, to Miss Margaret E. Linder, a native of Illinois.
Their living children are, Nannie, Robert, Mary, Thomas and Lucy ; and
they have lost John and Julia.
ROCCA, ANDREW. This gentleman, whose portrait will be found in
the body of this work, was born in Italy, October 8, 1838. At the age of
fifteen he came to California and located in Mariposa County, where he en-
gaged in mining for three years. He then went to Tuolumne County and
followed mining on the Tuolumne River for about one year. He then pur-
chased a ditch which he conducted for about six years, using the water in
his own operations and selling it to others. He then disposed of his ditch
270 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
and returned to Mariposa County and purchased the celebrated Bower Cave
Mine, where he mined for fourteen months. Then, on account of poor
health, he went to San Francisco, where he was treated for about four months.
While here he bought into the Golden Rock Water Company's ditch in
Tuolumne County, and returned to that county, where he remained for eight
years. He then proceeded to Shasta County and became interested in the
Spring Creek Ditch Mining Company, and remained there about sixteen
months. While there in 1876 he was elected by the Directors as Superin-
tendent of the Great Western Quicksilver Mine, in Lake County, where he
has since resided. He is a thorough-going, practical miner, and is the right
man for the position he holds. He was married, April 14, 1880, to Miss Mary
Thompson.
ROSEBROUGH, J. W. Was born in Virginia, October 13, 1813.
When he was seventeen years of age his parents moved to Missouri, where
they followed farming for twelve years. The subject of this sketch enlisted
in the Mexican War and served for fourteen months. He then returned to
Missouri, where he remained until May, 1849, when he started across the
plains for California. On arriving he engaged at once in mining, which he
followed until the succeeding June, when he opened a store at Ringold, near
Hangtown. This business he prosecuted until July, 1851, when he sold out
and moved to Sacramento, where hotel-keeping was followed about ten
months. We next find Mr. Rosebrough in Yolo County, farming, where he
remained until October, 1866, at which time he came to Lake County and
settled near Kelseyville, where his former occupation was resumed until
1868, when he settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and
sixty acres, located about three miles north from Rice's mill. He was
married, April 2, 1851, to Miss Catharine Patton, a native of Alabama.
They have two living children, Jennettie and Eliza; and have lost two,
Robert and Sarah.
RANTZ, WILLIAM D. Was born in Indiana, December 25, 1841.
When twelve years of age he, with his parents, moved to Wisconsin, and
when seventeen years old he crossed the plains to California, leaving his
parents behind. On arriving at Placerville, September 17, 1850, he engaged
at once in mining, which he followed about eighteen months. He then en-
gaged in dairying in El Dorado County, which he continued until 1874, when
he sold out and came to Lake County and settled on his present place, con-
sisting of four hundred acres, located in the lower end of Scotts Valley,
about seven miles from Lakeport, where he is engaged in farming. Mr.
Rantz married, December 21, 1864, Miss Amelia T. Glines, a native of Iowa.
Their children are, Stephen H, Nellie M., Leonard A., William A. and
Maud. They have lost two : Flora M. and Eva.
^^ruAt^s t^&t^aJ
Biographical Sketches. 271
REYNOLDS, ROBERT G. Was born near Mifflentown, in Juniata
County, Pennsylvania, in 1841. Here he resided on a farm until he was
durteen, when he was sent to school at the Tuscarora Academy, where he
remained four years. He then went to Illinois, where he taught school for
six years. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the 198th
pennsylvania Volunteers, and served first as private and afterwards as
lospital steward, till the close of the war. Then, returning to Illinois, he
taught school for one year at Rockwood, Randolph County, where, on De-
cember 25, 1866, he was married to Miss Minnie Clendenin, a native of
Illinois. He then engaged in merchandising, first in partnership with Wil-
liam G. Young, now of Kelseyville, and afterwards as a druggist alone, at
Steeles Mills and Coulterville, till 1873. During the years 1869 to 1871 he
attended the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated March 9,
1871. In September, 1873, he moved with his family to California and
settled at Upper Lake, where he engaged in merchandising and the practice
of medicine until June, 1881, when he removed to Lakeport, where, on the
23d of the same month, he was bereaved of his excellent wife by death.
He has seven living children, five boys and two girls, named Hattie Grace,
Harry G, Robert G, William G, Minnie Bell, Frederic A. and John H. He
is associated in the mercantile business with Godwin Scudamore, of Scotts
Valley, having stores in Lakeport, Upper Lake and Bartlett Springs.
READ, JOSEPH L Was born in Scott County, Kentucky, July 29,
1837. When he was but a child his parents moved to Sullivan County,
Missouri, where they resided on a farm for fifteen years. In 1852 they
crossed the plains to California, arriving at Diamond Springs October loth
of that year. In the spring of 1853 they moved to Sacramento County,
where they followed mining until 1857, when they went to Solano County
and engaged in farming, near Dixon. In 1861 the subject of this sketch
began farming on his own account, which he prosecuted until 1874. He
then came to Lake County, and settled on a farm about two miles from
Middletown, where he was engaged in that occupation until 1878. Since
that time he has been engaged in farming on rented land and in construct-
ing roads until January, 1881, when he was appointed Postmaster at Middle-
town, which position he is now holding. In March, 1881, he was appointed
a Notary Public in and for Lake County by Governor George C. Perkins.
Mr. Read was married, October 31, 1861, to Miss Margaret C. Davis, a native
of Illinois, and they have five living children: Susan L., John W. G, Joseph
Lee, Johanna E. and Thomas A.; and have lost three: George E., Jane and
Ella.
RIFFE, WINCHESTER. Was born in Green County, Kentucky,
February 7, 1824. When he was but a child his parents moved to Mis-
souri, where the subject of this sketch remained until 1846, when he
272 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
crossed the plains to California. In 1847 he returned across the plains to
Missouri, and from there, in the spring of 1848, went to Mexico, where he
served in the Mexican War until the fall of that year, and in 1849 he again
crossed the plains to California. After spending one winter in the mines
he engaged in farming near Stockton, which he followed about seven years.
The next four years were spent in the stock business, and in 1865 he car
to Lake County, and at present owns about one hundred and sixty acres,
situated about two miles east from Upper Lake, where he is engaged in
farming and stock raising. Mr. Riffe married, August 15, 1849, Miss Lucy
A. Maxwell, and their living children are, Abram T., James H, Mary M.,
Jessie S., John W., Winchester, Calvin, Lucy M., Richard A. and Jacob C. ;
and they have lost three : Leonard, William L. and Sarah M.
RADCLIFF, WILLIAM P. Was born in Virginia, April 7, 1837.
Here he resided until 1858, when he came via Panama to California, and
arrived at San Francisco May 28th of the above year. The first five years
of his California life were spent on a farm in San Joaquin County. He then
took a drove of horses to Shasta County, where he spent the winter of
1863-4, and in the spring of 1864 he went to Washington Territory. Here
he spent one year, and then went to Montana, and after mining for about
nine months, he returned to Shasta County, California, and engaged in
stock raising. Here he remained until 1869, when he went to Oregon, and,
after a short stay, came down overland to Mendocino County, California,
where he followed stage-driving for a short time. He then returned to
Virginia. Here he engaged in the lumber trade for one year, and then, in
the winter of 1870, returned to California and located about two miles above
Upper Lake, where he farmed, and also conducted the stage line leading
from Lakeport to Bartlett Springs, until 1873. In 1871 Mr. Radcliff, in
company with Dr. Dexter Witter, bought the property known as Witter
Springs, and in 1873 he moved upon the property, where he has since
resided. In 1880 the subject of this sketch bought Dr. Witters interest in
the property, and conducted it alone, as well as a stage line between Lake-
port and Ukiah, until the summer of 1S81.
ROBINSON, JESSE B. Was born in Missouri October 4, 1824. At
the age of twenty-one he began an apprenticeship to the tanner's and cur-
rier's trade in St. Genevieve County, that State, and at the end of eighteen
months he was put in charge of the establishment, where he remained for
about the same length of time. In March, 1849, he started across the
plains for California, and arrived in Sacramento in September, where he
spent the winter, engaged in hotel-keeping. In the spring of 1850 he went
to the mines, where he remained until the fall of 1851, when he settled at
Plumas, on the Feather River, and engaged in hotel-keeping for about two
and a half years. He then farmed till 1857, when he came to Lake County
Biographical Sketches. 273
and settled on his present place, consisting of two hundred and thirty acres,
about two miles south of Upper Lake, where he has since resided, being-
engaged in stock raising and farming. He was married, November 20,
1855, to Miss Eliza Pickett, a native of Ireland. Their children are, Thomas
B., Emma F., John L., Eliza E. and Jennie B.
SCUDAMORE, GODWIN. Whose portrait will be found in the body
of this work, was born in Herefordshire, England, November 28, 1824. He
resided there until 1844, receiving, in the meantime, his education. In that
year he came to America, landing in New York in November. He remained
in New York but a short time, and then proceeded to New Orleans, where
he worked in a tobacco factory for about one year. He then went to Cin-
cinnati, where he spent one summer. He spent the winter following in New
Orleans, and returned to Cincinnati in the spring, and located about nine
miles from that city and engaged in farming. In March, 1853, he moved
to Randolph County, Illinois, where he followed farming until July, 1862.
He then enlisted in the United States Army, Volunteer Service, and was
elected Second Lieutenant, which position he held until the following March,
when he was promoted to the First Lieutenancy. Mr. Scudamore was cap-
tured and placed in the notorious Libby Prison at Richmond, where he
was confined for nine months. He, with others, then made a bold strike for
liberty, and he was fortunately successful. They managed to work a tunnel
through under the walls of the prison, and on the night of February 9, 1864,
he passed out and made good his escape. He immediately re-entered the
service, and was shortly afterwards promoted to the position of Captain,
and had command of two companies until the close of the war. He was
engaged in many of the hardest battles of the Rebellion. After being mus-
tered out of service, he returned to Randolph County, Illinois, where he
resumed farming, in connection with merchandising, and continued thus
engaged until October, 1869, when he came to California. After spending
about one month in the vicinity of St. Helena, Napa County, he came to
Lake County and settled on his present place in Scotts Valley, which con-
sists of five hundred and sixty acres ; and is also interested in a store at
Lakeport, Upper Lake, and at Bartlett Springs, in connection with R. G.
Reynolds, under the firm name of Scudamore, Reynolds & Co. Mr. Scuda-
more is a thorough-going business man, and a gentleman in the true sense
of the word. His pleasant business relations with all prove the truth of
the assertion, and his enterprise is evinced by the thoroughness with which
he does whatever he puts his hand to. Married, September 17, 1849, Caro-
line A. Hampton Colby, who died January, 1866, leaving four children:
Charlotte, Sarah J., Alice and Mary. He married, secondly, Miss Mary
Clendenin, October 15, 1866, and by this union there are three living
children : Lora E., Dick and Nannie. They have lost one, Joseph H.
18
274 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
SLEEPER, JEROME M. Was born in Vermont, December 17, 1840.
When he was but a child his parents moved to Buffalo, where about
six years were spent, when they returned to Chelsea, Vermont, where he
resided with his parents until March, 1863, when he sailed for California,
and arrived April following. He at once settled on a ranch about one mile
west from Upper Lake, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising.
Mr. Sleeper married, August 22, 1874, Miss Mary E. Sleeper, a native of
California. By this union they have three children : Flora J., Ellery D.
and Mary E.
SCRANTON, CARLOS P. Was born in Ohio, May 14, 1830. Here
he resided on a farm with his parents until 1851, at which time he crossed
the plains to California with ox-teams. The first three years were spent in
the mines in Placer County, after which he went to Sacramento County,
where he remained until the fall of 1857, when he came to Lake County.
After spending one year at Lower Lake he returned to Sacramento City,
where about eight years were spent. He then returned to Lake County
and settled on his present place, consisting of about three hundred acres,
located about one mile and a half north from Lower Lake, where he is en-
gaged in farming, stock raising and wool growing. During his residence in
Sacramento Mr. Scranton received injuries at a fire which rendered him a
cripple for life. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Alice Slater, a native of
Illinois. She died in December, 1867, leaving three living children : Mary-
etta, Robert E. and Lorenzo B. They lost one, John.
SHAUL, B. F. Was born in Indiana, October 12, 1829. Here he
resided on a farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he came via
Panama to California, arriving at San Francisco December 17, 1852. The
first eight years were spent in mining in Grass Valley, and in June, 1860,
he came to Lake County, and located at the Mountain mill. Here five
years were spent in milling, after which he settled on his present place, con-
sisting of three hundred and twenty acres, located about five miles from
Kelseyville. Mr. Shaul married, November 5, 1865, Miss Georgie Maning,
by whom he has seven children : George M., Annie M., Aaron B., Benjamin
F, Henry B., Jessie S. and Ruth E.
SHATTUCK, D. 0. Was born in Tennessee, September 17, 1831.
When but a child he, with his parents, moved to Mississippi, where fifteen
years were spent. They then moved to Louisiana, where they resided
until 1849, when the subject of this sketch, in company with his father
and two brothers, came to California via Panama, arriving at San Francisco
April 3, 1850. The first four months were spent in the Custom House in
San Francisco, after which he went to the mines and mined for four months.
He then went to Sonoma County, and followed farming in Sonoma Valley
Biographical Sketches. 275
until 1871, when, on account of failing health, he came to Lake County
and settled on his present place, consisting of four hundred acres, located
in Bachelor Valley, about five miles from Upper Lake, where he is engaged
in farming, dairying and wool growing. Mr. Shattuck married, November
3, 1853, Miss P. Sneed, a native of Missouri. By this union they have six
living children : Dickson S., Ella, James W., Charles S., Lizzie and George P.
SLEEPER, MOREAN. Is a native of Orange County, Vermont, and
was born September 29, 1828. When fifteen years of age he went to New
Hampshire, where he learned the mason's trade. After a residence there of
two years he went to Wisconsin, where he followed his trade until 1850,
when he went to St. Charles, Missouri. There he followed his trade for
about two years, and then, after paying a visit to Wisconsin, New Hamp-
shire and Vermont, he came to California via Panama. He arrived at San
Francisco April 15, 1854. Here he worked at brick-laying until fall, when
he went to the mines, and returned to San Francisco in the following spring,
where, as before, he followed his trade through the summer, and in the fall
went to Downieville, on the Yuba River. Here he followed mining until
October 15, 1857, when he met with a serious accident, which resulted in
the loss of his eye-sight and of one hand. The accident occurred as follows :
Mr. Sleeper was sitting upon a large boulder, holding the tamping iron, in
the act of filling tamp dirt upon a charge of powder which had already
been put into the hole. He was assisted by a man who was using a sledge
upon the iron Mr. Sleeper was holding. By some unknown means the
powder became ignited, and while the tamping was going on the blast went
off, blowing Mr. Sleeper about fifteen feet, destroying his eye-sight so that
he has never been able to see since, and also mangling his right hand so as
to necessitate amputation at the wrist. Immediately after the accident he
went to San Francisco, where he was treated by Dr. Toland until about the
middle of December, 1857, when he came to Lake County, where he has
resided with his brother, D. 0. Sleeper, about two miles above Upper Lake.
Since coming to this county the subject of this sketch has accumulated land
until he now owns about eleven hundred acres.
STEPHENS, JOHN D. Was born in East Tennessee, January 16, 1836.
When about sixteen years of age, his father being dead, he, with his mother,
moved to Arkansas, where they resided about three years. The subject of
this sketch then came to California, coming across the plains with an ox-
train, and arrived at Rough and Ready September 10, 1854, after a tedious
trip of five months and ten days. Like all who came to California in those
days of gold, he took at once to mining, which he followed until 1860, when
he changed his avocation to that of teamster, which he continued until
October, 1865, when he came to Lake County, and remained at Upper Lake
276 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
until December of the above year, when he returned to the mines, and in
August, 1866, again returned to Lake County. He settled on his present
place, in Scotts Valley, in November of the above year. Mr. Stephens mar-
ried, September 10, 1866, Miss Mary A. McLean. Their children are, Albert
S., Laura E., Hector W., Augusta I. and John H.
SHEPARD, MICHAEL. Was born in Massachusetts, May 5, 1835.
When sixteen years of age he shipped on board the " New Jersey," for Cali-
fornia. Rounding Cape Horn, they arrived at San Francisco October 11,
1849. The subject of this sketch went at once to the mines and followed
mining until September, 1856, when he came to Lake County and settled
in Bachelor Valley, where he still resides. He owns six hundred and forty
acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Shepard
married, April 10, 1875, Mrs. Lucy Meredith, a native of Iowa. By this
marriage they have one child, Birdie ; and by her first marriage Mrs. Shepard
has four children : Lottie, Maggie, Joseph and Shepherd. In the fall of
1866 his eyes were injured while plowing among some poisonous weeds,
and for the next succeeding five years he was blind, or worse than blind.
After eminent physicians had failed to cure, a lady, Mrs. J. A. Harris, of
Lower Lake, effected an entire cure in a few months.
SMITH, ROBERT 0. Was born in Indiana, in 1832. When but a
child his parents moved to Tennessee, and in 1840 moved again to Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. After a residence here of one year they moved to
Ohio, and after a year or so they moved to Virginia, where they resided
about two years, and then took up their residence in Wisconsin, where they
resided until 1849, when they started for California, and after spending the
winter of 1849 in New Mexico, they arrived in California in November,
1850. After teaming and mining for a short time in the southern mines,
the subject of this sketch engaged in farming near Stockton, in the San
Joaquin Valley, until 1854, when he went to Sacramento. Here he re-
mained, being engaged in different pursuits, until August, 1858, when he
came to Lake Couuty, and followed farming in Scotts Valley until 1863,
when he established a brewery in the above-named valley, which he con-
ducted until the fall of 1864, when he changed his location to where he now
is, about one-half mile above Lakeport. Here he owns one hundred and
sixty acres of land, which he works, as well as attending his brewery, a
history of which will be found in its proper place. Mr. Smith married,
February 6, 1856, Miss Caroline Holman, a native of Missouri. Their
children are, Frances A., Emily J., Annie L., James R. and Caroline R.
SLOCUM, A. A. Was born at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, A. D. 1824.
He came to California by water, and arrived in September, 1849. He
has followed sundry business callings with varied success. He settled in
Biographical Sketches. Ill
Lake County before its organization, and was at one time Associate Justice
of the Court of Sessions of this county. He is at present engaged in farm-
ing and merchandising at Kelseyville, and is agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s
express.
SWEIKERT, CASPAR. Was born in Wittenberg, Germany, January
11, 1826, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed it until
1850. He then came to America, and spent about four years in St. Louis,
working at his trade. In 1854 he came to California via Panama, arriving at
San Francisco in April of that year. He then went to Sacramento, where he
followed his trade for nearly two years. In 1856 he went to Napa City
and bought into a shop, and remained there until 1858. April 28th of that
year he came to Lake County, and opened a shop at Upper Lake, which he
conducted until 1873, when he purchased a ranch in Big Valley, where he
farmed and followed his trade until April, 1876. He then bought and set-
tled upon his present place, consisting of six hundred and thirty-nine acres,
located in Coyote Valley, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising.
He was married, April 12, 1860, to Miss Isabella Duffy, a native of New
Orleans. They have three living children: Clara B., William H. and
Augustus H. They have lost five : Jane S., Mary L., Emma M., Anna L.
and Caspar C.
STARR, M. Was born in Canada West, July 6, 1835, where he spent
his early youth in assisting his father in the flour mill. When young Starr
was about eighteen years of age he, with his parents, moved to Wisconsin.
Here they remained five years, when he moved to Iowa. At the end of
another five years Mr. Starr came to California, arriving in August, 1861,
having crossed the plains with horse-teams. He conducted a mill at Peta-
luma for the first four years, and then went to San Francisco, where he re-
sided for three years, being engaged in dealing in hay and grain. In 1868
he erected and put in operation a flour mill at Oakland, which he conducted
until 1871. He then went to Livermore Valley, where he conducted a mill
for eighteen months. Thence he went to Santa Rosa, where he was en-
gineer in the " City Mills" for the same length of time. In 1875 he came
to Lake County and purchased the Lakeport Mill, which he has since con-
ducted. He was married, June 11, 1856, to Miss Nancy A. Weatherbee, a
native of Indiana. They have lost one child, William.
SMITH, WILBURN. Was born in North Carolina, February 17, 1824.
At the age of fourteen he went to Missouri, and from there visited Texas
and New Mexico. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, arriving at
Sacramento in August. He spent the first eighteen months in the mines,
and then returned to Sacramento and worked on a ferry boat for about
eighteen months. The next two years were spent in Yolo County, and the
278 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
following four years in Green Valley, Solano County. A year was spent at
teaming in Nevada, and eighteen months at farming in the same State. He
then returned to Yolo County, and followed farming for three years. In the
spring of 1869 he came to Lake County, and settled in Bachelor Valley t
where he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, and is engaged
in farming. He was married. May 30, 1858, to Miss Abbie Linder. They
have one living child, Sarah E., and have lost three : Fannie, Richard and
Carrie M.
SLEEPER, D. O. Was born in Orange County, Vermont, November
27, 1825, where he resided on a farm until twenty-three years of age, when
he went to Benton County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In May,
1852, he started across the plains for California, and arrived at Colfax
October 6th of the same year. He engaged at once in mining, which he
conducted, in connection with farming and teaming, until October 28, 1857,
when he came to Lake County, and located on his present place, about two
miles above the town of Upper Lake, where he has continued to reside ever
since. He is engaged in farming, stock raising and wool growing. Mr.
Sleeper married, in May, 1852, Miss Mary J. Way, a native of Lidiana.
They have five living children : Eveline, Charles, Ed., Jennie M. and Katie.
They have lost Frank, Albert and Lee.
TURNER, WILLIAM. Is a native of Oxfordshire, England, born
October 17, 1829. At the age of twenty-three years he left his native
country and, coming to America, settled in Ohio. January 6, 1853, he mar-
ried Miss Harriett C. Smith, a native of Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio, by
whom he has two living children : Emma C. and William H; they lost two:
Ella and Laura. William Turner followed farming until the breaking out
of the Civil War, when he enlisted and served about one year, when, on
account of wounds received at Perryville, Kentucky, he was discharged.
We next find him merchandising in Chardon, Ohio, where he remained
until 1870, when, on account of poor health, he moved to Cuba, Missouri.
Here he followed the hotel business for seven years. His next move was
to California, arriving here in January, 1877. He settled in San Jose,
and engaged in the dairy business, which he followed until 1879, when he
came to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of eighty
acres, located in Scotts Valley.
THORNTON, P. H, M. D. Was born in Tennessee, fifty miles east of
Memphis, January 13, 1836. He received his education at Chalmers Insti-
tute, in Mississippi, graduating in 1852. In 1853 he commenced the study
of medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1856, and in
1857 commenced the practice of medicine near Memphis, Tennessee, which
he continued until 1861, when he joined the army, serving as medical
Biographical Sketches. 279
inspector and surgeon under General Hardee until the retreat from Tolla-
heoma, Tennessee ; then under Lieutenant-General Wheeler as chief surgeon
to all the infantry, until the surrender of Lee. He then returned to Mem-
phis and engaged in the commission business for one year. Then practiced
medicine until the fall of 1873, when he was compelled to retire from
practice on account of failing health. In 1875 he came to California, and,
after a residence of about four months in San Jose-, he came to Lake County
and located at Lakeport, where he is at present engaged in the practice of
his profession. Dr. Thornton married, January 13, 1869, Miss Bell J. Dock-
ery, a native of Columbia, Tennessee. They have two living children:
Mary H. and Bruce P. ; and have lost two : Percy and Glover.
TREMPER, L. B. Was born in Niagara County, New York, January
24, 1825. Here he resided with his parents on a farm until 1844, when the
family moved to Lake County, Indiana. Here the father engaged in farm-
ing, and the boy worked at farming, milling and blacksmithing until late
in 1849, when he went to Galena, Illinois. Here he joined a party of five
others, and in the spring of 1850 they started across the plains, bound for
California. They came with horse-teams, and arrived in El Dorado County
July 31st of that year. Here he engaged in blacksmithing until Septem-
ber 1st, when he sold out his shop and tried his luck at mining. He followed
it for four months, and when he "cleaned up" found that he had made $35!
He says that the "diggins" were good enough, but he did not understand
how to work them. He then engaged as boss of a gang of hands to conduct
a " Long Tom " for $2 per day, which he followed for one month. He then
helped to construct the first quartz mill ever put up in California, it being
located on Mathews Creek, El Dorado County. In the fall of 1851 he was
working at getting out timber at $8 per day, when he met with a serious
accident — the cutting of his knee — which laid him up for fourteen months,
and from the effects of which he has suffered to this day. In the fall of
1852 he opened a blacksmith shop in El Dorado County, where he remained
about three months. He then again engaged in mining until the spring of
1854. He then went to Shasta County, and from there to Areata, and then
back to Weaverville, where he was sick with the chills. He then mined a
little while, and then went to Tehama and bought a ranch in partnership
with two others. At the end of four months he sold out to his partners,
and returned to El Dorado County and engaged in mining until 1858. He
then went to Napa County and opened a blacksmith shop, which he run
until the fall of 1859. He then went to San Jose" and worked at his trade
for about three months. He then, in the spring of 1860, came to Lake
County and opened a blacksmith shop in Coyote Valley, where he worked
until the spring of 1861. He then came to Lower Lake and opened a shop,
which he run for seventeen years ; since which time he has been engaged in
280 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
farming. He has one hundred and sixty acres where he resides, in the en-
virons of the town of Lower Lake, and one hundred and sixty acres about
five miles above that town. In 1872 he paid a visit to Indiana, being gone
about four months. Married, May 23, 1863, Miss Matilda Slater, a native
of Illinois. They have five living children: William G., Christopher, Dian-
tha, Nellie and Julia ; and have lost one, Henry.
THOMPSON, D. V. Was born in Missouri, June 28, 1820. When
about sixteen years of age he, with his father, made a trip to Florida, where
they remained about nine months. On returning to Missouri the subject of
this sketch engaged in school-teaching, which he followed until 1839. He
then spent two years clerking on different steamers plying between St. Louis
and St. Joseph. The next year was spent in farming, after which he en-
gaged as clerk in a general merchandise store in St. Joseph, Missouri, which
he followed about eighteen months. In 1844 he was elected Sheriff of
Buchanan County, Missouri, which office he filled to the full satisfaction of
the people. About July 1, 1846, he joined Company "H," Donovan's Regi-
ment, and went to Mexico, where he served as a private for one year. He
then returned to Missouri and engaged in merchandising in Holt County
until the spring of 1849, when he sold out and crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia. He left Missouri May 1, 1849, and arrived at Lassens Ranch
October 14th of the above year, making the trip with ox-teams. Like all
who arrived in the days of '49 he engaged at once in mining, which he
followed, in the northern part of this State and in Oregon, until November,
1853, when he sailed via Nicaragua for the land of his birth, where he
arrived January 8, 1854. Here he remained until the following spring, when
he again crossed the plains, this time bringing a drove of cattle. He arrived
in Contra Costa County in September of the above year, where he remained
until December, 1856, when he moved to Solano County and located near
Vacaville. Here he followed stock raising in connection with farming until
November, 1863, when he came to Lake County and located where he now
resides, about one-half mile south from Upper Lake. ' Here he owns about
two hundred acres of land, and is engaged in farming. Mr. Thompson has
held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past eight years. He married,
in October, 1856, Miss Martha C. Powell, a native of Missouri. Their
children are, Bettie, William A., Jeff. L. and Minnie R.
TUCKER, GEORGE. Was born in Kentucky, April 3, 1812. His
father was a farmer, and George lived with him until his death. At the age
of fourteen he commenced work in a distillery, which he followed for about
eight years. He then engaged in farming for about three years, and then
returned to his former occupation, which he followed for about eight years.
He then again turned his attention to farming for about three years, and
then again resumed the business of distilling, which he followed for about
Biographical Sketches. 281
two years. He then went to Missouri and engaged in farming until 1859,
when he crossed the plains with ox-teams, arriving in the Sacramento Val-
ley September loth of that year. He spent about two months in Butte
County, and then went to Coloma County and followed farming one season.
In September, 1860, he came to Lake County and settled in Scotts Valley,
where he engaged in farming until 1864. In November of that year he
settled about one mile south of Lakeport, where he has since resided. Since
his residence in Lake County he has filled the position of County Surveyor
for three terms, and has held the position of Deputy United States Surveyor
and Deputy County Surveyor for several years. Mr. Tucker was married
in July, 1835, to Miss Eliza Tomlinson, who died in August, 1841, leaving
two children, Jeremiah and Laura A.; the former is now deceased. He mar-
ried secondly, in June, 1847, Miss Joan Yager, who died in the spring of
1856, leaving five living children : John W, Mordecai, Benjamin F., George
R., and Frederick N; and they have lost, George R. and Frederick N., in
California. In June, 1856, he was united in marriage, for the third time,
with Mrs. Martha C. Shirley, and they have one living child, Joseph M.,
now a resident of Washington Territory.
THURBER, RICHARD P. Was born at Saratoga Springs, New York,
May 17, 1823. When he was seventeen years of age, he engaged as appren-
tice to the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1856, when he engaged
in merchandising. This business he followed about five years, when he
closed out and went to Michigan. Here he followed carpentering for about
twelve years. In the fall of 1880 he came to California, since which time
he has been a resident of Lake County, and is engaged in the lumber
business at Rice's mill.
THOMPSON, S. A. Was born in North Carolina, December 20, 1852.
When but a child his parents crossed the plains to California, and settled at
Folsom, Sacramento County. In 1863 they came to Lake County, and after
a residence of about two years at Lower Lake moved to Big Valley. In
1871 the subject of this sketch went to Cloverdale, and after a short resi-
dence there went to Sacramento, where he worked in a machine shop for
about two years. He then returned to Lake County, and, after filling the
position of engineer at Bogg's mill for three years, he took up his residence
at Rice's mill, where he fills the same position. Mr. Thompson married,
December 18, 1876, Miss A. Benton, a native of California, and they have
two children : Carrie M. and Emma L.
TAYLOR, REV. D. T Was born in Missouri, December 26, 1829.
Here he resided with his parents on a farm until twenty years of age, when
he crossed the plains with an ox-team and arrived at Sacramento September
16, 1850. Like all who came at that early day, he engaged in mining,
282 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
which he followed five years. We next find him in Petaluma, Sonoma County,
where he followed the wood business for two years. He then returned,
via Panama, to Missouri, where he prosecuted farming for fourteen months,
after which he returned to California, arriving at San Francisco January
12, 1859. After attending school at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, for about
eight months, he engaged in farming, which he followed until 1869. He
then came to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of
one hundred and ninety-three acres, located in Bachelor Valley, where he
still continues to reside. Mr. Taylor was ordained, in 1863, as a Baptist
minister, and has preached more or less ever since. He was married, March
3, 1861, to Miss Susan C. Jones, a native of Missouri. By this union they
have seven living children : Margaret J., Caleb L., George N., Mary E., Jessie
J., Alice R. and Charley ; and have lost two : William S. and Minnie M.
TALLMAN, R. C. Was born in Syracuse, New York, June 28, 1823.
When he was but a child his parents moved to Canada, where they resided
about two years, when they moved to Michigan. Here young Tallman
grew up on a farm. In 1852 he, leaving his parents behind, came via
Panama to California. He arrived at San Francisco February 23d of the
above year, and went direct to the mines at Iowa Hill, where mining was
followed for about four years. From this time until 1856 he was engaged
in prospecting in different localities. In November, 1856, he came to Lake
County, and engaged in the stock business in the upper end of the county.
In September, 1865, he returned East, where he remained until the fall of
1867, when he returned and settled on his present place, consisting of fifty-
seven acres, located a short distance above Upper Lake. Mr. Tallman
married, September 1, 1861, Miss Mary E. Moore, a native of Missouri.
Their children are, Grace I., William W., Berdenia M., George T., Mary E.,
Fred. L., Walter R. and Winnie F.
TRAVIS, WILLIAM. Was born in Putnam County, New York, No-
vember 6, 1826. At the age of nineteen he learned the bricklaying and
plasterer's trade, and followed it until 1849, when he came to California via
Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco about the middle of September. He
proceeded to the mines at Hangtown, and engaged in that business till the
spring of 1850, when he went to one of the forks of the American River,
where, in company with Colonel William Hagan, he prosecuted mining till
fall. He then went to Nevada County and mined for two months. During
the summer of 1851 he and Colonel Hagan cut hay at the sink of Putah
Creek, which they lost by floods. He then went to Sonoma County and
settled about one and a half miles from Santa Rosa, where a year was spent.
He then moved to Vallejo Township, that county, where he lived till 1856.
In 1852 he, with Colonel Hagan, returned East via Nicaragua, and pm-
Biographical Sketches. 283
chased a drove of cattle, which they brought across the plains in 1853. In
1856 Mr. Travis located on Mark West Creek, and discovered the hot springs
there. In the fall of 1858 he went to Mendocino County and remained till
the fall of 1859, when he sold his cattle, and went to Petaluma and pur-
chased an interest in a livery stable. In 1860 he went to Nevada and
engaged in mining until 1864, when he returned to California and spent
two years in dealing in stock in Sonoma County. In 1866 he settled in
Pope Valley, Napa County, where he farmed till 1869. He then moved to
Napa City and spent a year. In 1871 he came to Lake County and located
in Long Valley, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming and
stock raising. In 1855 he took a drove of horses from California to Illinois,
and disposed of them in 1856.
VANN, P. W. Was born in Illinois, August 12, 1819. In 1824, his
parents moved to Sumner County, Tennessee, where they resided for six
years, and in 1830, they moved to Cooper County, Missouri, and in 1836, to
Polk County, that State. In 1839, they moved to Newton County, and in
1846 they moved to Greene County. In 1852 the subject of this sketch
crossed the plains to California, arriving in Napa Valley October 25th of
the above year. Here he resided until the fall of 1853, when he moved to
Sonoma County and settled eight miles above Healdsburg, where he fol-
lowed farming seven years. He then moved to Potter Valley, Mendocino
County, where he followed farming about ten years ; then moved to Point
Arena, where he spent one year, and then moved to Ukiah, where he re-
sided about one year. We next iind Mr. Vann on a cattle ranch in the Eel
River country, where he remained one year. .He then, in July, 1874, came
to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of forty acres,
located about one and one-half miles from Upper Lake. He married, August
14, 1839, Miss Spicy E. Davison. They have six living children : Joel W.,
William, Sarah E., Martin B., Thomas E. and Alice. They have lost six :
John W., Mary J., Ellen M., Martha A., Robert L. and Minnie.
WELCH, HON. S. K. The subject of this sketch was born in Mont-
gomery County, Kentucky, August 30, 1829, where he resided until he was
about twenty-one years of age. He then moved to Missouri, where he
studied law, and was, in due course of time, admitted to the bar of the
Supreme Court of that State. In 1862 he came to California, and to Lake
County in June, 1865, where he has since continuously resided. From
March, 1868, till March, 1872, two terms, he held the office of District
Attorney of Lake County. He was a member of the Legislature of 1873-4,
representing Napa and Lake Counties jointly. He was again elected to that
position in 1877-8 by the people of Lake County alone, it being then en-
titled to a representative When Mr. Welch came to Lake County he found
284 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
all the better portion of it claimed by the claimants to a grant, which it
was declared had been ceded to their predecessors by the Mexican Govern-
ment. Soon after his arrival he was employed by the settlers to take
charge of their interests, and to render the United States District Attorney
all possible assistance in defeating the claimants. Upon investigation he
found the case pending in the United States District Court at San Francisco,
where it had been slumbering for some years, after having been sent back
to that Court for a new trial by the Supreme Court of the United States,
upon a reversal of judgment in favor of the claimants. He succeeded in
getting the case docketed and noticed for trial. The trial came up in Sep-
tember, 1866, at which the claimants were defeated, and in consequence
thereof the settlers got their lands, which even at that time were consider-
ably improved and quite valuable. The full history of this transaction will
be found in the body of the work to which the reader is referred.
WILLIAMS, DAVID. Son of Stephen H. and Phoebe Ann Williams,
second of a family of eight children, was born July 31, 1845, in New
York City. In 1850 his father came to California, first removing his
family, David being then five years old, to Caldwell, New Jersey. In 1852
his family joined him in San Francisco, Mrs. Williams and the children
sailing from New York harbor in May, and reaching San Francisco, by way
of Cape Horn, in the September following. For many years and up to the
time of his death in June, 1880, Mr. Williams' father was in business as an
architect in San Francisco. Mr. Williams' education was acquired mainly
in the public schools, though he spent one year in the City College, Rev.
George Burrowes, D. D., Principal. Before the completion of his school
studies he was employed for six months in an intelligence office. After
leaving school he was clerk for three years in a hat store. In 1865 he re-
ceived a position in the City and County Surveyor's office, where he
remained for eight years, devoting most of his time to field work. Not
possessing a robust constitution, in 1873 his health failed. After spending
a month in Lake County, with decided benefit, he returned to San Fran-
cisco, but was unable to continue work. After trying Los Angeles for a
time, without benefit, he returned to Lake County, and made his home at
Kelseyville, clerking for some time in the store of W. G. Young. March 5,
1876, he was married to Miss Mary E. Piner, daughter of Mr. Charles A.
Piner, of Kelseyville. Their union has been blessed with two children :
one, Angelina M., has died ; the other, Howard Piner, is living. In the fall
of 1877 Mr. Williams was elected County Treasurer, and in March, 1878,
he moved to Lakeport to take charge of the office, a position which he still
holds. The public appreciation of his integrity of character, urbanity of
manner, and fidelity as an officer, were shown by his re-election in 1879 by
a handsome majority over all competitors.
Biographical Sketches. 285
WHITE, R. P. Is a native of Barren County, Kentucky, and was
born January 5, 1822. When but a child, his parents moved to Gibson
County, Tennessee, where they settled on a farm. In 1852 the subject of
this sketch left his parents, and crossed the plains with ox-teams, arriving
in Contra Costa County September 7, 1853. He settled in San Ramon
Valley, where farming was prosecuted until November, 1865, when he came
to Lake County and settled on his present place, consisting of two hundred
and thirty-two acres, located in Bachelor Valley, where he is engaged in
farming. Mr. White was Road Commissioner during the years 1876-7, and
served as Deputy Assessor in 1880. He married, January 15, 1845, Miss
Malinda Gilliland, a native of Tennessee. By this union they have seven
living children : Emma P., Gustavus H., Susan M., Melcenia T., Alice A.,
Cheney P. and Olive J.; and have lost one, Casander A.
WALLEN, EZRA. Was born in Jefferson County, New York, Febru-
ary 16, 1832. Here he resided on a farm until he was nineteen years of
age, when he crossed the plains to California. The first fourteen years of
California life were spent in the mines. He then went to San Francisco,
and served nineteen months as a California volunteer. We next find Mr
Wallen in Sonoma County, where farming was prosecuted for four years.
In July, 1 870, he came to Lake County, and located on his present place,
consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, situated about two miles from
Rice's mill, where he is engaged in growing vegetables and fruit. Mr.
Wallen married, March 26, 1865, Mrs. Harriet M. Johnson, a native of Ohio,
by whom he has six children : Adda, David M., George R., Marchie, Char-
lotte and Mabel.
WILLIAMS, RICHARD. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait
appears in this work, was born in Wales, January 23, 1834, and resided in
his native country till he was twelve years of age. In 1851 he came to
California and began the brewing business in Comptonville, Yuba County,
in connection with which he conducted a hotel. In 1867 he came to and
took charge of the Harbin Springs, and purchased the property, which he
still conducts. He was married, September 17, 1859, to Miss Mary Jones, a
native of Wales, born May 22, 1834, and died September 18, 1866. Their
children are, William R, born August 14, I860 ; Margaret, born October 5,
1862 ; Mary A, born August 28, 1866, and died October 26, 1866. He was
married, secondly, in 1872, to Mrs. Anna Patton, and by this union has one
child, Richard, born May 29, 1875.
WALDFOGEL, MARTIN. Is a native of Switzerland, and was born
September 15, 1835. When about eighteen years of age he went to France,
where he spent about fifteen months, and then came to New York. After
286 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
visiting New York, Pennsylvania, and Indianapolis, he settled in St. Louis,
where he remained about fifteen months. He then went to New Orleans,
and shipped for California. Crossing the Isthmus of Panama, he arrived
at San Francisco in the spring of 1855. Mr. Waldfogel went at once to
Marysville, where he remained about four months ; then went to the mines,
where he followed mining until the spring of 1857, when he came to Lake
County and located in Long Valley, where he resided about twelve years,
and then settled on his present place, consisting of two hundred acres,
located about three miles from Upper Lake, on the road to Bartlett Springs.
He married, in August, 1871, Miss Emma Hoffner, who died in October,
1873. He married, secondly, June 13, 1877, Miss Caroline Gerr, a native of
WILSON, H. H. Was born in Indiana, November 17, 1831. When
quite a young man he engaged as an apprentice to the blacksmith trade,
which he followed in Indiana until the fall of 1852, when he went to Iowa.
Here he followed the same occupation seven years, and then engaged in
farming until the spring of 1864, when he crossed the plains to Nevada,
where he prosecuted his trade for two years. We next find Mr. Wilson in
Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California, where he remained until the fall of
1867, when he took up his residence in Lower Lake, Lake County, and
opened a shop which he conducted until 1878, when he leased his establish-
ment and moved upon a farm about one mile west from that town, where he
at present resides. Mr. Wilson married, August 2, 1855, Miss Mary Henkle,
a native of Illinois. By this marriage they have five living children :
Florence V., Laura E., Katie A., Orville H. and William W. ; and have lost
one, Frank.
WALLS, BENJAMIN. Was born in Maine, May 31, 1829. When
thirteen years of age he took to the sea, which life he followed for about
two years. He then returned to Maine and engaged as apprentice to the
carriage-making trade, which he followed three years, and the three years
following were spent on the sea. In 1852 he rounded Cape Horn and
arrived in San Francisco August 13th of that year. After spending about
two months in the Bay City, he went to the mines, where he remained but
a short time, and returned to Vallejo and secured a situation in the Navy
Yard at Mare Island. Here he remained the succeeding twelve years, and
then engaged in farming a short distance from Vallejo, Solano County, which
he followed for about six years. We next find Mr. Walls residing in
Vallejo, where he built a schooner, which he run for about two years. In
Api-il, 1873, he came to Lake County, and engaged in hotel-keeping at
Lower Lake, which business he has since followed. He has also a drug
Biographical Sketches. 287
store a short distance from his hotel, which has been conducted by his
daughter, Mary D., for the last three years. He was united in marriage,
April 27, 1860, to Miss Ellen L. Holiban. By this marriage they have five
living children : Effa E., Mary D., Benicia, Frisbie and Benjamin ; and have
lost two : Evalena and Ellen D.
WHITING, ELISHA. Was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, June 25,
1811. Here he resided until 1832, receiving his education in the meantime.
In the last named year he engaged in running a packet plying between
Plymouth and Boston, which he continued for two years. He then engaged
in merchandising for one year. His next move was to Missouri, where he
was mate on the steamboat " Rienzi," after which he engaged in the tobacco
business and merchandising, which he followed until 1839. He then re-
turned to Plymouth, where he was engaged for the next ten years in a shop
where iron axles, crowbars, etc., were made. In March, 1849, he started for
California on board the ship " Sweden," Captain Cotting, and, coming around
the Horn, he arrived in San Francisco August 3d of that year. He pi'o-
ceeded at once to the mines, where he engaged in mining for about one
year. He then built a hotel on the road from Sacramento to Hangtown
(Placerville), which he conducted for one year. He then disposed of this
property and returned to the mines, and followed that occupation for two
years at Union Bar, Yuba River. In the winter of 1852 he went to Butte
County and built a hotel, four miles from Rabbit Creek, which he conducted
till 1859. He then came' to Napa City, where one year was spent. He
then went to Vallejo, where he took charge of the telegraph office for seven
years. In 1871 he came to Lake County and settled seven miles below Kel-
seyville, where he conducted a saw-mill until 1874. He then moved to
Middletown and took charge of the telegraph and post-offices until 1877,
since which time he has been engaged in merchandising in Middletown.
Mr. Whiting was married at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1833, to Miss
Almira Holmes, a native of that place. They have four living children :
Abbie I., Fannie, Mary E. and Elisha F.; and have lost two: Caroline A.
and Joseph B.
WILSON, GEORGE W. Is the younger of two brothers, and was born
July 19, 1847, in Washington County, Ohio, about seven miles from Mata-
moras, on the Ohio River. When he was three years old his father was
killed by a falling tree, and one year later his mother died, leaving his
brother and himself orphans, the brother six and he but four years old.
They were taken to their grandfather Wilson's, in Guernsey County, Ohio,
where they found kind friends who ministered to their every want, and
where George resided until 1874. He received the rudiments of his educa-
tion in the public schools in his district, and afterwards attended select
288 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
schools in Fairview and Barnesville. He also attended Miami Commercial
College, in Dayton, Ohio, for eight or nine weeks, his principal instructor
and warm friend being Prof. James Vinsonhaler, who died in San Jose" a few
years ago, and Kenyon Grammar School two terms. He received his first
teacher's certificate when he was fifteen years of age, and taught his first
school when but sixteen years old. In this school he taught three terms in
succession, and continued to teach in winter and work upon the farm in
summer, except while attending school, until 1874, when he moved to Cali-
fornia. In his last school in Ohio he taught for four years. In the winter
of 1873-4 he was married to Lucy E., eldest daughter of Robert Y. Price, a
well-to-do farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, and September 1, 1874, came to
California. During the nine years he taught in Ohio he boarded away from
home but one term, having taught within two miles of home during the rest
of the time. The winter of 1874-5 was spent in Lakeport, principally with
J. W. Mackall, who was then in the drug business, part of the time after
Christmas having been spent in the offices of Sheriff Ingram and County
Clerk W. Mathews, and in teaching with Professor Cooper. February 22,
1875, he moved to Upper Lake and took charge of the school at that place,
in which position he remained two years. He then left Upper Lake on
account of the ill health of his wife, and moved to Lakeport, where he spent
the winter in the office of County Clerk H. A. Oliver, who honored him with
the appointment of Deputy Clerk, which position he held for about one
year, when he resigned. Mr. Shirley, his successor at Upper Lake, having
resigned, he was recalled to the school, where he remained another year.
The winter of 1877-8 was spent in San Francisco. At this time he was
chosen Principal of the Lakeport Public School. In May, 1878, Lakeport
Lodge, No. 34, A. 0. U. W., was organized, and he was chosen Recorder, and
continued to hold the position until June, 1881, when he resigned, in order
to visit his old home. In 1880 he was appointed a member of the Board of
Education for Lake County.
WOODS, JAMES LORIMER. The son of Rev. James and Eliza Ann
Woods, was born in Madison, Florida, October 19, 1846. He is the third
of a family of eight. He is a pioneer, having come to California with his
father's family in 1849. His home for many years was in Sonoma County,
where he received his education and made his start in life. For two
years, in his turn, he was farmer upon his father's place, then received his
academical education at Healdsburg ; and at eighteen past began life with
teaching district school. He studied law with his maternal uncle, Colonel
S. W. Williams, of the law firm of Clark, Williams & Martin, of Little
Rock, Arkansas. In the spring of 1868, in his twenty-second year, he was
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Arkansas, and to the United
Biograpliical Sketches. 289
States Circuit Court of the Eastern District of Arkansas. In the winter
of 1869 he was admitted in the Supreme Court of California, and in the
United States Circuit Court, District of California. Having opened an
office in San Francisco, he was forced to relinquish the practice on account
of threatened pulmonary affections, caused by the coast climate. Upon
restoration to health, his convictions of duty were changed, and he began the
study of theology. Upon the organization of the San Francisco Theological
Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, in 1871, he entered it for the comple-
tion of his course of study, and was its first enrolled student. He was
married Sept. 17, 1872, to Miss Susan T. Bradley, of Sonoma County, and in
December of the same year removed to Lake County. In the spring of 1873,
he was regularly ordained as a Presbyterian minister. With some inter-
ruption he labored for five years in Lake County. The churches at Kel-
seyville and Upper Lake were secured during his ministry. The organization
of the Second Presbyterian Church of Clear Lake was effected through his
instrumentality. Having been compelled to cease his labors through ill
health in the fall of 1878, he, after a year's rest, accepted a call for six
months to the Presbyterian Church of Dixon. His old troubles returned in
a worse form, suffering an attack of hemorrhage of the lungs. In May,
1880, he returned to Lakeport with the conviction of being physically un-
able for the future work of the ministry, and satisfied that the salubrious
climate of Lake County, if any, would prolong his life and usefulness. In
the latter part of June he enrolled his name as an attorney in the Superior
Court, and is now engaged in the practice of law.
YOUNG, W. G. Was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 6, 1835.
His father died when he was six years of age, and the young boy had very
soon to assume the duties of superintendent of the farm. He remained at
his birthplace until 1857, when he went to Illinois, where he followed
teaching until the spring of 1860. He then made a trip to Pike's Peak and
returned in the fall. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company " H," 27th
Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served about eleven months,
when he was wounded, and in consequence received his discharge. He then
went to Ohio, where he remained one year. He then went to Randolph
County, Illinois, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he followed
until 1873, when he disposed of his interests. In 1875 he came to California
and located in Kelseyville, where he engaged in merchandising, which he
followed until May, 1880, when he disposed of his business to Messrs. Clen-
denin Brothers. Since then he has been engaged in farming and wool
growing. He owns about four hundred acres of land, located in Big Valley,
near Kelseyville. He was married, October 25, 1866, to Miss Alice 0.
19
290 History of Napa and Lake Counties — Lake.
Tuthill, a native of Illinois. They have three living children : Orrie E.,
Willard T. and Charles. They have lost two : Etta A. and Zoe.
YATES, IRA G. Was born in Lee County, Virginia, March 15, 1821.
In 1825 his parents moved to Missouri. Here young Ira grew up on a farm
and in 1855 went to Kansas, taking with him his wife and four children,
which at this time constituted his family. In Kansas, farming was prose-
cuted until 1864, when he moved to Montana, where mining was followed
in connection with keeping hotel, until 1866, when he returned to Missouri.
Here Mr. Yates once more engaged in farming, which he followed until
1870, when he came to California and located at Lower Lake, Lake County,
where he has since resided. For the past seven years he has held the office
of Constable of Lower Lake Township and Deputy Sheriff two years. He
was married, May 25, 1842, to Miss Johanna Shepherd, and the fruits of this
union are six living children : Owen C, Rebecca J., Enoch, Levina A., Susie
and Sallie. They have lost three: William, James K. P. and Elizabeth.
YOUNG, E. R. Was born in Maine, January 5, 1828. Here he fol-
lowed farming until 1853, when he came via Panama to California, arriving
at San Francisco, November 17th of the above year. He went at once to
Auburn, Placer County, where he followed mining, farming and teaming,
until 1858, when he came to Lake County and followed farming in Bachelor
Valley, until the fall of 1864, when he went to Humboldt County and spent
the winter. Returning to Lake County in the spring of 1865, he settled on
his present place, consisting of one hundred and sixty-one acres, located at
the head of Blue Lake Valley. Here he is engaged in farming. Mr. Young
married, October 15, 1873, Miss Dollie M. Green, a native of Maine.
YOUNG, C M. Whose portrait appears in this work, was born in
Menard County, Illinois, March 8, 1841, his parents dying when he was but
a boy. He lived with his grandfather until he was seventeen years of
age, when he commenced farming for himself. Left for California in April,
1863, with horse-teams. After spending five months in Nevada, he re-
turned to Illinois in February, 1864. He started for California a second
time in April, 1864, with horse-teams, and went to Sonoma County. There
he resided until January, 1867, and then moved to Coyote Valley, Lake
County. He lived there four years, and then moved to Loeonoma Valley,
near Middletown. Lived there one year, and then moved to Middletown,
where he bought a half interest in the place. Here he started in the hotel
and livery business, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Young married Miss
Lutita Berry, November, 20, 1866. They have three boys : Wirt H, Baxter
E. and Charles W.
Biographical Sketches. 291
YOUNG, L. A. Was born in Kentucky, July 23, 1835. In 1842 the
family moved to Texas, where they resided until 1844, when they returned
to Kentucky. In 1850 the subject of this sketch, his brother, Pembrooke S.,
and their father, crossed the plains to California, and arrived at French-
mans Bar on the South Yuba September 13th of the above year. They
engaged at once in mining, which they followed about six months, after
which they followed different occupations until 1853, when they commenced
farming in Sacramento County. This occupation they followed in Sacra-
mento one season ; and in October, 1854, they came to Lake County, and,
after spending about two months in Big Valley, settled at Upper Lake,
where they prosecuted farming and stock raising until 1856, when they
took up their abode in Big Valley. Here the father died May 22, 1S72.
The subject of this sketch settled on his present place, consisting of sixty-
five acres, in 1873. Mr. Young married, December 26, 1864, Miss California
M. Thompson, a native of Missouri. Their children are, Annie, Frank,
Alma, Walter and Bettie.
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